Not-Your-Average Nautical

Set sail for rooms that show off maritime design in big and small ways.

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October 08, 2020

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Photo By: Jacob Snavely

Photo By: Jessica Glynn

Photo By: Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Meggan Haller/Getty Images

Photo By: Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Photo By: Jacob Snavely

Photo By: Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Photo By: Joshua Curry; Design by Tongue and Groove Design + Build

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Â© Rustic White Photography, LLC

Set the Scene

Paper the walls in architectural sketches of sailboats for a truly nautical environment. The powder room in the HGTV Urban Oasis 2020 counters the navy background with a contrasting white-and-matte-black farmhouse sink.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Create a Backdrop

Your room doesn't have to scream "Nautical!" to have the coastal vibe. Reclaimed pine boards create a rustic, weather-worn background to the bright white bed in this bedroom. Mixing in a few blue-gray boards delivers a beachy tone to the space, and a herringbone pattern adds a decidedly timeless feel to the sliding barn door, which is made out of scrap pine wood.

Make an Impact With Subtle Accents

Add maritime style to your home without overt declarations. A rope-lined mirror hangs from a cleat in this white-planked hallway and is flanked by mirrored sconces that mimic the look of portholes.

From: Chango and Co.

Or Hit It Right on the Nose

However, you don't have to shy away from your love of maritime. A blue-and-white color scheme paired with woven accents is the perfect beginning to any nautical space. On the corner wall of this master bedroom, a duo of sailboat artwork makes for a sea-worthy vignette.

From: Corine Maggio

Start at the Beginning

Lay the foundation for maritime style with whitewashed pine walls reminiscent of seaside homes. Rustic floors that highlight the wood grain and exposed ceiling beams add to the overall effect. Complete the look with wicker or woven furniture and accessories and a vintage nautical accent or two.

Look for Fresh Ideas

Beachy homes were once characterized by kitschy decor, but we're leaving that in the past and using current design ideas to achieve the aesthetic without the gimmicks. A clean white-and-blue color palette is both modern and coastal, and the mural wall is an innovative twist on typical seascape artwork.

Hang Nautical Flags

Nautical flags deliver instant color and bold graphic design to any space. This grouping in the master bedroom of the HGTV Urban Oasis 2020 overlays different shapes and sizes for an eye-catching artistic display.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bring on the Color

It's hard to go wrong with an utterly white base, as this cozy living space shows. Not only does a neutral setting allow you to change out your accents whenever you want, but it also gives you free reign to try out truly bold pops of color. Bright yellows and pinks energize the room, but our nautical heart lies in the trio of framed watercolor coral prints.

Trade Out Pillows

Adding a touch of nautical to your room can be as simple as switching out throw pillows. To freshen up the style, opt for a not-so-typical shade, like this bright yellow, rather than the expected blues and whites.

Take It Outside

It's easy to bring nautical style to your outdoor space. A fun grouping of buoys hung on your porch or by your back door adds bright color, or trade out your porch swing's metal chains for heavy rope. We love how Chango and Co. left the ropes long so that they spill across the floor, as they would on the deck of a boat.

From: Chango and Co.

Consider the Details

Take a look at even the smallest moments in your space to establish a touch of nautical charm. Here, cabinet hardware is wrapped in rope, creating a tactile juxtaposition of metal and fibers.

Life Onboard

Although a little more spacious than the hull of a ship, this hideaway bunk room gives kiddos a taste of sea life. Playful portholes are cut out of each bed for airflow, and so that they can keep an eye on any pirates coming down the gangway.

From: Tongue & Groove

Nautical Upgrade

Take a look at items you already own and see if you can refresh them with maritime charm. For this crafty project, all you need is a stencil and paint to transform a simple neutral pouf.

Give an Outdoor Pouf an Easy Beachy Update

Illuminate Your Style

Construct a one-of-kind light feature by suspending lanterns from ropes. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn created this arrangement for a backyard dinner party, but it certainly doesn't have to be a one-and-done decoration. Hang a collection to generate ambient light over a window seat or in a screened porch. Use battery-operated flickering candles on a timer to light up the evenings.

Stitch Your Own Flags

Put your DIY skills to work and create your own pillows inspired by maritime flags. Others will see them as bright, colorful accents in stripes and graphics, but you'll know their hidden meaning.

How to Turn a Maritime Flag Into a Beachy-Chic Pillow

HGTV Dream Home 2021: Behind the Design

Not-Your-Average Nautical

Related To:

Shop This Look

Set the Scene

Create a Backdrop

Make an Impact With Subtle Accents

Or Hit It Right on the Nose

Start at the Beginning

Look for Fresh Ideas

Hang Nautical Flags

Bring on the Color

Trade Out Pillows

Take It Outside

Consider the Details

Life Onboard

Nautical Upgrade

Illuminate Your Style

Stitch Your Own Flags

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