You should know that the marine decoration has the reputation of being a little too kitsch and, dare we say it, in bad taste. To be honest, we don't lift the veils to a room where everything is striped, where the rope decoration goes from floor to ceiling and where the anchor patterns go from wall to wall. But, with precise navigation, a bit of restraint, and a foolproof route, marine decor can actually be super chic .
Before you make your home look like a yachting magazine, check out 15 ideas to give any room a nautical look . It's time to batten down the hatches.
Find the pieces that stand out
A unique piece can give your space a whole new vibe without making it too thematic. This modern bathroom is given a nautical touch with a gorgeous vintage steam gauge and we love how the brass pairs perfectly with the silver.
Invest in embroidered pieces
Custom-embroidered pieces have a knack for giving everything a nautical feel, in an expensive way. The maritime-inspired pillowcases in this guest bedroom are halfway between a navy barracks and an upscale hotel, but they still give your home a whimsical feel. Your guests will feel like they are in their own private suite every time they come.
Shop for vintage treasures
Vintage imagery has a knack for lending a universal appeal to any space. Scour flea markets and antique stores for boat paintings and textiles with coastal-inspired embroidery to dress up your existing decor. The end result will be a vintage nautical look.
Don't be too literal
When creating a space that stands the test of time, look everywhere for pieces that match the theme, without being too literal. The incorporation of materials such as wood grain and rope , a white and blue color scheme, and the mix of metallic accessories give a not-so-obvious nautical feel. This kitchen is sure to be the talk of the town for years to come.
Develop your color palette
We don't know if it's because of the images of cherry wood speedboats weaving through the canals of Venice or the interiors of yachts seen in the movies, but cherry wood has almost always the gift of giving a room a sea air . Pair it with blue textiles and you have a seaside style man cave.
Incorporate metal wall decorations
If your style is a bit more old-school sailing, a boat-inspired wall decor is the perfect addition to any room. You can find this type of decoration on our online store Precision Metal . When displayed together in an interesting composition, the result will always give the impression of being fashionable, without forgetting that it is a nautical object.
It's all in the details
Coastal decor can be as grand or as modest as you want it to be. If you're leaning towards the latter option instead, all it takes is a few well-placed details to get you there without transporting you to, say, Gilligan's Island. This very modern bathroom receives a subtle marine touch thanks to a trio of superb sconces.
Highlight your design
Rope details will always be undeniably seaworthy. A simple decorative sphere woven from rope instantly raises the maritime rank of your interior. A jute rug, a hanging bedside lamp and a curated collection of books will give your entire bedroom that seaside feel.
Adopt marine motifs
It's entirely possible to adopt an impressive combination of anchor patterns and nautical stripes without feeling too kitschy. This nursery is coastal chic as you can see.
Tip: Working with a white canvas and layering in dabs of themed elements will help bring your vision to life while keeping it light and airy.
Interior wall decoration
There's no other home wall decor that's as undeniably nautical as the shiplap . It's even written in his name. Horizontal panels typically found on watertight vessels look especially good inside a home. They add texture to a plain wall , while maintaining a clean, minimal look.
Adopt the old sinks
When it comes to renovating and redecorating spaces , the first thing to do is usually to remove old appliances and replace them with newer, more modern models. Instead, leave the old fixtures behind, give them a little polish , and incorporate them into your new design. This ship-shaped sink fits perfectly into this seaside-themed bathroom.
Try a playful color palette
While navy blue and white are the most classic maritime color combination, don't be afraid to introduce unexpected shades into your design. This kid's room features a brighter color palette, but thanks to the stripes, the abstract wave pattern on the rug, and the rope and metal pipe detailing on the bunk beds, it stays traditional.
Make subtle changes
The best way to experiment with a theme while adapting it to your space is to replace basic items with more original ones. For example, if you have a mirror in your hallway or above a piece of furniture, replace it with a domed mirror with gold details. The tone will be natural without shouting it from the rooftops.
Create your own design style
Just because traditional seaside decor incorporates very specific design elements, doesn't mean you can merge all of your interests to create a whole new style of design. We love how this living room incorporates pieces from around the world and includes traditional prints to create a warm, inviting and lively space , while the model sailboat on display underscores the true theme of this space.
Outdoor decoration
If you opt for a marine look inside your home, don't forget to do the same outside. A touch of shiplap on your porch and rope details, like those on this hanging bench, are just the touch you need to get that deep-sea feel.
If you want to know more about the different styles of interior decoration, we invite you to read our article listing the best styles of interior decoration in 2021 , from traditional, to modern, to the industrial or contemporary style.