Notes on Home Decor :: Let's get Nauti!

via House and Home

As the warmer months approach, as we shed our heavy layers and start to switch wardrobes, we have a tendency, often, to want to do the same with our homes. We want to rid any reminders of the long cold winter that seems finally to have passed. In our grandparents' time, our grandmothers, or their help, would switch over from the warmer, heavier drapes to lighter, linen ones. Popular home decor catalogues and shelter magazines now start to feature homes that are softer, cooler and summerier in feel. Gone are the deep bold, heavier colors, and in are the softer, paler, gentler colors... blues, whites, neutral beiges and greys. Immediately we think of the sea... we think of the coast. Now, if you happen to live in the heart of Texas and have no personal, historical or familial ties to the sea, going nauti would, indeed be a bit silly looking.

But many of us, both up and down the Eastern and Western seaboard, as well as those in the Midwest and other parts do have ties to the sea, or Great Lakes. Nautical decor represents not only a decorative style, but a lifestyle. My house that I lovingly refer to as The Little White House is on top of a hill looking down at my town, and just beyond, about a mile away is the beach. My town actually proudly boasts 4 beaches, 3 of which we frequent regularly. We also are fortunate to be able to spend time both in Newport and in Maine. My children grew up on the beach as did I. To my children and me, the beach is home.

My boys' room is all nautical and Americana with items that I have picked up at flea markets, antique stores, Pottery Barn, Ikea and Home Goods, as well as some personal items that have been passed down from my family. Their room, to me, symbolizes the easier more carefree days of summer.

By nature, I am always looking, creating, decorating, re-doing. I am constantly changing things around. I like a space to feel comfortable and familiar but I always love to introduce new elements to add a freshness. I'll replace throw pillows and blankets with softer colors. And I will rearrange a few things to introduce nautical elements... we are after all The Little White House by The Beach (that is perpetually sandy!)

Below are some images that I hope will inspire you to get a bit nauti!