How to Reassert Your Personality into Home Decorating: A Guide

In a recent survey, as many Americans reported feeling joy from their home décor (20%) as reported their interior designed made them feel gloomy or stressed (14%). That means that the vast majority of those who responded to the survey have no strong feeling about their own interior design.

While there are a number of possible explanations for this apathy, one of the leading causes for this trend could be the increased pressure for home owners to conform their homes of one of the popular decorating styles that dominate interior design blogs and home network shows.

While interior design concepts like Mid Century Modern or Industrial can be helpful templates for homeowners struggling to find their own style, they become problematic when people forget that they are meant to guide and not as strict rules.

If you find yourself unengaged with your home decor, or worse, if you are suffering from it, you should make an effort to incorporate elements that appeal to your sense of whimsy and fun!

As an example, we’ll show you how  nautical theme decor can be incorporated into three different design styles gracefully,

Industrial
The industrial design sensibility is dominated by a contrast between natural elements and harsh artificial ones. Common items include: the chesterfield sofa, which is made of leather but heavily shaped into an unnatural design; concrete tables; and distressed wooden trunks.

With that last item, you already have a bridge towards nautical theme decor. If you were looking to incorporate more, you could choose a vintage map, which is a literal juxtaposition between the natural world and the ordered thinking of men, or you could choose to hang a steel anchor, which plays into the metallic theme of industrial design and also highlights man’s attempt to subvert the natural motion of the ocean.

Mid Century Mod
With their smooth lines and vibrant splashes of color, Mid Century Mod might not seem the ideal space for nautical theme decor. The common items here are untreated wood framed furniture, geometric shapes, and interesting table lamps. 

When looking to add a little bit of fun to this style, the best place to do build upon the nature accents inherent in the style. A lighthouse shaped table lamp can be a fun addition, adding a bit of contrast to this otherwise structured style. A Nautical clock might be a nice offset to the plain walls. You might even experiment with a colorful nautical accent rug!

Shabby Chic
Shabby chic is a style ruled by rustic charms and colorful floral patterns. Important staples of this style include shelves cluttered with knickknacks, softly worn but plush furniture, and gentle pastel colors.

While this delicate country style might seem at odds with nautical home decor, it is easy to slip little touches of the ocean in. One simple way to accomplish this is to add seashells among your knickknack collection. Another great touch can be a rough nauticalwheel among your other odds and ends.

While home decor styles can be a great way to help new homeowners find their footing while decorating, they can quickly become confining and limiting. In this guide, we’ve tried to show you how nautical decorations can be added into any decorating style.

If you are feeling boxed in by your design style, then find something fun and whimsical that you enjoy and work it into your own home.