Did you pack your Breton stripes?There’s something magical about an orchestra of clanging masts, the smell of a salt air breeze and the view of an aged wharf on the ocean blue. This is Chester at its finest and this week this tony South Shore town will host the world’s biggest keel boat race.
The image of windblown sailors coming off the water after a day of racing, their bobbing yachts dotting the coastline, instantly brings to mind a Polo ad campaign. Although I have never raced in Chester Race Week (I’m more of a casual sailor – terribly adept at hanging over the rail and pouring dark and stormys) this is nautical at its best and is probably where I am most inspired for interiors.
I love the seaside simplicity of whitewashed walls, ruff hewn barn boards, whimsical folk art, a stone fireplace, an overstuffed white Montauk sofa, crisp white table linens and a fresh cut wildflower bouquet. This, to me, is perfect casual, nautical style.
So here's to white canvas slipcovers, glass votives, sisal rugs, colourful spinnakers, and French stripes, to get inspired to create your seaside retreat, at home.
For some real inspiration, visit Chester design gurus, Ken and Colin at 31 Westgate (41 Queen Steet) and Deb Nelson at Deb Nelson Design or… enjoy the scenery from a red Adirondack at the Chester Yacht Club. Ahoy!
