If you are unhappy with your home’s decor, you are not alone. Studies show that only one in five people is truly happy with how their house looks. Approximately 14% of people are saddened by how their home is decorated. Nearly half, 47%, admit they have not updated the look of their homes in over five years. Some people spruce up their homes with a theme of some sort. As more than 123 million Americans live by a coast, it seems natural that many would select a nautical theme decor. Some put in a piece or two, say a replica diving helmet or mermaid and others go all out.

If you think an anchor theme or pirate theme or something similar might do the trick and make your home more happy, here are some tips to get you started.

• Blue, blue and more blue. The most obvious nautical color is blue but that does not mean your area should be one dimensional. Pick different shades of blue. Throw in a splash of red or white. Include touches of green. There is a lot of blue in the sea, the reason earth looks like a blue, but there are other colors in there as well. If you do go ahead and get some accent pieces like that replica diving helmet, that will be a completely different color but will still match the theme.
• Hardwood floors. These are very common in nautically themed homes and they add class to any decor. They also last longer and are easier to clean or refinish. It is just hard to go wrong with a hardwood floor. If you are not ready to put down the money for a full hardwood floor, you can consider laminate that will give you the same look at a fraction of the price.
• Accents and furniture. Sometimes nautically themed homes do get a little kitschy but that is really ok. A little does go a long way when it comes to nautical decorations. You have the replica diving helmet, maybe some anchors and sea shells. It is easy to pick up some sea shells at the beach and some starfish wall hangings. Place settings with this kind of theme are fun and easy to find, too. Look for furniture with light, distressed wood to give your home that seafaring feel.

Adding a nautical theme to any room of your home will bring some of the summer into your house. You do not have to make the entire thing look like the boat from “The Perfect Storm” to make your home feel more festive. A few decorative items may do the trick. Adding some blue from the sea can also do it. Let the theme be a guide to expand, not limit, your choices in decorating your home to make it a place you want to spend time. Refernce materials.