A Living Room with a Nautical Theme: Shipshape Spiffy or Vacation Cottage Chic?

Nautical blue and white provides the basis for this theme. Your wall colors can range from pale blues to soft whites, or be in neutral shades like taupe or khaki. If you choose a blue color for the walls, furniture in pale neutral shades or warm white will add a nice contrast. Blue piping on the cushions or blue or red ticking fabric will make this color scheme look crisp and fresh. Or go with a brighter scheme and paint walls in white or pale neutrals and pump up the color with fabrics and furniture in blues that range from pale to navy, with accents in red and white. Bring stripes, checks and plaids into the fabric mix to keep the solid colors interesting.

For a true 'Captain's Quarter's' atmosphere choose wooden side tables, coffee tables, chests and hutches in deep traditional tones of polished cherry or mahogany.

Add accessories such as a painting of a stately ship or a classic ship in a bottle to carry the seafaring theme. Glass hurricanes over brass candlesticks add polish and sparkle. A traditional barometric pressure reader, mantel or wall clock and metal wall plaques of world maps or globes will contribute to the atmosphere of a romantic sea voyage.

For this style, keep in mind the carefree atmosphere of a beach cottage. Start with pale neutral walls. Wall texture will contribute even more to the beachy mood, so creamy painted bead board paneling is a perfect backdrop. Neutral wood flooring or a chunky natural fiber rug of jute or sisal is an ideal choice underfoot.

Keep the theme casual by choosing fabric in neutral shades like sand, khaki or sand dollar. Or, opt for a more colorful palette with furniture colors in pale shades of green and blue. Add pillows, cushions and throws in fun sun drenched colors like coral, sunny yellow, ocean and kiwi and make the atmosphere completely cottage by introducing a mix of fabric patterns. Bold stripes with checks and plaids mingle with basket weaves and graphic seashells.

Woods can be lived-in lighter mixes of oak or pine with painted tables and rockers, or wicker. A casual mirror with a rattan or seashell frame can be the basis for focal point above a mantel with white wooden or wrought iron candles sticks clustered around. Bring in lots of natural seaside accents such as shells, starfish or glass stones gathered in glass bowls, vases or urns. Arrange a grouping of black and white seaside photos or kitschy postcards from a previous generation on a side table or shelf.

Wall accents in beach themes can be serenely neutral or bold and graphic. Seascapes, beach cottage exteriors, dunes, shells, lighthouses, fish or fishing villages are just a few of the motifs that can be incorporated in wall paintings, metal wall artwork, plaques or framed prints and photos.