Nautical Luxuries Blog

Whether you're looking for a boat, or just looking for a fun day by the water, you won't want to miss the 2025 Newport Beach International Boat Show!  A long-standing tradition on and by the water, this show has much more to explore than just boats!

Incorporating live entertainment, and beautiful yachts from top builders and brokerages, the event offers attendees a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the essence of Newport Beach's waterfront lifestyle.
With both on-land and on-water areas to explore, the boat show will immerse your senses as you walk the floating docks, relax in the sponsored lounges, dine by the water, and shop the trendy boutiques of Lido Marina Village.

If you know a bit about yachting, but could use a little help navigating around all the boats at the show, I can recommend a good friend and knowledgeable yacht broker, Mark Andries, with Euro Yachts. He'll be at the boat show and can also be contacted through his website,  EuroYachtsInternational.com. One of my favorite boats to cruise around the harbor, down to Emerald Cove, up to the Pacific Airshow or over to Catalina for the weekend, is the True North. You'll be able to see one at the boat show this year, so make sure you check it out! Whoever purchases this one will be getting a real gem, complete with a ton of customizations installed by another great friend and marine electronics pro, Scott Brackney. If you need anything custom-crafted onboard, from instrument dashboards to drop-down TVs; stereo systems to Starlink installation, you can reach Scott at: scott@hi-speed.com.  

If you don't know the first thing about boats or boating, you'll still have a great time looking at more than 200 different boats from recreational watercraft, to sailboats, to large luxury yachts while sipping on a refreshing cocktail, enjoying the waterside dining options or simply enjoying the sun and live entertainment waterside.

You can preview the Boat Show Magazine here: 

To purchase tickets and for complete information, head to the event's website: NBIBS.com

Newport Beach International Boat Show Basics:
Dates: May 1-4
Hours:  Thursday 2pm-7pm. Friday, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
Location: Lido Marina Village, Via Oporto, Newport Beach
Parking: Limited parking at the Lido Marina Village parking structure.
              Free shuttle and parking at Hoag Hospital parking lot.
Tickets: Online or in person at the show

Enjoy the Show!

DJ

As we bid adieu to the winter chill and welcome the gentle embrace of spring, it's time to infuse your coastal home with renewed vitality and elegance. At Nautical Luxuries, we're passionate about curating décor that not only embodies the timeless charm of coastal living but also stays ahead of the curve with the latest trends. Join us on a journey as we explore the top decorative accessory trends for spring, tailored to elevate your home with sophistication and grace.

4. Opt for Statement Lighting: Illuminate your coastal abode with statement lighting fixtures that command attention and admiration. Choose designs inspired by maritime motifs, such as rope pendants, brass lanterns, and shell-encrusted chandeliers, to create a captivating ambiance reminiscent of a seaside soirée. Our Sea Glass Elegance Coastal Chandelier casts a mesmerizing glow, through row upon row of soft sea glass pieces, letting the light dance like gentle waves around the room.

 

5. Curate Coastal Collections: Channel your inner curator and assemble coastal collections that reflect your personal style and passion for the sea. Whether it's a display of seashells, vintage maps, or maritime artifacts, let your imagination run wild as you transform your home into a maritime museum of treasures. Showcase your prized possessions with elegant display cases, shadow boxes, and wall-mounted shelves, celebrating the allure of coastal living with every glance.

As you embark on your journey to revitalize your coastal home this spring, remember that the key lies in infusing it with your unique personality and flair. At Nautical Luxuries, we're committed to helping you achieve your vision with our curated selection of coastal-inspired décor. Embrace the trends, unleash your creativity, and let your home become a sanctuary of elegance and sophistication by the sea.

Fashion and tabletop designer Kim Seybert is renowned for creating the ultimate in luxury table décor. From table linens and napkin rings to flatware and glassware, her designs are both beautiful and astonishingly well-made. They’ve become synonymous with a well-dressed table.

Nautical Luxuries features a wide selection of Kim Seybert coastal/nautical table linens and décor. They’re the perfect choice for entertaining seaside or onboard.

Kim Seybert shares her insights and a few key “To Do’s” for creating a magical onboard dining setting.

Preview the latest designs and create your own dining magic with Kim Seybert at Nautical Luxuries!

SHOP LINENS & NAPKIN RINGS

A CENTURIES-LONG HISTORY

Since around the 7^th century, teak has been used to outfit and adorn both residences and boats. The wood’s reputation made its way out of the tropical South Asian regions of its native origins through the Dutch, who colonized Indonesia.  They used the wood for shipbuilding; teak makes for an excellent ship wood due to its ability to ward off dry rot.

Teak is found in tropical regions like Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia. Teak wood trees can grow to considerable size and often live up to 100 years. The largest, found in Myanmar in 2017, was measured at 27.5 feet in girth and 110 feet tall. Since the finest wood furniture made from teak comes from mature trees, it can take around 80 years before a teak tree planted today is harvested for wood.

The resiliency of teak is well documented. In caves in Western India, objects made from teak more than 2,000 years ago have been found intact -- astonishing for untreated, uncared-for wood.

A testament to its buoyancy as well as resilience, teak deck chairs were recovered from the sea after the Titanic went down in 1912.  In 2015, one of these rare chairs went up for auction in the United Kingdom and sold for $150 thousand dollars. 

 

AS POPULAR TODAY AS EVER

In 2023, teak is the most sought-after material for interior design. This renewable resource is making waves in the interior design industry and has become the go-to choice for many home as well as yacht owners.  Prized for its durability, beauty, and sustainability. It is naturally resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It is a strong, dense wood that's easy to maintain. It also has a natural protective coating that helps it resist water and mold damage.

Teak is also appreciated for its unique grain patterns and warm coloring. Its reddish-brown tones are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Left to age naturally, teak weathers into a silver gray color. The simple elegance of teak makes it the perfect choice for welcoming friends and family whether poolside, onboard, or simply enjoying a restful afternoon in the sun.

WHA’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT TEAK?

Always considered a prized material over other woods such as pine or oak, teak wood’s value, (and premium price), lies in its elegance and durability. Not only is teak durable, it’s beautiful to see and touch. Its intricate grain patterns and color variations make each piece unique unto itself. There are no other hardwoods that can match the rich luster and soft, warm, silky feel of teak that comes from the rich oil contained in the wood.

Beyond its beauty, it also possesses some natural properties that other woods don't have. All woods contain natural oils that protect the tree. Teak, however, can retain these oils and its rubber composition even after being felled and processed. Because of this, teak has greater naturally weather-resistant properties than just about any other type of wood.

Often grown in sandy areas, the sand is absorbed into the tree over time. The high silica content in teak makes it an ideal wood to use when a slip resistant surface is needed and the natural oil makes the wood resistant to mold and mildew.

When dried to a proper moisture level the oils and rubber weatherproof the wood. The oils also protect the wood from dry rot, which is a common problem in older wooden boats – and furniture. What's more, the oils and rubber protect the heart of the wood from invaders like fungi and parasites that can destroy other woods. Protecting wooden furniture from such intruders requires applications of weatherproof oils and treatments; not so with teak.

THE PERFECT FURNISHINGS FOR YOUR ONBOARD OR COASTAL LIFESTYLE

Teak is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. Exceptionally strong and durable, teak can last for generations in a wide variety of climates with zero maintenance. This is due to the high rubber and oil content of teak wood that leave it impervious to rain, weather, and pests, making it virtually immune to rot. Teak requires no extra finishes or treatments to last for generations.

Teak furniture begins with a warm, golden color, eventually fading to a silvery gray patina as it is left outdoors over time. No matter how old, teak can be cleaned to bring back its golden color.

Some teak wood is better than others, however. One type of teak, called Sapwood doesn't have the same robust properties that teak made from the heart of the tree possesses. Sapwood is named for the outer layer of any tree; the inner layers of the tree are collectively known as the heart. Trees grow outward from the center, so the tree's natural oils are found in more abundance in its heart. This makes teak heart wood more valuable than sapwood, which makes heart teak more expensive. Moreover, a tree has far more sapwood than heart wood, which also accounts for the increased price.

Variations in teak wood color: 

SUSTAINABILITY: ENSURING TEAK FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Teak consumption raises a number of environmental concerns, such as the disappearance of rare old-growth teak. However, its popularity worldwide has led to growth in sustainable plantation teak production throughout the seasonally dry tropics in forestry plantations.  In these plantations, a predetermined number of trees can be felled each year and each tree is replaced with a new one that's planted on the plantation. Careful oversight of planting and harvesting ensures that beautiful teak wood will endure to be enjoyed by future generations.

TEAK MAINTENANCE:

Teak does not require any type of finish to maintain long life or preserve its surface. When left unfinished, teak weathers in the elements to a silver gray color. It can be easily cleaned using a soft brush and some soap and water. Some prefer this look for exterior applications.

To maintain teak’s original rich, golden luster, clean regularly with a damp cloth and apply a high quality Teak Oil. To restore weathered teak to a rich luster, we recommend a three-step process to clean, brighten and preserve the wood:
1) To clean dirty or stained wood use a Teak Cleaner. Avoid chemical cleaners.
2) To bring out the natural wood grain and original wood color treat with a Teak Brightener.
3) Finally, to seal and protect cleaned teak, apply a Teak Oil annually, or more often in harsher environments. 

A CORE ELEMENT AT NAUTICAL LUXURIES

Throughout almost every collection at Nautical Luxuries, you’ll find fine teak wood products. From bath and kitchen accessories, to furniture and decorative accents we invite you to explore all of the beautiful teak items we offer. Sourced from environmentally responsible growers, each teak item is not only a valued addition to your home or yacht, but an enduring investment in your love of boats and living by the sea.

Since Sherwin Williams announced its 2020 Color of the Year, Naval, earlier this year, manufacturers have taken their cue, incorporating this rich, confident color into their lines! A variety of new kitchen and bath products have already been released this year, including appliances, fixtures and other decorative accents; all designed to add a sophisticated nautical vibe to your home. 

Hastings Tile & Bath VOLA Collection features a contemporary faucet design in two finishes aligned with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020: Light Blue and Dark Blue, shown below. The faucet comes in a single-lever, deck-mounted, wall-mounted or electronic hands-free model.

 

Beyond Crystal from THG Paris, collaborated with premier crystal house, Baccarat and designer Remi Tessier to create a contemporary collection of bath fittings and accessories with translucent, rectangular crystal handles in vibrant Baccarat colors. The collection is available in a variety of finishes that coordinate with Naval, with or without the LED option, including Classic Blue, shown here.

 

Masterbrand Cabinets has seen blue kitchen accents making waves in the market with finishes like Maritime, Naval (shown below). This rich color has become an important tool for designers and is a confident choice for homeowners.

 

New Ravenna has presented its handcrafted mosaic designs that coordinate with Naval. One of these designs is Fleet, shown in Lapis Lazuli, Iolite, Absolute White and Moonstone jewel glass, which is part of the Kiddo Collection by Cean Irminger for New Ravenna.

 

The Retro Collection from Big Chill, (shown here in Cobalt), offers details like a stamped metal body, chrome trim and a pivoting handle to add charismatic charm reminiscent of the period that inspired its design. 

We love Naval, as it goes so beautifully with just about everything at Nautical Luxuries! 

DJ

We at Nautical Luxuries always get a special thrill when an amazing new yacht is launched. This extraordinary video from Netherlands-based Royal Huisman, recently featured by Yachts International magazine, gave us our first thrill of the New Year!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT9Sy_v3JD4 

Sea Eagle II, the world's largest aluminum sailing yacht, was videotaped as she was brought out of the build shed for the first time. She'll be fitted with three masts and readied for sea trials before being handed over to her new owner this spring.

The scale of this 266-foot sailing yacht is beyond impressive! Even without her carbon composite rig in place, the beauty of her lines is inspiring!  Can't wait to see her fully rigged and under sail.

A notable new launch in the New Year, to be sure!

DJ

A beach house is all about relaxing and escaping the stress of daily life. Who doesn't want a retreat that offers a restful and renewing environment! Sherman-Williams' newly announced 2020 Color Of The Year, Naval, is a beautiful way to create the perfectly de-stressing coastal retreat you want.

White walls, tiled backsplashes, floors and kitchen cabinets have been popular for a while - especially in coastal homes, but the tide is changing. Bolder, darker paint colors are coming into style, and this new one has a decidedly nautical style!

"The use of color in interior design is changing. It's not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical and emotional well-being."

Designed to help you achieve a sense of calm, Naval lets you say hello to moody, restful tranquility.  It is a rich navy hue that strikes a balance between calm and confident. Aside from being a perfect color for neutral lovers who want to branch out a bit, Naval looks great with almost every color—even black. 

Sherwin-Williams recommends pairing Naval with natural materials, such as warm wood and leather tones, vibrant greenery and woven fiber rugs, to create a calming oasis in your home. We also like the pairing of metallics, warm gold or highly polished nickel, with this deep hue to create a stunningly sophisticated look.

We love this color and agree that it's not only beautifully nautical, but versatile enough to work in any room of your home - with just about any decorating style imaginable.  

One of my favorite memories growing up was enjoying Lowcountry Boils on the back porch of my Grandmother’s Pawley’s Island beach house. Something about the huge pots pouring heaps of steaming shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes onto the newspaper-covered table; the close quarters of everyone crammed into that tiny back porch space; no silverware, no plates, but plenty of fun, laughter and the carefree happiness of summertime at the beach – what a magical time!

Also known as Frogmore Stew, this Southern favorite was created, as the story goes, by a National Guardsman who adapted a family recipe to feed 100 of his fellow soldiers. Named after Frogmore, SC where the Guardsman was from, it later became known as Lowcountry Boil, for the broader, low-lying coastal areas of South Carolina.

Today, you can find as many different variations on the Lowcountry Boil as there are coastal regions around the country. The one I remember from childhood is a combination of shrimp, Kielbasa sausage, corn, and red potatoes. Great for laid-back days at the beach, it is also easy to make for a crowd.

Of course, Lowcountry Boil can be served right on a newspaper-covered table for a uniquely casual beach-style experience, (certainly makes clean-up easier), but we can also recommend a few beautifully designed serving pieces to add just the right coastal touch to your seaside entertaining.

Lowcountry Boil

4 pounds small red potatoes
5 quarts water
1 (3-ounce) bag of crab boil seasoning
4 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
2 pounds kielbasa or hot smoked link sausage, cut into 1½-inch pieces
6 ears of corn, halved
4 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined optional
Cocktail sauce, melted butter, lemon wedges

Add potatoes to large pot, then add 5 quarts water and seasonings. Cover pot and heat to a rolling boil; cook 5 minutes. Add sausage and corn, and return to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Add shrimp to stockpot; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain.
Serve with cocktail sauce, melted butter and lemon wedges.
Serves 12.

Doors, cabinets and drawers are a great place to add a nautical touch to your decor.  Authentically designed marine cleats are not only beautiful, they're also perfectly functional as handles!

The Classic Slim Profile Chrome Plate Cleats come in a range of lengths, can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and offer a clean, contemporary look.  Shown below, is the shorter 4" handle. 

The longer 6"-8" lengths are a great choice for larger kitchen drawers and cabinets. They're also a handy place to hang your dish towels!

For a vintage nautical look, brass is the always a favorite choice. Authentic brass cleats are available in a range of lengths. 

For a truly  elegant, vintage look, the Wood Dowel Bollard Style cleats are the same used on magnificent sailing yachts.

 

For larger doors - how about a pool cabana? - these Nautiluxe Rope Handles feature stainless steel cores for stiffness. They're available in four different marine grade rope colors with either chrome or satin nickel finish. Custom lengths are available.

Whichever style you choose, these authentic cleats and handles were designed for harsh marine conditions, so they'll provide you with beautiful nautical style that endures!

For more ideas on other terrific ways to use boat cleats to decorate your home, try these 15 suggestions: http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/15-cool-ideas-decorate-home-boat-cleats/

It happens every year - the winter weather eases into Spring and, before you know it, it's Summer!  Don't let the season sneak up on you this year. Here are five great tips to get you inspired, and ready for Summer!

1. Be Amazingly Practical
With all the fabulous new outdoor fabrics and non-breakables available now, you can enjoy the same beautiful decor inside and out without the worry of breakage or fading in the summer sun.

Fabulous fabrics and designs on our Luxury Outdoor Pillows are fade and stain resistant - and stunningly beautiful!

             

From sophisticated to uniquely coastal or nautical, our Luxury Melamine Dinnerware sets a beautiful table without the worry of breakage.

   

Durable acrylic glasses come in new shapes and sizes that will beautifully coordinate with your tableware- from casual to elegantly chic!

2. Be Surprisingly New
This summer season, find at least one amazing new coastal/nautical decorative accent to set the tone for a memorable time by the water.

A uniquely coastal outdoor sculpture...      A classically nautical centerpiece...

Showstopping acrylic outdoor accents...

           

3. Be Just A Little Frivolous
Well, everybody needs a little bling now and again - why not add a frivolous touch or two to your summer decor!

4. Have Some Fun
Summertime is all about fun!  Why not indulge a little with a few special touches that say - let's have some fun!  

5. Be Absolutely Unique
A summer to remember starts with unique experiences. Why not create your own, with a few uniquely coastal touches!

 

However you decorate and accessorize for the coming summer season, it'll always be more fun when shared with friends and family. Happy summer!

Who wouldn't like to set a spectacular table for Easter dinner!  Entertaining by the water is special, and has its own casually elegant style. Setting a fabulous Easter table by the sea can be both elegant and simple to do. Here are our favorite tricks.

Flowers - by the bunches! 

Fresh, pastel colored Tulips are a perfect touch, but any spring colored fresh flowers will do. Doesn't have to be a fancy container, either. The trick, is to have a LOT of flowers!  Try two or even three bunches together and gently spread them apart in the vase, for that ample, overflowing natural look.

Chocolate Easter Bunnies - they make everybody smile! 

Inexpensive, easy, and a tasty treat after dinner, give the Easter Bunny a chance!  Place a few unwrapped ones in your favorite little bowls, around the center of the table, and consider placing one on each guest's plate, tied with a pretty pastel bow! They definitely set a festive Easter tone, and a wonderfully fun atmosphere to accompany your meal.

Sprinkle In A Little Bling!

Natural starfish are always a lovely accent to sprinkle around your seaside table.  Why not an easter basket centerpiece, with a few starfish nestled between the colored eggs? Want to take things up a notch? Try a set of our natural Pencil Starfish embellished with sparkling Swarovski crystals. It's just the right touch of bling to create the perfectly elegant seaside Easter table.

Go Retro-Pastel!

Our new Water Splash Enamelware in taupe and sea glass, is the perfect choice for a casual beach Easter table.  Vintage enamelware styling is given a modern look with fresh pastel colors.  The dinnerware and serving pieces are available all in one color, or in a mixture of of the taupe and sea glass as shown here. It's one of our favorite looks for Spring!

Happy Easter!

Spring is on the way, and with it, fresh new possibilities for decorating the beach house.  The trend for 2019 is soft, muted colors that blend in with any decorating style, yet add a subtle breezy beach elegance to the room.

For the Nautical Home, the look is utterly sophisticated, with classic navy, red and white colors, and both traditional accents like nautical rope chains, as well as contemporary styled silhouettes and pinstriping.

Browse through our new Spring 2019 Coastal/Nautical Lamp Collection and find the perfect style for your seaside home, that reflects your passion for the coastal and yachting lifestyle.