Nautical

Where it comes from

Working boats and harbour buildings, where every fitting had a purpose.

Nautical done well is joinery: tongue and groove, brass fittings, rope detailing, navy against white in a restrained ratio. Done badly it is a themed room, and the line between the two is roughly the point at which motifs appear.

Lighting

Brass and glass fittings with a marine profile, warm and modest.

What breaks it

• Anchor and ship-wheel decor
• Red as a third colour
• Novelty rope knots
• Everything striped at once

Where to spend

Panelling. Tongue and groove with well-chosen hardware is the credible version of this style.