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Not-Your-Average Nautical

October 08, 2020

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

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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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.

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Photo: Todd Douglas / Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Jacob Snavely. From: Chango and Co.
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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.

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Photo: Jessica Glynn. From: Corine Maggio
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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.

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Photo: Todd Douglas / Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Todd Douglas / Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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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.

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Photo: Meggan Haller/Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Todd Douglas / Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Jacob Snavely. From: Chango and Co.
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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.

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Photo: Todd Douglas / Getty Images
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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.

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Photo: Joshua Curry; Design by Tongue and Groove Design + Build. From: Tongue & Groove
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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.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza
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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.

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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.

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Photo: © Rustic White Photography, LLC
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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.