The bathroom is a great place to express your creativity and really run with a theme. Nautical bathrooms, in particular, are as charming as they are jolly, and the effect is surprisingly simple to achieve.
So, if you fancy transforming your bathroom, and happen to be considering a nautical theme, look no further – this handy little guide is just what you’ve been searching for.
Colour scheme
Naturally, your colour scheme should be informed by boats and the sea. Think pale blues and whites (waves breaking on the shore), weathered wood (drift wood) and bright painted elements (the hulls of fishing boats, the flash of a seagull’s beak).
You might also like to take inspiration from shells and fish; shimmery, pearlescent tones can bring light and glamour into your bathroom, so don’t rule them out.
Balancing colour is a fine art. An easy way to achieve a coherent scheme is to work with several different shades of the same colour. The lighter the colours you chose, the more easily you’ll be able to balance them.
Wallpapers
Bathroom wallpapers are growing in popularity every day. As well as being more affordable than tiles, they’re practical and durable, and come in a wide range of tones and textures.
Remember, your family bathroom is a space you should enjoy spending time in. If you love big, bold patterns, opt for a big bold pattern; if you like smaller, subtler prints, take this direction instead.
Nautical accessories
Nautical home accessories are widely available.
Stand out pieces include vintage life rings, antique ships in bottles and cabinets made from drift wood or decorated with shells.
If you want to create a sense of relaxation and calm in your bathroom, don’t overcrowd your scheme. A handful of well-choses pieces is always more effective than a clutter of lesser accessories.
You might also like to go beach combing with your family and friends. Finding beautiful things washed up on the shore, which you can bring home and display as you see fit, is a fantastic way to add personality to your bathroom.
Finishing touches
If you’re not ready for a nautical overhaul, concentrate on the little details. Take a look at your bathroom cabinet, for example. Instead of buying a new cabinet, you might like to change the handles, or sand and paint it.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large bathroom, think about the way you use the space. Adding an arm chair upholstered in a nautical fabric is a practical way to maximise the space on offer.
Towels featuring boat motifs, shell soaps and novelty soap dishes and toothbrush holders can all add a splash of nautical charm to an otherwise uninspiring space.