Decorating Ideas for a Nautical Bedroom 

Kids Bedrooms

Nautical fabrics by Voyage

The nautical look is great for boys’ bedrooms – blue being the ‘boy’ colour and of course, navy blue is one of the main colours associated with nautical style. Antique white and rust red are the other two essential components. Which colour goes on the walls will depend on the size of the bedroom but I would suggest either the white or a paler blue for the walls – adding the red and navy as the accent colours in order not to be overwhelming.

Accessories can vary from themed pictures and lamps to putting an oar on the wall or having a boat-shaped bookcase – it all depends on the age of the child and their enthusiasm for all things seafaring. Striped cushions make a great addition to the room too.

Adult Bedrooms

The nautical look can be great for guest bedrooms in particular as it looks so fresh and inviting. Keep it elegant.  Simple striped fabrics and cushions will look simple and fits the theme perfectly. The key is not to overdo it, particularly not overdoing the number of nautical accessories.

Stay away from little cute lighthouse figurines that will just look like clutter. These are often too literal and will look cheap. Instead, try hanging a large faux anchor or oar on one wall instead of the obligatory painting. This will become the focal point and statement of the room while still keeping things sleek and modern. It will be able to work with your existing design style.

Living Areas

 I think a nautical look for a living room that is used all year round might not be so popular during the winter months but it can be great for conservatories as it looks so fresh and crisp.

The main things to pay attention to are the colours and materials used. Use natural materials associated with boat building as much as possible – wood and linens for example. Rush or simple wooden chairs, striped fabric, tongue and groove panelling painted white, plenty of cushions and you won’t go wrong.

Beachcomber fabric by Parkertex

The main thing is not to over do it and remember it is possible to create a more aged look to the theme in areas such as studies by simply putting old maps on the wall, placing a globe on a desk or bookshelf, using heavy silvered desk lamps or even wallpapering with designs such as Zoffany’s Trade routes wallpaper. Items such as an old trunk for a coffee table will also add to the theme without being overbearing.

Outdoor areas

We work so hard to bring the garden indoors by building on sunrooms and conservatories so that we can be nearer to our gardens during our inclement weathers here in our Emerald Isle. Why not bring the indoor outside especially as we may actually be lucky enough to get a good summer this year? If you wish to create a nautical theme in your garden or even within the seating area in your garden – here’s some ideas.

Opt for decking rather than a patio. Landscape with tropical or tropical-looking plants. Alternatively a gravel area with some large pieces of driftwood with grasses will look spectacular as well as being easy to maintain and creating all year round interest.  (I bought 3 large and interestingly shaped pieces of driftwood for €50 about 2 years ago and I have to admit they are still just sitting there on the gravel waiting to be turned  into a feature but it will happen!)

How about installing a sturdy rope hammock? It will add to the theme as will create a lovely area to lie and relax with a book. If using an umbrella, choose a crisp white or a dark navy.

Again, don’t go overboard with the accessories. Simple floor cushions in a striped fabric, as well as crisp blue and white cushions on your rush or wooden seating will create the look perfectly. Some simple Cornish ware or spotted jugs for your Pimms will complete the look.

Greengate items

5 Key Tips

1. Remember the main colours for a nautical theme: Red, white and navy

2. Don’t overdo it with the whimsical accessories such as too many lighthouses

3. Having 2 or 3 key accessories will create the theme so choose them carefully

4. Use natural materials as much as possible

5. Consider the function of the room and decorate accordingly

Woo hoo, I am quoted in an article on Children’s bedrooms in the Mothers and babies supplement of the Irish Independent today.  The  journalist phoned me a couple of weeks ago and I wish now I hadn’t been quite so colloquial when chatting to her but am pleased with the article overall.  Lovely image of the Floral Street wallpaper too from Designers Guild in the background which of course, we stock here.

I love the headline she used too, v clever and really emphasises the fabulousness of our room! Just click on the embedded PDF above if you wish to enlarge and read it.  Or here’s the link to the online version.

Here’s a few pics of romantic bedrooms to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day!!  Courtesy of House Beautiful

Lots of textures from throws, lampshades, pillows and cushions create a lovely relaxing, romantic feel and the addition of a few candles and fresh flowers adds to the atmosphere.

Here’s an article I wrote on Children’s bedrooms for the ‘My Waterford’ magazine – just click on it to increase its size.  It is about storage solutions, colour schemes, great beds and lots more for girls and boys bedrooms.

 Many of the beds can be ordered from Treacy’s Carpets and Furniture in Bennettsbridge – they are all very competitively priced too.

kids-bed2-captains-bed-low-

The Captain’s bed is great for storage – a trundle bed which is great for sleepovers as well as 3 drawers.

And what a girly bedroom.  Fab splashes of vivid pink and the green paint on the wall calms it all down somewhat. Great storage too.

And of course, many of the bedlinens featured in the article can be purchased from Garrendenny Lane as well as the fabulous Paperboy wallpaper.

I love these co-ordinates.  While I like florals, I would find a multitude of them rather overpowering personally.  But I love the combination of floral wallpaper, soft checked headboard, plain pillow with a ruffled edge and that cushion at the front – simply divine.  A lovely collection from Jab’s Four Seasons – I think it is my favourite collection this season,

Jab's Four Seasons Volume 7