Bringing Boathouse Style to Your Abode

When warm sunny days mingle with cool lake breezes, Seattleites hit the water in search of adventure and fun. A team of rowers gliding through the Montlake Cut brings to mind the classic style of the collegiate boathouse. Built in 2005 by Miller Hull Architects, the Conibear Shellhouse (huskycrew.com/shellhouse) at the University of Washington is an architectural gem and headquarters for the Husky crew team. Vintage nostalgia meets modern drama in the dining hall, where the Husky Clipper, the wooden shell that Washington rowed to a gold medal at the 1936 Olympics, hangs from the ceiling, framed by dramatic steel and glass walls and stunning lake views. This summer, why not bring some crewhouse-chic into your abode?

Boating-inspired basics include simple throw pillows from the Nautica Bedding Collection (Bed, Bath & Beyond; multiple locations; 206.448.7905; bedbathandbeyond.com) cast upon comfy Guy Chaddock club chairs, featuring nailhead-trim, that are paired with a traditional accent table from Baker’s Milling Road Collection (Masins; Seattle and Bellevue locations; 425.450.9999; masins.com). Next come the nautical touches, such as an antique wooden box with brass fittings from Antique Liquidators (503 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle; 206.623.2740; antiqueliquidators.com), and fabulous lakeshore décor, from hand-painted lampshades and fine paintings to decoys, oars and other attractive aquatic accessories, from Mort’s Cabin (2241 Eastlake Ave. E, Seattle; 206.323.6678; mortscabin.com). Finally, Boyd’s Clocks (14150 NE 20th St., Bellevue; 425.451.8788; boydsofbellevuewa.com) carries Chelsea’s limited-edition Mariner clock, an exact reproduction of the company’s iconic 1911 yacht wheel design, that will make a perfect focal point for any nautical arrangement.

John Stevens (john@stevenswilliams.com) specializes in classic interior design.

Products pictured: Decoy and life-ring from Mort’s Cabin, pillow from Bed, Bath & Beyond and wooden box from Antique Liquidators. Chelsea’s Mariner clock from Boyd’s of Bellevue.