Nautical-inspired décor is a timeless look thanks to its calming neutral tones combined with serene hues of blue, and light textures–cue linen and cotton—all of this comes together, and will transport you straight to the seaside.
“Decorating with a nautical style can create a sanctuary that captures the beauty and serenity of the shore and brings a sense of coastal charm and relaxation to your home.”
A simple look to apply to your home and garden, from accent colors to incorporating natural materials, and maximizing natural light, Lisa Jones, Editorial Design Manager at Dunelm has shared her expert tips for infusing your home and garden with this classic coastal-inspired look.
Coastal colors
Allow the coast to inspire your color choices. All shades of blue, seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and crisp whites provide the perfect foundation for evoking calming hues of the sea, sky, and sand.
Light tones
Keep it light and breezy and opt for more neutral tones on walls and floors. Lighter colors will reflect natural light around a room and will create a sense of space and openness. Ideal for creating a bright and airy coastal atmosphere.
Add accents of color
While the primary color palette in a coastal-style home is soft and serene, accents of contrast can add visual interest and depth to the space. Consider incorporating touches of navy blue, charcoal, or black for contrast and definition. These darker colors can be used sparingly in accents such as cushions and throws, rugs, and décor pieces so they don’t dominate the overall look.
Embrace natural light
Maximize natural light in your home. Keep window treatments light and breezy by opting for lightweight, unlined curtain panels or voiles that allow sunlight to filter in, illuminating your space. Or consider layering both together on a double curtain pole to add depth and texture to your windows.
Shutters are also a great option, not only do they have a timeless appeal that aligns well with the coastal aesthetic, but Shutters provide excellent light control and privacy, allowing you to adjust the louvers to let in as much or as little sunlight as desired.
Go for the natural look
Embrace natural materials such as weathered wood, rope, jute, and wicker to add texture and warmth to your space. Choose furniture pieces made from reclaimed wood or rattan for a more rustic vibe. Alternatively, opt for painted furniture for a smarter take, or consider personalizing a vintage piece by painting to your own desired color for a truly unique focal point.
Wow your walls
Showcase your love for the coast by creating a gallery wall featuring seascapes that capture the beauty of the ocean and shoreline, mix in vintage finds, and intersperse your artwork with decorative accents foraged from the shoreline itself or photos from your own coastal adventure for a truly authentic and personal touch.
Go outdoors
A beachside retreat in your very own back garden? Yes, please! Continue with a color theme by painting fences or garden structures in coastal-inspired colors. Add planters with personality and pops of color, throw in a water feature to evoke the sound of the ocean, and create the all-important place to rest on an Adirondack chair or hammock or arrange an outdoor sofa around a firepit for cozy gathering spots for friends and family.
Illuminate your space
Enhance your coastal garden after dark with strategic lighting that highlights key features and creates ambiance in the evenings. Use string lights or solar-powered stake lights to illuminate pathways, trees, and water features, allowing you to enjoy the coastal lifestyle in your backyard.
Incorporating lanterns into a coastal garden scheme is a great styling addition that serves to enhance the mood and character of the outdoor space. Place lanterns throughout your garden, mix, and match lanterns of different heights, widths, and styles to add dimension, and consider Hanging lanterns from hooks or wall-mounted brackets to create an unexpected focal point. Hanging lanterns can draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height and openness. This styling technique can be applied indoors too and serves as a great way to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor coastal-inspired living.
