Guest Blogger: Recreating Cruise Vacation Memories in your Interiors

Guest Blog #137, Entry #606, August 2, 2011

For those of you that have been on a cruise, you know the relaxing and luxurious feel of serenity that you feel when you are on vacation. From the sumptuous interiors, and relaxing areas to do absolutely nothing, to the finely detailed interiors and furniture, the experience is unforgettable.

Bring your cruise memories back to your home 

How about trying to recreate your cruise vacation memories in your home? There is nothing better than being inspired each day when you’re on vacation. Recreate this same feeling daily in your home. My Guest Blogger gives tips for transforming your home to reminisce on your vacation memories.

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Going on a Cruise is an enjoyable experience to some people, but for others it can become a way of life. Stopping off in stunning destinations all over the world, meeting lots of new people and sailing the seas on board luxury ships is something that an increasing number of people are attempting to recreate in their home environment. Cast your mind back to the memories of being on the deck of the ship, taking in the sunshine & scenery whilst experiencing the feeling of pure bliss. Now, using this guide, you can attempt to recreate that feeling and those memories in the comfort of your own home!

Exterior

One of the most therapeutic parts of cruising is relaxing on the ship’s deck whilst your vessel is cutting through the seas in blistering sunshine. So why not recreate that feeling in your own backyard? Simply installing aluminum decking outside your back door can have a huge effect. Available in many different designs and colors, it can give a real sense of tranquil calm. Also, when paired with aluminum railings, the desired effect is further increased. During summer sunshine you will feel as though you are once again on board a cruise ship, relaxing on a lounger, taking in the sounds of your favorite music! Aluminum decking and railings are also ideal for low-maintenance purposes. Waterproof and very well constructed, you will not need to be worried about potential downpours causing warped floors etc.

Make your porch deck resemble the cruise deck for relaxing

Home Decor

If you are a frequent cruiser, then the chances are you already have a rough idea on designs and furniture selections for creating a cruise related theme at home. A common mistake some people make is implementing too much, too soon. This can be overpowering and disrupt the overall mood. You could start by replacing older pieces of furniture, with alternatives such as leather winged chairs, which are popular in cruise ship lounges. Starting out small and slowly integrating the theme is ideal for saving money and making more conscious choices. A good tip is to take photos of things you like while on board your favorite ship and also taking into consideration room dimensions. Remember that you don’t have to totally copy the designs you see on board, which can sometimes be too ostentatious for a family front room. Toned-down versions can have the same effect, without being too overwhelming.

Bring leather furniture into your interiors for lounging areas

Living Rooms

Creating a cruise ship theme in your living room can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be. Use your imagination and try different things, but as mentioned before, don’t attempt too much, too soon. Plush carpets in caramel and honey tones are a common fixture on board luxury ships. Combining these tones with walls painted in nude colors can be very effective, without appearing over the top. Furniture choices are generally dependent on your tastes. However, try to ensure that you subtly mix vintage pieces with the more modern contemporaries, creating a traditional feel. Most modern day cruise ships keep furniture selections simple and at a minimal, while still exuding an air of sophistication. The ambiance of your living room can also be determined by the correct lighting choices. Using lighting with dimmers helps to create the mellow mood of ship lounges and restaurants. For the more vibrant and summery feel, experiment with brighter colors for walls and carpets, such as ocean-resembling blues. Also, why not look into implementing murals and other pieces of art that coincide with your desired themes?

Your living room can keep the same luxury aesthetics

Bedrooms

Adding a few subtle touches to your bedroom can go a long way to creating the feel of a sumptuous cruise ship cabin. The best color schemes to use are white and jade green, evoking the deep green tones of the ocean. Alternatively, blue is a common choice, resembling bright skies and vibrant days on board your ship. Colors and designs of your bed sheets and duvet covers are also important.

Make your bedroom as relaxing as your cabin

Try combining vertically striped bed sheet designs with silk cut duvet covers to create a very warm, elegant feel. Again, search for artwork that compliments the mood without taking over the whole room, as well as any other small pieces of furniture or ornaments that you favor. Decorated sea shells are another easy thing to display on window sills or bed side tables. Draped cabanas hanging on your bedroom windows, pleasantly flowing with a breeze, also helps add to the laid-back atmosphere.

This guest post was provided by Chris Stevens at www.LoveCruise.co.uk

For more vacation inspiration on Stagetecture, click here.