Make your home bright and breezy with prints, colours and textures inspired by the seaside
ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH
From tactile and soft to solid and rustic, the textures of the coast can provide all the inspiration you need for a layered decorative scheme. Start with your fabric choice (whether that’s on upholstery, curtains, cushions or throws) and build from there. While cotton and linen are suitably light and airy, don’t be afraid to think outside the box – even luxurious velvet, especially in a watery shade of navy, can take on a maritime look when paired with tougher elements such as wicker, jute or galvanised metal. The GH100 sofa shown here, designed by this magazine in collaboration with the furniture experts at DFS, is a versatile choice for dry land.
FALL IN LINE
Seaside motifs bring the spirit of the coast indoors and stripes are a quick and simple way to tap into the nautical look. Cast your net towards the fabric collections at Ian Mankin for myriad options. For a tailored look, choose muted stripes for upholstery and window dressings, and bolder, largerscale ones for statement pieces such as a tablecloth or cushions.
PLAY AND DISPLAY
Sideboards and shelves make ideal spots for a nautical vignette – perhaps none more so than this boat-shaped bookcase by Barker and Stonehouse. Engage in some artistic styling and use a variety of ornaments, china and glassware inspired by the sea to create your own ‘shelfie’. A decorative anchor, whimsical aquatic figurine or striped vase (with or without flowers) is sure to give any space a jaunty lift. For pieces that more than meet the brief, try The Nautical Company.
