Decorating Nautical Style
This week we are heading out for the deep blue to look at, study, and discover new ways to enrich ourselves with Nautical decor and color. Below you will find 10 inspiring photos of rooms and color palettes as well as a brief description of what you need to look for to create something similar.
First of all... what does Nautical mean? In the merriam-webster dictionary, nautical is, "relating to ships and sailing." Think.... navy blue, ship wheels, rope and anchors, pier wood, and the good ol Navy... Goooo NAVY!! Usually one decorates with a beach tone/vibe... the atmosphere filled with turquoise, sea glass, seagulls and seashells... very airy and light. Now if that's what you want, great! go for it. Below you will find the other version or as I'd like to say, the more authentic way to decorate Nautical Style. :)
By the way... I LOVE all things eclectic!!
Image found on bhg.com
Image found on Decor4all.com
Image from Better Homes and Garden
Image found on guru koala.com
Found on completely-coastal.com via pinterest
Found on House Beautiful
Image found on bystephanielynn.com
Image found on design-seeds.com
Image found on coastal-style.blogspot.com.br via Pinterest
Interior Image from Jupiter Riverfront Homes. via www.lampplus.com. All numbered items can be found and purchased by lamps plus.
These colors are considered neutral, even though there is more than just what we would consider neutral, cream and tan. Most neutral colors you will never see on a color wheel including: white, gray, black, beige, and brown.
Decorating Nautical, you will notice how there really is a LOT of gray, neutrals, browns, and blue-grey.
Love this palette of color!!!
At first glace, the blue floral and striped pillows stand out against the white couch. Then you notice the brown wicker chest used for a table, the tree stump also used for a side table and the subtle brown decor on the shelf created with old books, jars of ? (maybe drift wood pieces or old brown/neutral finds on the beach)... tan colored sea stars, and hanging candles.
The mirror has a beautiful connection with the blue and brown/tan and brings the strips together with the pillows.
Everything is subtle yet elegant!!
This room follows the same palette as above, with the addition of a little red!
Red can be a great accent color when using the nautical theme. It resonates patriotic and pride! Think of adding lobsters (as shown below) or my favorite... crabs!
There is also a LOT more brown in this picture. An antique dresser with old brown suitcases on top to decorate. I would never image adding the bamboo mirror above but the colors match nicely with the others and it almost resembles the ship's porthole. The color on the wall is a light cream with white detail, setting off the brown furniture. Love the blue cushion on the wicker chair.
This bedroom has the same brown and cream tones but notice how the blue color has not only lightened (with some deep blue in the design work), but there is also some greenish curtains and blue-grey painted ceilings.
The oars behind the bed is a nice touch to add some movement against he very horizontal and vertical floor panels, bed frame and ceiling.
Not sure if I like the boat hanging from the ceiling.... maybe an antique chandelier made with candles and wood accents?
Again, the soft blue color is now mixed with the wicker chairs and light wood table. I love what they did with the shells, creating a unique centerpiece. Great decor for the Pacific Northwest :)
FUN!
There is a LOT going on in this picture. But being the eclectic that I am... I kinda like it. Three different fabrics are on the couches with different shades of blue-grey (notice though how they are still on the grey side of things.
Different patterns/shades of green pillows.
Striped blue and grey rug.
Brown accents on the tables, table centerpiece, brown trim on the stairs and picture frames. The wood color is darker than the previous pictures which connects well with the bolder greens accents.
Ok... so right off, the wall color is a little more grey than the other blue-grey color we've noticed in the previous pictures.
The biggest difference though, is that the background color is darker than the other pics giving this a rich/bold atmosphere. I love how they use a variety of brown colors here... from the dark wood table and candle holders, to the medium brown on the picture frames and accent letters/pic, to the lighter brown on the matting, chest, and balls in the basket.
The flowers/twigs are simple but help to soften the area with a little nature.
You can make it more eclectic with variety of frame styles and add older looking candleholders. just a thought.
All about the BLUE!!
Still keeping the neutral brown and cream, we get rid of the grayish color and add a soft sky blue and navy blue!
Lots of shades of blue... Here are a few to notice in the picture:
1. Blue striped pillows (bold cobalt blue)
2. navy blue pillow in the middle
3. Window shades ... (the most greyblue in the pic.)
4. Small table in the back corner
Fun details: oars above the windows, basket under the table, grass in the vases resembles the grass at the beach.
This one is unique because of the orange color. The second room pic showed how you can add a little red accent. The orange is for those who want the atmosphere to be less patriotic and more sea like. Notice the coral lamp and bright pillows.
A fun change of style, but one that is bold and a little more risky as it would be a greater challenge to find the sea orange accessories. It is also a fashion style which in time, could get outdated easier than if you were to go with the red accent color.
Hope you enjoyed the little selection!!! Have a wonderful day!!!
Bon Voyage!!