Nautical Living

I finally booked our family trip to visit my parents in Nova Scotia this August. Can’t wait to go…they live in this gorgeous little village called Kingsburg on the South Shore. I would highly recommend this area as a place for a family vacation. Here’s a pic of their cottage from above–with the ocean peeking out over the rolling hills, the view is so incredible and you feel like you totally get away from the real world.

They’re currently doing some work on the house–a new kitchen was just completed and they added a shower (while the old tub is beautiful, as the only place to bathe, it wasn’t particular functional!) I’m excited to see all the changes.

So, I’ve been talking to my mum about how she can infuse some ocean-influenced decor into her home, but avoid being too themey. So, we’re exploring natural, nautical-inspired elements and tones that incorporate the palette of the shore: soft taupes of the sand, blues of the sky, blue/greens of the water, and even some deeper green from the trees and grasses along the the dunes.

A simple rope chandelier would complement any eating area.

This blanket reminds me of the Irish knit sweaters worn by fishermen and would be great to curl up in on a cool Nova Scotia summer’s night.

Lapping waves anyone?  This pillow would pack a big punch on a white slipcovered sofa and since it’s made with an outdoor fabric, it would withstand the wear and tear of beach living.

Or, go for a softer sea foam green look with your pillows (yup, sea foam green is no longer a faux pas!)

Textile are the perfect way to bring a dash of nautical without having to make a big commitment–this table cloth reminds me of half the shirts in my closet right now!

These porcelain pendant lights cast from fishing floats are bordering on “themey” would be such a fun accessory for a guest room.

I love using driftwood as an accessory–gives such an organic feel. If you live by the beach, you could probably just collect it…for us city folk, Z Gallerie it’ll have to be (I’ve also seen them at West Elm and at local gardening stores like Chalet in Wilmette, IL.)

Or, make a bigger statement with a driftwood mantle like this one by Woodmeister Master Builders. By keeping the rest of the furniture very simple and clean (mid century modern coffee table for ex.) the driftwood feels contemporary.

Whitewashed furniture or anything in rustic wood like the table in this image from Coastal Modern by Tim Clark. I love this pendant lamp as well–the navy and white feels fresh and nautical.

And, of course, even if you don’t live by the water, you can bring a little ocean into your own home–I used the grapewood vine in my bedroom.