Defined by a natural colour palette inspired by the sea, unlike coastal decor, which reflects the natural elements of coastal living through your interiors, nautical decor focuses more on its motifs. Think cabana stripes, seashell accents, and maybe even a lifebuoy hung on the wall (more on that later). You get the idea. There’s an upbeat, preppy energy to it. It’s Dad in a Captain’s hat on his annual two-week boating holiday.but love this trend.

Key characteristics of nautical decor

Blue, white and red colour scheme

When it comes to your colour scheme, you want to go a little bolder than coastal decor. Whilst you can still incorporate a neutral color palette as your backdrop, be sure to use lots of bold blues against bright whites, with some warming reds and coral-inspired terracottas to prevent it from looking cold. Remember, this doesn’t have to all be implemented through your paint colours. You could go for warming White50 walls, with a sink-into navy blue sofa and red and white striped cushions. Find out how to make a mood board so you can create the look at home.

Stripes, stripes and more stripes

Speaking of stripes… Whether you’ve got a home in the Hamptons or not, a tasteful use of stripes will emulate that instantly recognisable Hamptons style. being sparing with where and how you use them and not being too ‘matchy’. Time-tested fabrics like ticking stripe or Breton stripes will give your home a fresh yet lived-in feel. If you want a look that will hang around, why not consider striped wallpaper.

Nautical references

Gone are the overt nautical references. Instead, contemporary nautical decor is about more suggestive nautical representations. This could be anything from supporting local artisans with coastal-inspired artwork or sculptures made from driftwood or shells. Or again, what about incorporating the theme through your wallpaper with our range of sea-inspired wallpapers.

White shiplap cladding and wooden elements

Finally, the nautical decor style is all about wood panelling, specifically white painted shiplap cladding. Not only does this give your home that beachy, Cape Cod feel it makes it appear lived in, no matter what its age. If you’re all at sea over what exactly nautical decor is (and how it differs from coastal decor), we’re here to put your worries at bay. We’re really pushing the boat out with this one, from the behind of the trend to its key characteristics and how you can implement it in your home. So if you’re ready for things to get a little nautical.