Coastal Decorating Trend: Nautical Anchors and Rope Patterns

I am still sorting through photos and catalogs from the Las Vegas Market.  So of course, I have one more trend to show you - anchors, more anchors and nautical rope patterns in every kind of home decorating product for spring and summer.  

Here are a few of the items that I managed to snap pics of -

1st on the list: Fun area rugs with details of  rope and anchor twists in all kinds of colors!  

(will be available after May 2014)

Luxury down-filled oversized pillows in classic nautical patterns and colors! Another discovery of fabulous Made in America product - will be available on our website within the next week.

Embroidered Pillows - love to mix and match some "nautical" themes with seashells and sealife!  

(P.S. All of these can be found on our website)

We found some really interesting art pieces - love these carved nautical and sealife panels!  (The rattan lighting is pretty awesome too.)

We saw a lot of  different "rope" lamps - I am excited about all of the different styles that are coming on the market.  From beach cottage looks to more coastal sophistication.   This "monkey fist" knot lamp was one of the cute (affordable) beach cottage styles that we spotted!

Thought these thick rope handled clear Lucite trays were really awesome.  Would make a great gift for a boater!  (hoping to have these available for our customers this spring)

This set of navy blue and white vases is just one example of the different kinds of nautical home accents that we discovered. What do you think of the propeller?  I am not sure what I think.... but I do like the anchor and the ship's wheel.

So crazy about these new anchor barware glasses!  

I am very encouraged, as this nautical trend only seems to grow,  and more interesting rugs, lamps and home accents become available for our customers.   There is just more options to fit every budget, lifestyle and decorating style.

Make sure to check out our "Nautical Decorating" category for more ideas like these! 

Nautical Luxury from Kevin O'Brien Studio

Kevin O'Brien Studio is a textile design company based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I discovered their original nautical linen pillows in one of the many trade magazines that we use religiously to find new product.  (it's not as easy as you think!) We fell in love!  First with the linen luxury, then the completely original hand-printed designs,   and then the story of their company....

Taking original artwork designed by their creative director (O'Brien), the studio artisans turn it into amazing, colorful products which are made by hand.

O'Brien began the company in a barn in 1990, painting artwork directly onto silk scarves.  Eventually he started hand painting yardage of silk velvet and sewing it into stunning throw pillows, the textile product collection that KOBS is most well-known for.

"The way I remember it there was this huge loft in the oldest part of Philadelphia.  It was filled with the most splendid shimmering fabrics hanging everywhere.. from the ceiling drying, against the walls being painted, even from the fire escape.  That was in 1997"  Studio Manager,  Angela Romano-Vosburgh

Can you imagine??  I would have been in heaven among all of that incredibly beautiful fabric!

When I am searching for coastal living  home decor products for our online store,  I believe it is important to find companies that have a vision for the future  - one that includes fair trade and sustainable practices.  Kevin O'Brien Studio is one of those companies that we believe in.   They are creating elegant linen coastal themed pillows from skilled artisans - providing jobs, education opportunities, and a chance for a real future.

One of their first venture overseas included a trip to Nepal, where they have established a partnership with 35 local artisans.  In Kevin's words - 

"This beautiful country has a lot more to offer than tall mountains. Squeezed between the world’s two most populous and productive countries (China and India), the skills of the Nepalese are often forgotten. Even more valuable is their patience, beautiful attitude towards life, and eagerness for opportunity. We have tried to provide that opportunity to a group of 35 people who work as a collective, doing hand-weaving and hand-embroidery. 


This is how our linen and merino wool products are made for our pillows and bedding. When the opportunity came to learn screen printing, it was the sari-clad women who jumped at the chance to learn something new. We have built a small screen printing shop at the compound, and it is now their responsibility to print all of the fabrics which are then embroidered by the men and women."

Just see what they've created!   A whole line of unique, nautical themed large luxury linen pillows.  Hand screen-printed designs on elegant linen pillows, all with zippers and soft feather-down filled.   Can't decide which ones I need.... want... crave....

(A selection of these pillows can be found online at Caron's Beach House)

P.S.  We do have a FREE shipping promotion going on right now too!   "MyIsland" is our secret code!