Less really is more if you want to create an upmarket seaside-style interior. Here are some top tips which will help you to emulate this timeless look.

Colour - Keep your base colours fresh and light. Whites, greys and powder aquas will work well. The seaside theme takes it’s inspiration from the vintage shipping age when colours were muted and materials were natural. Think calicos, teaks, pale linens and pale aquas. If you do wish to cover your floor, then consider hemp or seagrass for that authentic feel. Calico blinds will generally work better than heavy curtains.

Furniture - Furniture needs to be understated and simple. If you can’t afford handcrafted teak, then why not sand-down and repaint old furniture in whites, greys, or simply keep the natural grain? Use cream or navy slipcovers to give sofas new life. Include an antique trunk to hide clutter and add the vintage touch. Avoid filigree, ornate carving or friezes.

Bedding, Throws and Cushions - This is where you can inject colour into the scheme. Again, use sparingly. Stripes, pennants and ticking in blues, yellows and reds work extremely well. Throws should be plain, lightly checked or striped. If you have patterned bedding, then complement with a plain throw and vice versa. This is one area where you should spend more money. The quality of the design, fabric and finishing will have a huge impact on the room.

Accessories - It’s tempting to go out and gather every single piece of nautical-related memorabilia that you can get your hands on, but resist your magpie instincts! This will only make your room look like a souvenir shop. The nautical look is typically understated and the secret is to keep it as uncluttered as possible. Rather than spending a fortune on bric-a-brac, consider a few well-chosen pieces. A simple model sailboat (avoid elaborate rigging), a vintage sign, an antique oar propped up against a corner. You should be aiming for nonchalance and nostalgia.

Pictures and Paintings - Again, simplicity and quality are key. The lighting and shape of your room will influence how you hang pictures so do some research before you get started. Read books and magazines to assess your room and observe the optimum way to arrange your artwork. Black & white or sepia photographs in black frames can look stunning in a nautical interior. Mix vintage finds on eBay with personal snaps to create a fantastic montage. If you live by the sea, then why not showcase the work of local artists? You’ll have both the art and the story.

To find out more about seaside chic and learn how to source nautical accessories which will enhance your home decor, why not check out my page Seaside Style Interiors on Squidoo.