Nautical but Nice: 5 Tips for Subtle Coastal Style
Use nautical accents in your home without going overboard
Would you love to walk through your front door and be instantly transported to the seaside, or the deck of a yacht sailing out to sea? Nautical decor isn’t just limited to painting the walls in navy and white stripes, or adding anchor motifs, though – there are plenty of ways to give your home a beach-holiday feel with just a few tweaks. With these styling tips, you’ll be all ready to make waves.
Straw or seagrass baskets work just as well, and help you organise your space, too. They’re perfect in the bathroom, for keeping spare towels or extra toiletries out of sight.
Since woven accessories tend to be harder to clean, they may not work for the busy homeowner. Opt for alternatives like synthetic wicker or bamboo instead – they still give a warm, grained texture, but the smooth surface makes it much easier to clean with a swipe.
Since woven accessories tend to be harder to clean, they may not work for the busy homeowner. Opt for alternatives like synthetic wicker or bamboo instead – they still give a warm, grained texture, but the smooth surface makes it much easier to clean with a swipe.
Another way to balance out a nautical look is through using plenty of wood – particularly driftwood planks, which instantly lend a seaside feel. Here, the room’s atmosphere is enhanced by the warm tones of the wooden bed and the television console. The weathered wood is also echoed by the joists that draw the eye visually upwards.
2. Use unexpected details that’ll have your guests doing a double-take
For a refreshing take on the nautical look, opt for interesting, unexpected touches like this unusual wallpaper of technical drawings of sailboats – it’s not too busy and works well in a small bathroom, complemented perfectly by the round mirror reminiscent of a ship’s porthole.
For a refreshing take on the nautical look, opt for interesting, unexpected touches like this unusual wallpaper of technical drawings of sailboats – it’s not too busy and works well in a small bathroom, complemented perfectly by the round mirror reminiscent of a ship’s porthole.
Alternatively, an accent wallpaper bearing a map is perfect for those with wanderlust – you’ll always have something to look at while brushing your teeth in this bathroom! Since this wallpaper tends to draw attention, balance it out with other neutral colours, like white, to avoid a complicated look.
The good old navy-and-white combination can be given a refreshing new look, too, by using it in unexpected places like the ceiling. Here, the pattern is subtly echoed by the lighter shades in the rug, creating a harmonious top-to-bottom look.
3. Put in rope accents for a subtle nod to nautical chic
For an instant beach feel, look no further than rope. Reminiscent of boats docking at the harbour and the salty sea air, they provide a subtle nautical touch without being too blatant.
The versatility of rope also means it can be used in several places – here, knotted rope is used in place of the usual cords for the ceiling lamps, and their presence helps to lend warmth and interest to an otherwise all-white palette.
For an instant beach feel, look no further than rope. Reminiscent of boats docking at the harbour and the salty sea air, they provide a subtle nautical touch without being too blatant.
The versatility of rope also means it can be used in several places – here, knotted rope is used in place of the usual cords for the ceiling lamps, and their presence helps to lend warmth and interest to an otherwise all-white palette.
Ropes can work in place of banisters, too – just make sure they’re properly secured. If you can afford the space, a pair of mooring posts like these are the perfect complement to the rope, transforming the room into the interior of a cruise ship.
Rope can be used as a wall banister as well. Use rope that’s of sufficient thickness and strength to provide support, and secure it with adequate tension at regular intervals to prevent it from sagging.
Rope can be used for unexpected details too – and it doesn’t always have to be the same colour! String it up for a handy towel rack that doesn’t take up too much space in the bathroom – just be sure to use one made from nylon or polyester to prevent mould and mildew.
Rope makes for beachside-chic, low-cost drawer pulls too, and can be easily DIY-ed. All you’ll need is a spool of rope less than one centimetre in thickness – natural sisal rope works well for this purpose – and some superglue to prevent the ends from fraying.
4. Add in fun accessories
Accessories like oars can be propped up or hung on the wall in place of art – they make a great focal point and lend the room personality (especially if you’re a rowing enthusiast!)
Accessories like oars can be propped up or hung on the wall in place of art – they make a great focal point and lend the room personality (especially if you’re a rowing enthusiast!)
Sailboats are another accessory that can spice up children’s rooms, and are relatively easy and inexpensive to create – a sailboat mobile like this one can be a fun project to do with the kids.
5. Use other colours and textures to balance out navy and white
While the usual colours of deep blue and pristine white are par for the course in nautical decor, they can appear too stark or formal. Use warm colours like tan or other shades of brown to balance out the look – these can come in the form of cushions or throws.
While the usual colours of deep blue and pristine white are par for the course in nautical decor, they can appear too stark or formal. Use warm colours like tan or other shades of brown to balance out the look – these can come in the form of cushions or throws.
It doesn’t always have to be navy, too – other shades work just as well, like this dusty blue-grey textured wallpaper, complemented by the brighter shades of cerulean and sky blue in the artwork.
Lighter shades of blue can work in tandem with navy. The tongue and groove panelling here works beautifully with the powder blue to create a worn effect, offset by the polished brass of the portholes – a charming setup for a bunk bed.
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What are your styling tips for a nautical-themed home? Share with us in the comments.
TELL US
What are your styling tips for a nautical-themed home? Share with us in the comments.
Too much navy and white can feel overbearing, particularly in a small, boxy space like an entryway. Lighten the look and feel with some woven accessories – a beach bag or straw hat, for instance, instantly enliven the room and bring to mind a summer’s day on the sand.