I’ve always loved the ocean.
As a kid, I begged my parents to let me join the swim team just so I could spend more time in the water.
These days, I try to hit the beach whenever I can to soak up the sun and get my fix of saltwater.
So when it came time to redecorate my living room, I knew I wanted to channel my inner mermaid and create an ocean-themed oasis.
But how exactly do you pull off the ocean core trend without going full-on tacky beach house?
Read on for some wave-making ideas:
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Make a Splash with Soothing Hues
The first step in crafting an oceanic vibe is to coat your walls in cool, watery colors.
I chose to go with a pale aqua blue for my accent wall and a soft seafoam green for the others.
The matte finish gives it a nice calming effect.
I’d avoid bright primary colors and stick to muted shades like pastel blues, greens, and grays.
Think the hue of sea glass or weathered driftwood.
You can even mix a custom ocean-inspired color at the paint store.
Just stay away from anything too bold or flashy.
Subtle is key for this look.
If you have high ceilings, consider painting the upper half a lighter blue to mimic the sky.
Add white trim to keep things crisp and beachy.
I also painted my ceiling white which helps open up the space.
An accent wall in deep navy or neutral gray adds nice contrast too.
For a dreamy vibe, try a pale aqua on the bottom half and sky blue on the top half separated by thin white chair rail trim.
Reminds me of the horizon over the sea.
You could even stencil on a subtle wave ormarine life motif with a pearlized paint for added ocean inspo.
I’ve seen people do octopuses, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, etc.
Just don’t go overboard or it’ll seem childish.
If you’re not ready to paint, consider removable wallpaper with coral, fish or underwater scenes.
It’s a fun way to test drive the ocean look before fully committing.
Bring in Texture with Natural Materials
Incorporate tactile, natural elements to evoke the texture of sand and sea.
I layered a few jute rugs in my space which instantly made it feel beachy.
I thrifted an old teak wood sideboard that looks like salvaged driftwood.
For the coffee table I found a piece of actual smoothed driftwood on the beach and put hairpin legs on it.
Using real pieces of weathered driftwood for decor or furniture gives the most authentic nautical texture.
Woven banana leaf wall hangings and decor also add nice beachy texture.
I hung some over the mantle.
And I swapped out curtains for creamy linen which filters the light beautifully.
If you have the space, consider a hanging chair made from rope or rattan.
It’ll make you feel like you’re swaying in a hammock on the open seas.
I collected little glass jars from the beach and filled them with sand, seashells and sea glass as decoration around the space.
The natural textures make it feel like I brought the beach indoors.
For pillows and throws, look for natural textures like linen, cotton, jute and terry cloth.
I found a hand-woven cotton throw reminiscent of fishing nets.
Such a fun nautical vibe.
Definitely avoid anything with a slick or shiny finish.
Keep it matte and natural for an authentic ocean look.
I’d also skip leather which feels too refined for the relaxed vibe we’re going for.
Make Waves with Nautical Decor
Nautical accents cue ocean inspo.
I scored an old whitewashed oar at a flea market which looks awesome hung vertically on the wall.
I also found a weathered glass buoy on vacation last year and use it as decoration on the hearth.
For cheap nautical flair, you can paint round terra cotta planters to look like buoys too.
I displayed my personal seashell collection on some weathered barnwood shelves I DIY’ed.
Always fun to find unique shells and corals while beachcombing.
On the mantle I arranged an assortment of starfish, sand dollars, sea fans and sponges I’ve gathered on various vacations.
Small touches like that go a long way.
For the walls, hanging a large vintage map or nautical chart instantly transports you.
Bonus points for visible wear-and-tear.
I also framed some old black and white photos of historic lighthouses and wharfs near my hometown.
If you can snag a taxidermied marlin or sailfish, they make a dramatic statement.
Maybe not for the PETA crowd though.
For a budget option, hang fishing nets, crab traps or lobster crates.
I came across a barometer anemometer combo at a yard sale which looks fitting above the TV.
It’s fun to check the wind and tide levels even when I’m stuck on land.
Even small touches like sea creature bookends, a shell-encrusted frame or starfish drawer pulls reinforce the ocean inspo.
Just avoid going full-on tacky pirate ship.
Subtlety is key here.
Set the Scene with Watery Lighting
Strategic lighting can transport you straight to the oceanfront.
I scored some cool bulbous pendant lights at Ikea that look like jellyfish tentacles floating through water.
For ambiance, a few well-placed table lamps are key.
I prefer simple linen or burlap lampshades that diffuse and soften the glow.
Splurge on a statement-making chandelier or hanging light that evokes waves, bubbles or undulating sea creatures.
They make such a sculptural, eye-catching addition.
Side note, I’d avoid casting too harsh or blue-hued lighting.
The goal is soft and soothing, like natural sunlight filtering through the sea.
I have an old brass ship wheel flush ceiling fan which adds nice texture and movement overhead.
It’s surprisingly calming hearing the woosh of the paddles at night.
For windows I used white linen curtains.
They filter the light perfectly and billow in the breeze.
I’m also a big fan of battery-operated candles and lanterns throughout for a cozy ambiance at night.
Their warm golden glow feels like a lighthouse beacon.
Pro tip: look for bulbs with lower Kelvin temperatures (2700-3000 K) which emit warmer, amber hues.
Steer clear of any high intensity, bluish lighting.
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Bring in the Furniture
Furnish your space with weathered woods, woven rattans, linens, and cottons.
I actually found an old teak wood sideboard washed up along the beach – talk about perfect aged driftwood texture!
For seating, go for a driftwood stump side table and linen slipcovered sofa.
A hand-woven macrame cotton hammock chair adds bohemian flair.
I thrifted a set of vintage captain’s chairs for the dining table.
The worn woven seats transport me straight to the marina.
For the coffee table, I used an actual piece of smooth driftwood on a metal frame.
A glass top lets the organic shape shine while protecting it.
If you find salvaged wood that’s still too refined, you can whitewash or wood-burn it to make it look more weathered and beachy.
For an unexpected twist, try unfinished wood furniture but add touches like shell or starfish handles and knobs for nautical flair.
Avoid anything too shiny or polished looking.
Rough, raw, distressed woods fit the relaxed vibe better.
I’d also skip leather, which feels too refined.
Upholstery like linen, cotton and jute works nicely.
Woven sea grass or wicker accents lend great texture too.
I incorporated some into shelves, trunks and baskets.
Even driftwood-inspired wall paneling or ceilings can make you feel like you’re in a coastal cottage.
