The nautical look may often appear unstructured and informal, but it’s a classic aesthetic that can add elegance to your home.
Nautical décor has much in common with shabby chic décor, which was created by British designer Rachel Ashwell during the 1980s. The always on-trend décor style is versatile and inexpensive. The thumb rule — don’t be afraid to mix and match. Whether you live in a landlocked apartment or in a bungalow with a garden, adding nautical details to your home is easy. Here’s how —
Elements
Try different finishes, colours and styles, or simply things from different eras. Materials can be a mixed bag — painted, stained and distressed woods and metals work well. Furniture in wood, cane or wicker is perfect.
Colours
Blue, red and white remain an immensely popular colour combination across the board. When it comes to blue, navy and sky blue top the popularity charts. Red stands alone and is best used in small dollops. Use white as the anchor colour. Apart from white, other neutrals such as ecru, taupe, golden beige, sandstone and ivory are also commonly used.
Patterns
Stripes are a go-to pattern anytime, but nothing like furnishing options patterns involving waves, anchors, fish, whales, sharks, ships, boats, life preservers, clocks and the like. If your fabric doesn’t seem distressed enough, stain it with tea to make it appear really old and hand-me-down.
Accessories
Accessories can add a little seaside sunshine to any room. Use old components of ships, maps, mirrors, ropes, telescopes, compasses, shells and starfish. Be it thick or thin, twine or cord, a rope can create a seaside vibe out of nothing. Twine it across bottle tops, candle stands, mirrors or even tray handles to create a nautical appeal. Or put together a pretty bunting with shells, starfish and pieces of coloured glass.
Like with all other styles, the key to incorporating the nautical look into your current décor is moderation. Aim for understated and classy, not full-blown seaside sickness!
