Erika Johnson: Styling with Sailing Rope

Covered bridges, clambakes and sailing races are as synonymous with New England as the Kennedys are with political fame. From the surf-lapped beaches of Cape Cod to the historic lighthouses of Maine, the charm of New England is nothing short of enchanting.

Photo courtesy of Life magazine

Looking to the tides as one’s design muse is a sure way of inviting that enchantment into the home.

And there are few more whimsical ways than to draw inspiration from a timeless symbol of the sea: sailing rope.

I love the raw elegance of the Pottery Barn Griffin chandelier.  It showcases an interesting dichotomy of rustic and refined.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

While on the topic of interesting lighting fixtures, this hanging rope by Atelier 688 blows my mind. I love the organic, undone feel of the rope.

Photo courtesy of Atelier 688

This Ralph Lauren Lautrec silver rope frame, inspired by the nautical square knot, is the perfect item for those who want just a little rope in their design scheme.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

This Jonathan Adler rope wallpaper is a quirky and colorful way to add our favorite symbol of the sea into any design concept. I would love to have this paper in an entry way.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

And who doesn’t love the timeless and utilitarian rope banister? I especially love the casual feel of the rope in this space, featured on Design Sponge.

Photo courtesy of Design Sponge

Finally… my affair with rope extends far beyond sailboats and interiors. This gold reminder ring by White Fly makes my heart flutter. Does it make yours, too?

Photo courtesy of Etsy

–Erika Johnson
Erika Johnson is the editor of the lifestyle blog Radiant Republic, where explorations of interior design, style, and unique discoveries are shared. A product of (almost) equal parts south, east and west coasts, she has a perpetual curiosity about how the allure of one’s surroundings translates into raw style. She resides in a charming seaside New England town, but remains a city girl to the core.