I often get my blog inspiration while walking the lake, listening to Pandora. Today’s genre? Musicals! Sure to get your feet tapping and your heart thumping. The first song of the morning was Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid. Who doesn’t love a Disney flick with drama, music, a heroine and a her little side-kick? Ooo, lala! So that got me day-dreaming about nautical decor. Soft blues, creamy whites, seashells, ocean vistas.
On Houzz.com I discovered Anthony Baratta from NYC. Oh, my! His ocean-inspired interiors give you that sun and surf vibe without being too literal. Can you imagine dining here? The ocean vista mural combined with the rug that gives the illusion of circles in the sand, plus the white furniture that evokes images of outdoor living is perfect for a beach-side home. Bring on the soft shell crab! (oops, sorry Sebastian!)
This kitchen. Wow. Watery Blue. Serenity. 
The living room, with the aqua walls and soffits and flowing waves of draperies that give an illusion of lagoon living. 
This interior, with its all-white concept, showcases the crystal ship hanging from the bead board rafters. 
I recently visited the Harmon House Decorator’s Showhouse in York Maine. Entering through the front door, the living-dining-kitchen space, designed by Boston-based Gerald Pomeroy Design Group is monotone Farrow and Ball blue-walls and trim-with a spectacular sparkling stone fireplace wall. This is my favorite nautical pallette: blues and creamy whites, linen and sisal, natural stone and dark woods for contrast. You have an immediate sense of calm, the soft hues creating an uninterrupted visual frame that leads your eye to the water views outside.
Whenever I am searching for online inspiration and photos, I turn to my Pinterest boards. This one, Seashells by the Seashore, has some of my all time favorite nautical interiors. White interior, dark blue stripes, sisal rug, grasscloth ceiling. Clean and natural. Coastal Living.
The focal point of this pic is the stunning stairway backdrop of water on canvas, creating the illusion of ocean. 
How can I talk about nautical decor without showing at least one ship replica? This one, with its blonde wood and billowing white sails, contrasts nicely with the blue walls and white wainscotting. 
The view from this space alone is enough to garner your attention, but the white furniture with the striated wavy pattern on the rugs, along with the amazing solar system light fixture from American Lighting Association brings the outside in.
This bedroom is a bit more literal, but stunning still. Gives new meaning to “sleeping with the fishes”
Here are a few accessorizing ideas…(we all know how much I adore whales : )
to inspire you create your own space “under the sea”.
Which is a good place to be with this on going heat wave! Have a cool weekend everyone! Susan
Comments, please & thank you!