Na, Na, Nautical Decor

I used to shy away from nautical style decor because it was a bit too "Nantucket preppy" for me. I've stumbled across a number of inspiring photos and decor items that have caused me to change my tune. Nautical decor isn't just for beach houses and theme rooms, furthermore it doesn't have to be confined to the summer months. I present you with a number of vintage, new, handmade and vintage inspired pieces that will have you shouting "anchors aweigh!" to under the sea looks.

Nautical Dreams Handfelted Pillow by Etsy seller thescouthouse, $55

Beautiful, vintage style sea glass kitchen. source

Set Sail Note Cards (set of 8) by Etsy seller alishagould, $12

Vintage The First Book of the Ocean from Etsy seller ricracandbuttons, $16

I think this would be fairly easy to make. How cute! source

Earrings for Declaring Your Independence by Etsy seller lkfarnsworth, $20

International Boat Code Print by Etsy seller bexpert, $15

Love how subtle the nautical touches are in this kitchen. source

Octupus chair, find the fabric here.

Awning Stripe Ready Made Curtains from Laura Ashley

Double Torsade Necklace in Coral from Anthropologie, $28

 

Nautical map wallpaper source.

Cage Hanging Pendant Lantern by Etsy seller mostazaseed, $28

Josef Frank Navigare Fabric source

 

Vintage Boating Lamp from Etsy seller paddyridge, $18.95

A sweet bed made of shipping pallets and graphic duvet.

Check out the DIY article at Ready Made.

 

Ship chandelier in apartment styled by designer Lili Diallo.

Nautical Cotton Bar Towels by Etsy seller branchhandmade, $12

Unique Vintage Scuba Diving Helmet Ice Bucket from Etsy seller luxbetty, $45.95

Retro Renovation in Nashville

Really, really love Etsy's current Get the Look feature on David and Carolyn's Nashville Retro Decor Renovation, check it out here. Their 1940's Tudor home has a great mix of mid-century modern and contemporary design and they have managed to pull it off without making their home look like an antique mall showcase. I think that is one of the biggest challenges-- incorporating vintage style into your home, while keeping it functional and natural feeling. To see room by room pics of their nest, take a look at the flickr album.

Decorating with Peach

Folks, it's time to bring peach back. It's had a bum rap the past two decades and most likely conjurs up images of bad 80's bridesmaid dresses, but this sunny variation of orange is ready for its comback. I just feel it!

I think I've always subconciously liked the color, but the liking turned into all out love when I lived in Chicago. I paid a visit to my local Salvation Army and found this gem of a chair, in perfect condition, for $25. I imagine it came from the parlour room of a lovely grandma and only saw use when company came calling. This chair became my favorite spot for morning devotions and Bible study and long phone calls with friends back home.

On the topic of peach, Jennifer Thoden from Decorating With Jen, says:

"When you add white to orange you get a peach. A rich peach to a subtle almost white peach. Using all these colors in this range will create a peaceful, tranquil interior design. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. Use a light peach on the walls. Add simple drapes with the same tint of peach. Have your chairs and couches in the same fabric as your drapes. And your area rug should have a nice range of soft pale peaches to rich peaches. Your room will be exquisite. Ground the entire soft palette with dark stained furniture... stay away from oak and light pine. Also consider using white as a fabric in your room... white pillows... white vases... white chairs."

Below are some shots of rooms that using varrying shades of our friend orange-- peach, salmon, orange sorbet, and apricot.

Photo courtesey of bisbee.co.za

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Photo courtesey of Deluxe Room

In November of 2008, Etsy spolighted a room in its Storque Blog that does a fabulous job of using whites, creams, tans, and a punch of salmon.

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

The thought of thePeach/Salmon/Orange Sorbet or Apricot may seem like risky choices alone, but consider pairing them with some these colors:

Looking for peach accents? I've combed Etsy shops and online retailers for some new and vintage gems.

This salmon Flowerbud Lantern is on sale for $9.99 on PB Teen

Vintage California Double Leaf Dish by Etsy seller eclecticcurio $14

Audrey Hepburn Illustration by Etsy seller lakeillustration $19.00

Apricot Bird Pillow by Etsy seller persnickety home $13.95

Hand Crocheted Salmon Napkin Rings (Set of 6) by Etsy seller BouquetSpecialDesign $18

Peachy Keen Hoop Art Trio by Etsy seller Mostaza Seed (that's me!) $30

Champagne Peony Print by Etsy seller hadleyhutton $22.99

The Anthropologie Festival Rug

So, if you are looking for a new take on an old fashioned color, opt for peach and pair it with cocoa brown, pink, cobalt blue, aqua, or burgundy. You won't be disappointed!