How To Create a Gorgeous Room With a Nautical Theme

There is nothing quite as refreshing as opening your windows and breathing in the salty aroma of the ocean air. Unfortunately, many people aren't lucky enough to own beachfront property. That doesn't mean you can't bring some of your favorite places home with you though. Why not create a nautical-themed room that allows you to show off your love for the ocean waters, the beach, marine life or even just sailboats? From elegant bedrooms complete with lake topography art to whimsical bathrooms and kitchens, nautical designs have long been a popular choice for home décor, and the options are practically endless.

Choose the Right Color Palette

Navy blue and white are traditionally used when designers create nautical-themed rooms, but the color palettes for this décor choice have much more to offer. Pastel blue shades create a calm room while bright blue hues can add some excitement to your space. Don't forget to try a variety of shades of white, and sand tones are perfect for a neutral feel. Shades of red are another tradition in nautical themes, but truly, your color scheme is what you make of it. Whether traditional, vibrant or somewhere between, the colors you use for your nautical theme are only one part of the picture.

Still, keep in mind that any rooms you intend to rent out should remain at least somewhat neutral. These hues are typically most appealing for potential buyers or renters, and you can always add a colorful touch with pillows or other accent items.

Use Plenty of Natural Light

When you imagine the ocean or other bodies of water, what do you think of? Chances are it is blue skies, blue waters and plenty of gorgeous sunlight. A room with a true nautical theme will recreate that same feeling, so it is important to incorporate as much natural light as possible. White, practically transparent curtains add a sheer, elegant vibe to your nautical room while allowing plenty of natural light into the space throughout the day. Keep light colors close to the window to further reflect the sun's illumination.

If your nautical room is a bedroom or another area that requires privacy, add bamboo Roman shades. They allow you the concealment you need without taking from the nautical theme and can be opened easily when you want more light.

Create a Focal Point Such As Lake Topography Art for Your Décor

Whether you choose an accent wall, a furniture piece or a piece of art, focus on one main aspect of your nautical-themed room to prevent the décor from becoming overwhelming. If you are decorating a master bedroom or a living room, consider a sophisticated piece of art that brings the entire room together. One idea is a nautical wood map. These beautiful pieces of art are available for a wide variety of well-known bodies of water. Do you live in the Midwest? Consider lake topography art of Lake Erie, Lake Michigan or any of the other Great Lakes. You can also find the Florida Keys, the islands of Hawaii or the Caribbean or even the cliffs and bays of the Pacific Coast. The sophisticated map design is an excellent addition to any room that uses neutral hues of white, beige and blue.

Play With Different Fabrics and Patterns

There is no rule that says you can only use one pattern in your nautical décor. The key is to combine different colors, fabrics and designs in a cohesive way. Start by choosing one main color for the furniture, such as an off-white. Then, mix in the patterns. Do you love stripes? Consider navy blue-striped curtains. Perhaps your nautical theme is more traditional, such as anchors, or maybe you prefer an oceanic theme. Throw pillows or small blankets that use anchors, ocean animals or seashells in their patterns are a great way to use more than one of your favorite motifs.

Add Texture to the Room

Just like you can mix and match fabrics and patterns for your nautical theme, you can mix and match the materials and textures you use. Blue or white brick combined with rope décor adds to the traditional sailboat themes while distressed wood creates a seaside chic look. Traditional wood, walls textured with ocean waves in the paint and even stone accents can fill out the design of your nautical room as well. Using different materials is an excellent choice for persons who upcycle or those who enjoy DIY projects. You can often find nautical décor, old wood and even glass bottles that are great for storing items in a kitchen or bathroom at flea markets or yard sales. A bit of paint, some sandpaper and a creative flair will let you turn these items into a wide variety of crafty nautical pieces.

Look Above and Below Eye Level

Don't forget the little details when you are adding the final touches to your nautical-themed room. Consider what people will see when they look up or down. A navy blue trim at the bottom of your wall adds extra color detail. Chandeliers made of rope, wood or even stained glass create more lighting while sticking to the character of the room. If you prefer lamps over chandeliers, consider old oil lamps or even converted mason jars. Ships, marine life, nets and life preservers add more detail to a room as well.

Don't forget about the floor. A wooden floor with a distressed design looks like a ship deck, and you can add rugs in complementary colors to break up the space and add comfort.

Order Your Lake Topography Art Today

Are you ready to create the nautical-themed room of your dreams? Perhaps you just want an artistic rendering of your favorite ocean, lake or river. Regardless of how deep your love for nautical décor lies, Nautical Wood Maps can help. Contact us today to learn about our maps or even to create a brand new design from scratch. Call 941-388-7754 or fill out our convenient contact form for more information. We look forward to helping you create the room of your dreams.

How to Create a Gorgeous Room | Nautical Wood Maps