From Sausalito’s salt-sprayed saunas at Fjord to San Diego’s wildly popular Boatyard Steakhouse, maritime design majorly in vogue. Perhaps it was the tinned-fish craze that got things going, but now even high-end fashion houses like Bottega Veneta, Staud, and Isabel Marant are rolling out sardine-inspired accessories. It’s clear that all things nautical are having a major cultural moment. And there’s no good reason that you can’t bring these seafaring vibes home, even if you aren’t residing on the coast. By adding in mixes of weathered wood, brass fittings, and vintage curios will totally transport you straight to a captain’s quarters without feeling kitschy.
To get some tips on getting the look, we asked owner of Maritime Boat Club Arda Jooharian, who designed the nautically-themed bar and restaurant at San Francisco’s Palihotel. She shared her favorite budget-friendly decorating tips that gave the space a well-worn seaside aesthetic without looking too literal. Whether you’re channeling your inner Wes Anderson and dreaming up a living room fit for The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, here are her pointers for how to bring that shipshape aesthetic ashore.
Shop Flea Markets
“Walking through the aisles at the Alameda Flea Market sparked so many great ideas for us. It’s really a nonstop stream of one-of-a-kind trinkets and decor,” says Jooharian. Think of heading to coastal towns to thrift abalone shells, model boats, and weathered sea glass. Keep an eye out for pieces that channel the same patina-rich charm you might find in bars in Humboldt or Monterey, where every corner feels like it’s got a story to tell.
Scour Facebook Marketplace
“Facebook Marketplace was huge for us when it came to furniture,” she says. “We found so many great wooden tables and chairs, stripped off the original varnish, sanded them down, and re-stained them in a deep wooden tone that complemented the cozy Boat Club interior.” With a little elbow grease, you can achieve that polished-but-lived-in look found in seaside haunts.
Photo courtesy of Palihotel
Incorporate Rope and Sea Glass
“We were so drawn to rope and sea glass details—they’re scattered throughout the restaurant,” says Jooharian. “You can find pieces in any color palette that fits your space.” A few simple strands or glass accents instantly nod to the ocean without veering into theme-park territory, just like the maritime mood at The Octopus Bar or Inside Passage in Seattle, where eclectic details evoke the whimsy of a shipwrecked explorer’s den.
Buoy Your Style
“We sourced a ton of original used lobster buoys for decor through the bar,” she says. “The mix of distressed colors and sizes adds so much character.” Whether hung on a wall or arranged in a basket, these pops of red, blue, and yellow evoke the easy-going energy of coastal towns.
Photo courtesy of Palihotel
Keep It Fun (And Cohesive)
“We found lots of small trinkets on Etsy too, but decided to go all-in on brass to keep things uniform,” says Jooharian. “Brass whales, crabs, octopus and more. They all tied into the theme without overwhelming the space.” It’s the same balance of whimsy and restraint that gives spots like Queen Street in Los Angeles or Inside Passage their seaside soul—playful yet artfully composed, like a Zissou-worthy set piece.
Support Local Art
“We also worked with a local artist, Manny Fabregas, who brought in some wonderful fine art pieces that he had painted,” she says. “We didn’t want anything too literal with boats or harbors… he brought us this beautiful lakeside image that feels like Americana.” That mix of fine art and found objects keeps a maritime space grounded, evoking the romance of summer by the water, no matter how far from the coast you live.
