1.    Do You Love The Sea?

I grew up at the east side of Singapore and heading to the beach to idle away or to have family outings was quite frequent for me when I was much younger. I’ve always loved the sea, the smell, the ropes, the hawker stalls. 

Now there’s actually a way that you can bring a slice of the sea into your home design by incorporating certain elements to create the style, “Nautical Design” or also known as “Coastal Home Design”.

2.    The Seaside Resort look.

Nautical interior design style is a popular theme for homes, offices, and other interior spaces. It is characterized by its use of elements that evoke the seaside and the ocean, such as shades of blue, white, and beige, stripes, ropes, anchors, and other nautical accessories. This style is perfect for those who love the ocean and want to bring a touch of the beach into their homes.

A collection of nautical elements 

One of the defining features of nautical interior design is the color scheme. This style typically uses a palette of blues and whites, which are reminiscent of the ocean, the sky, and the clouds. These colors create a light and airy feel, which is perfect for homes that want to evoke a sense of relaxation and calm. Beiges and creams can also be used to complement the blues and whites, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The Nautical interior design elements, Image source: The Cushion Accessory Co

3.    The Design Elements

Let’s look at how we can easily “hack’ this look and replicate it for your home!

•    An important element of nautical interior design is the use of stripes. Stripes can be seen in everything from curtains and rugs to bedding and throw pillows. Horizontal stripes are the most common, as they mimic the waves of the ocean. Stripes can be used in a variety of colors, but navy blue and white are the most popular.

Blue stripes are an important element in Nautical design, Image source Nautical Luxuries

•    Ropes and knots are also common in nautical interior design. These can be used as decorative elements, such as tying knots around a vase or using ropes to hang curtains. They can also be used as functional pieces, such as using rope as a handrail or using a rope hammock as a seating area.

•    Anchors are another popular nautical accessory. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as hanging an anchor-shaped mirror on the wall or using anchor-printed bedding. Anchors are a symbol of stability and strength, which is why they are often used in nautical interior design.

•    Shells, starfish, and other sea creatures are also commonly used in nautical interior design. These can be used as decorative elements, such as placing shells in a glass bowl or using starfish as wall art. They can also be used as functional pieces, such as using a shell-shaped soap dish or using a starfish-shaped doorknob.

Textures found in natural materials acts like the replacement of sand the wood found in the beaches. Image Source: The Cushion Accessory Co

•    In terms of furniture, nautical interior design favors natural materials such as wood and wicker. These materials are reminiscent of beach houses and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furniture with a distressed or weathered look can also be used to add to the beachy vibe.

Nautical interior design is not limited to homes near the ocean. It can be used in any space, regardless of location. This style is perfect for those who want to add a touch of the beach to their homes, or for those who want to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

An example of an imaginative children’s bedroom design using the Nautical Design theme. Image Source : Up Cycle Art 

One of the best things about nautical interior design is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of ways, from subtle accents to full-blown beach-inspired rooms. It can be used in small spaces, such as bathrooms, or in larger spaces, such as living rooms. It can also be adapted to fit any budget, as there are many DIY nautical projects that can be done using inexpensive materials. In some cases, we have seen homeowners dress up their kid’s bedrooms in such a style to give them a space to imagine and role play.

4.    Explore like a Sea Explorer

A nautical design theme living hall. Image Source: House Beautiful

We’ve seen too many “scandi” and minimalist homes of late, so much so that you start to see copies of the same look in many Singaporean homes. To be frank, it is really getting quite boring in the interior design scene. Therefore, I feel that it’s worth exploring different design styles for your new home!

If you like to add a sense of adventure and bring the seaside to your space, you may consider incorporating nautical interior design elements. Whether you choose to add a few beach-inspired accents or completely transform your space into a seaside retreat, this style is sure to bring a touch of the ocean into your life. So grab some rope, some shells, and some blue and white paint, and get started on your nautical interior design journey!

Posted on 28th July 2023

Written by Astley Ng – the designerd.

SIXIDES Editorial Team