Tips on how to achieve a Nautical Style by Lorna Sixsmith
T
he nautical beach look is great all year around but especially for summer as it is fresh, colourful and crisp. Here’s some tips on how to achieve it in different areas of your home.
Decorating Ideas for a Nautical Bedroom Voyage Decoration has a lovely selection of nautically themed fabrics - lots of lighthouse and boat designs to choose from in appropriate colours for boys bedrooms.
Kids - this is great for boys’ bedrooms - blue being the ‘boy’ colour and of course, navy blue is one of the main colours associated with the nautical style. Antique white and rust red are the other two essential components. Which colour goes on the walls will depend on the size of the bedroom but I would suggest either the white or a paler blue for the walls - adding the red and navy as the accent colours in order not to overwhelm. Accessories can vary from themed pictures and lamps to putting an oar on the wall or having a boat-shaped bookcase - it all depends on the age of the child and their enthusiasm for all things seafaring. Striped cushions make a great addition to the room too.
Adult Bedrooms
The nautical look can be great for guest bedrooms in particular as it looks so fresh and inviting. Keep it elegant. The key is not to overdo it, particularly not overdoing the number of nautical accessories. Stay away from little cute lighthouse figurines that will just look like clutter. These are often too literal and will look cheap. Instead, try hanging a large faux anchor or oar on one wall instead of the obligatory painting. This will become the focal point and statement of the room while still keeping things sleek and modern. It will be able to work with your existing design style. The main things to pay attention to are the colours and materials used. Use natural materials associated with boat building as much as possible - wood and linens for example. Rush or simple wooden chairs, striped fabric, tongue and groove panelling painted white, plenty of cushions and you won’t go wrong.
Living Areas
I think a nautical look for a living room that is used all year round might not be so popular during the winter months but it can be great for conservatories as it looks so fresh and crisp.
The nautical look is one that is popular in boys’ bedrooms and is easy to achieve with checked or striped fabric in reds, whites and blues. 10
The main thing is not to over do it and remember it is possible to create a more aged look to the theme in areas such as studies by simply putting old maps on the wall, placing a globe on a desk or bookshelf, using heavy silvered desk lamps or even wallpapering with designs such as Zoffany’s Trade routes wallpaper. Items such as an old trunk for a coffee table will also add to the theme without being overbearing.
Create a gentle and calming nautical look with calm blues and neutrals - texture is the key here with different fabric textures and detailing such as buttoning.
Outdoor areas
We work so hard to bring the garden indoors by building on sunrooms and conservatories so that we can be nearer to our gardens during our inclement weather here in our Emerald Isle. Why not bring the indoor outside especially as we may actually be lucky enough to get a good summer this year? If you wish to create a nautical theme in your garden or even within the seating area in your garden - here are some ideas. Opt for decking rather than a patio. Landscape with tropical or tropical-looking plants. Alternatively a gravel area with some large pieces of driftwood with grasses will look spectacular as well as being easy to maintain and creating all year round interest. How about installing a sturdy rope hammock? It will add to the theme as well as create a lovely area to lie and relax with a book. If using an umbrella, choose a crisp white or a dark navy. Again, don’t go overboard with the accessories. Simple floor cushions in a striped fabric, as well as crisp blue and white cushions on your rush or wooden seating will create the look perfectly. Some simple Cornish ware or spotted jugs for your Pimms will complete the look.
5 Key Tips
1. Remember the main colours for a nautical theme: Red, white and navy 2. Don’t overdo it with the whimsical accessories such as too many lighthouses 3. Having 2 or 3 key accessories will create the theme so choose them carefully 4. Use natural materials as much as possible 5. Consider the function of the room and decorate accordingly Create a nautical look outdoors with lovely Greengate picnic rugs, cushions and spotted crockery. Greengate is available at www.shop.gdlaneinteriors.ie
Lorna Sixsmith owns the Garrendenny Lane Interiors online shop. Check out lots of new arrivals at www.shop.gdlaneinteriors.ie 11