Denise,
Is this a poll to see how many closet interior decorators there are here? Can't say I qualify, but I do know what I like in boat interiors.
Many of the classic Herreshoff yacht interiors utilized a varied balance of teak (or mahogany) and white bulkheads trimmed in teak (or mahogony), combined with varnished wood cabinetry. Teak and holly soles were almost universal.
I do like this classic nautical look, but have really fallen for the interior design that we inherited with our current boat. It consists of teak/holly soles, predominately teak bulkheads, teak cabinetry, doors and trim, all finished in a satin-hand rubbed
varnish. All fittings and hardware are of unlacquered bronze - burnished to a soft lustre.
White vinyl headliners with teak battens provide some relief - as well as new custom Sunbrella white curtains on all fixed and operable ports and windows. All cushions and mattresses throughout the boat, and there are a lot of them, are custom upholsterered in a solid Navy Blue fabric, accented by a tiny off-white repeated pattern.
The interior is reminiscent of an all-wood private clubroom or library . . . only thing missing are the leather club
chairs.
Regarding your idea of mixing woods, I have to say that I've never been a big fan of that look. Consistency of wood species and tone, create a sense of uniforminty and cohesiveness. Unless it's done very carefully and tastefully, many of the situations I've seen with a contrasting mix, such as with very light ash and dark teak, come off looking like an afterthought.
A good example of successfully contrasting different woods is with teak & holly soles. The very thin accents of light wood is enough.