The easy breezy Nautical decor style is the perfect way to feel the expansiveness of the ocean and the serenity of the beach – even if you live in a city!
Apparently being near the sea has many health benefits like increasing immunity, improving sleep, reducing anxiety and others. Now if being near the water physically isn’t practical right now, don’t worry – the nautical style can help replicate those ocean vibes!
Decor Styles 101: Nautical
The word ‘nautical’ refers to anything related to sailing and the sea. It might seem like a strange choice for a home decor style, but it actually isn’t! The nautical style has similarities with the coastal and Hamptons style, but it generally has more color.
The basic vibe of the nautical style is just as its name suggests – it should remind you of the ocean, of sailing and it should immediately bring up feelings of calmness. Nautical is a style that can be applied to any room in the home, and it seems to be a popular choice for kids rooms, particularly boys’ rooms.
The nautical style is also modern, although it may have some vintage elements, and it stands out from other styles mainly in its use of color, textures and decor accents. To know how, let’s check out what elements make up the nautical style.
Characteristics of Nautical Style
- Blue and white are prominent colors in the nautical style, and red also makes an appearance
- Wood is used abundantly, in furniture, flooring and wall moulding
- Stripes are a popular pattern in the nautical style
- There is often a lot of bright light that gives the room a certain coolness
- Decor accents featuring maritime or ocean themed motifs are common
6 Ways to bring the Nautical Style to your Space
1. Include Nautical Colors
The most identifying feature of the nautical style is the color scheme – it is mainly blue and white, with some red. You can play with different shades of blue to add interest. White or off white is the popular choice for walls, and most large pieces and surfaces are in these light neutrals. Think of the ocean against a sandy shore and you’ll get an idea of the palette to use.
2. Use Stripes
Nothing says nautical like stripes! In this style, it’s best to avoid patterns other than stripes or very simple geometric ones to stick to the aesthetic of the theme. You can use stripes in curtains, rugs, quilts, cushions and other places. Stripes also make an appearance in wall moulding and flooring to tie everything together. Even the wood used can have veins that resemble stripes.
3. Include Wood
Wood is a major element in the nautical style, especially wood that has an appearance of driftwood. The wood is generally distressed and weathered. Use wood in furniture, obviously, but also in the flooring and in panelling. For some fun, you can paint some of the furniture in white or dark blue. Driftwood can also be used as a decor accent on the wall.
4. Bring in Natural Materials
The nautical style is all about natural materials, so avoid plastics and other synthetic materials as much as you can. Wood or bamboo is the best choice for furniture. Go with fabrics like cotton, linen and jute for furnishings. Rope can be used in many different ways in a nautical home, in lamps, rugs and decor accents.
5. Let there be Light
A nautical style home generally has lots of natural light and good ventilation, so open up the windows and avoid very heavy window treatments. Choose lamps that have a cool light that goes with the vibe of the room. Choose more traditional style light fittings like lanterns, hurricane lamps or wall sconces.
6. Go with Ocean Themed Decor
Ah, this is the most fun part of nautical decor! Bring the style alive by dotting your space with decor accents that are linked to the ocean or sailing. Shells are a great option, as are starfish ornaments. You can also have large ships made of different materials, or little sailor figurines. Vintage sea maps, paddles, anchors or large steering wheels are perfect for wall decor.
Decorating a home in a certain theme is about involving all the senses, so don’t forget to include some ocean scents as well in the form of candles and diffusers. This is a style that is very easy to create, since you already have a set color pattern and style. While this is great for summers, it works round the year in tropical countries like ours.
The only problem with the nautical style is if you like lots of different bright colors and will get bored of the white and blue theme easily. Another issue is small children and lots of white surfaces! Besides these, anyone can bring the style of the ocean into their homes, and feel that sense of calm enveloping them as soon as they step in!
This post is a part of the Blogchatter A2Z Blogging Challenge 2021.
