Coastal Grandmacore: How to source and style

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is not just a pink-sand beach destination, but also a haven for unique shopping experiences. The island is home to a number of exceptional artists and antique outlets and their stories are inspiring. Many English and Irish imports in this former British colony are available at very low prices. These include Waterford crystal, jewellery and time pieces that can be found in the craft markets and small shops located inside historic cottages. When shopping for secondhand home decor items, were you drawn to styles your grandmother liked when you were a kid? If the answer is yes, then you might be the perfect candidate for the coastal grandma core aesthetic!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

But first it is important to understand what grandma-core officially means before heading to an antique store to shop. Grandma core describes an aesthetic inspired by home decor and fashions of a traditional grandmother.

Cozy, nostalgic, whimsical for simpler times, the coastal grandma style gives a feeling of returning to your roots, and all about laid-back elegance.

Whether you are heading out on your own or joining a shore excursion, here is a guide that will give you an inside look on how exactly to style your space with trendy and timeless coastal grandma aesthetic from a Bermuda cruise experience, and where to buy them.

Shipwreck Coins

Tales of shipwrecks and sunken treasures are rife in the history of Bermuda, and there are some shops that offer genuine coins recovered from these wrecks.They often come mounted in jewellery or sold as collector items.

Owning a piece of Bermuda’s maritime history is a unique and intriguing buy, which not only offers a tangible reminder of your visit and supports local artisans, it immerses your home with the cultural traditions of this stunning island.

Antiques

Antiques are a staple of Bermuda shopping and there are a large number of items that reflect the island’s nautical heritage such as model ships, captain’s bells, apart from old furniture and engravings.

The best thing is you need not take any large item home aboard your cruise ship as shops will readily arrange to ship them directly to your home for a fee.

Where to source your maritime antiques

Bermuda Craft Market

The Bermuda Craft Market is located in the heart of the Royal Naval Dockyard and is the island’s largest showcase of locally sourced arts and crafts including antiques.

Housed inside the historic Cooperage Building, this vibrant mini-market has to be on the top of the list of any visitor seeking an authentic and one-of-a-kind shopping experience for souvenirs and gifts.

From ocean-inspired art to whimsical ceramics, every item tells a story of the island’s tradition and the pride the artists take in their creations. Not only are they friendly and passionate locals, they are more than happy to share their process and inspiration with you.

Carole Holding Studio

Nestled in the Clocktower Mall in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Carole Holding Studio attracts visitors with their authentic collection of Bermudan art and culture.

Beyond art, the studio offers sea-inspired treasures, pirate models and handcrafted jewellery. Run by a third generation hotelier, the atmosphere inside is welcoming and ideal for those who want to take back a piece of the island’s maritime history back home.

Grandma core decor aesthetic isn’t about buying brand new items and decoration-it is about making do with what you have and shopping secondhand with intention. With these tips you will be easily able to transform and style your space with coastal grandma core decor.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)