Wick - Iron and Brass Bed from The Original Bedstead Company.
SO, WE’VE DECIDED to throw caution to the coastal wind and go the whole hog with a nautically themed bedroom to pander to our sailing cravings.
It’s an assured step in the right direction, even if the girlfriend still isn’t totally convinced, but she will no doubt eventually see the true originality of such an inspired decision..!
The Iron Bedstead has been delivered and looks just great, even though it still needs a few accessories and bed linens to bring it to life, and with it’s rope twist centre detail, it lends a naval air to the room around which much of the theme can hang. The Bellanode was an easy choice in this respect and in a satin black paint finish with lustrous antique brass detailing it certainly looks the part.
But, what else might we do to ensure a strong theme and room harmony, without introducing any one element that becomes overpowering?
After all, the best decorative styles are often truly successful because they are understated. With a few exceptions, relying on one particular piece of furniture or accessory to put the message across can be just too shouty. It’s the harmony of the sum of the parts that we are looking for.
Colour is a case in point in this respect so it might be worth avoiding the temptation to paint all the walls navy blue!
Instead, white or better still an antique white is a good start point with perhaps accents of blue and rust red to add nautical flavour. Ticking stripes in these colours might also work well for accessories and window dressings. Whilst risking stating the obvious, lighthouses and sailing boats are de rigueur in nautical design terms and it’s possible to incorporate them into the bedroom in many different ways without the whole effect looking too corny.
Paintings of ships, lighthouses and coastal scenes would look great on the wall. Old monochrome photos of the same would be even better, or use some from your own sailing adventures for a really personal touch.
Have them enlarged and framed and.. hey presto!
These days it’s not difficult to track down model sailboats, seagulls or lighthouses in any home décor store, particularly in coastal towns, so a small room collection could be just the thing. Better still though to go for some antique shipping paraphernalia.
Old flags, navigation lights, ships clocks, anchors and oars, or even an old brass porthole converted into a mirror.
The possibilities are endless and all will contribute to that “ all at sea” feeling!
Ships in bottles are another obvious touch (antique again if funds and availability allows) and framed sailing maps, either old or modern will always be in keeping. And lastly, but certainly not least, it’s worth remembering the little details that make all the difference. Seashell collections (grouped, not scattered) sea-grass plants, pebbles and driftwood, sailing ropes and knot displays can all bring that nautical flavour into the mix. Fabric accessories in the bold nautical colours of blue and red can also create the nautical theme without overdoing things.
Our iron and brass bedstead would look fabulous with some stripy blue bolsters and cushions or perhaps a heavy red bed throw to complement just perfectly the rich antique brass patina and the deep satin black paint finish.
Ultimately nautical style should be pretty casual and is all about a certain sprit of travel and adventure. With a little flair and experimentation it’s possible to achieve the perfect watery theme for the ultimate dreamy nautical escape!
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