This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Architectural Digest
Known for its sisal rugs, blue-and-white color palettes, and sprightly stripes, nautical decor combines relaxed materials with classic motifs for a look that’s easygoing yet elegant. But you don’t need a yacht or even a view of the water to incorporate nautical elements into your space. Just in time for summer, we’ve gathered rooms from the AD archives that showcase the signatures of coastal style, from antique furnishings to seafaring art and maps. Whether your home is light and airy or appointed with dark woods befitting a captain’s quarters, these rooms will inspire you to bring in a beachy vibe all year round.
Decorator Michael S. Smith collaborated with Dennis Rupert of HBRA Architects to revamp a former boathouse on the shore of Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake. A Nancy Lorenz frieze borders the living room, where two pairs of armchairs—one vintage Italian in cherry, the other by Jonas—mingle with a 1970s Karl Springer cocktail table and a custom-made Doris Leslie Blau rug; the ceiling lights and sconces are by Charles Edwards, and the throw pillows on the sofa are made from Templeton fabrics.
This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Architectural Digest.