NAUTICAL BUT NICE
Like to be beside the sea? No matter how far you live from the beach, give your home a coastal-inspired makeover to suit all seasons
In the UK, you’re never more than 70 miles from the sea.
A fact that has been greatly welcomed throughout the sweltering summer heatwave, as Brits have flocked to their nearest resorts to enjoy everything the Great British Seaside has to offer: fish and chips, arcades and even interiors inspiration.
From Cornwall to Coton – the Derbyshire village which is the furthest spot in the UK from the sea – coastal-inspired interiors are becoming big news. And whether you want to go full-on sailor or simply incorporate a few seaside-inspired pieces, there is a look that works in every home.
THE COLOUR SCHEME
The most obvious colour palette for a nautical-inspired décor would be the classic white and pale blue combo.
If you’re going to go down this route, make sure to mix up the shades and tones of the blue to bring the scheme to life.
Be sure to keep the flooring in a neutral shade and choose accessories in a multitude of materials to break up the sea of blue. Add a smattering of stripes to finish.
For a more contemporary take on the nautical look, use pastel blues to complement a pale grey base. Add white-washed furnishings and beautifully textured accessories – such as woven baskets for storage and a driftwood coffee table – to cement the look.
DO-IT-YOURSELF
One of the best things about the coastal trend is the fact a lot of it can be done by yourself and without breaking the bank.
You can create your own authentic coastal accessories by collecting shells, pebbles and rocks from your favourite beach. Pop them into a clear glass vase to use as a dining table centrepiece or decoration to surround the fireplace.
These also look great in outside spaces. Add a strip of battery-powered fairy lights – burying the power pack among the vase’s contents – and voila, you’ve made your own light.
When it comes to bigger pieces of furniture, such as a dining table or chest of drawers, utilise what you already have.
Give an old wooden dining suite a seaside-inspired revamp with a little bit of upcycling. Give it a decent sand, apply a primer and grab your paint brush. In keeping with the nautical look, go for an off-white chalky paint – the chalky paint will add texture. Apply two coats – ensuring the first is thoroughly dry before painting the second and seal the whole table with a soft clear wax to protect your masterpiece.
If you want to create a distressed effect – perfect for the nautical look – gently sand the edges before applying more wax.
To add depth, consider using a different shade of paint on the table legs to the table top.
ACCESSORISE
It is tempting to go all out on seaside accessories – lighthouses, decorative starfish and a ship’s wheel for the wall.
But my advice? Use clichéd accessories sparingly and instead choose fixtures inspired by the sea.
When it comes to lighting, hurricane lanterns and fisherman’s lamps are perfect choices, as are woven lampshades. You could also opt for an industrial-type fixture, such as a cage-light chandelier which puts the bulb centre stage.
Old wooden crates make fabulous side tables, while a rattan chair offers additional seating as well as texture.
A rope rug will protect existing flooring while keeping in with the theme, and fresh flowers will complete the entire look.
Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.