I agree with making it more noticeable since its such a nice nautical design.

If you mist one side then take watercolor paint and with a damp cloth darken one side so it blends back into the natural wood tone it would be subtle but there a bit more powerfully without being corny. By pre-wetting the wood you can get a nice subtle blend in to darkness towards the pattern.

unfortunately it should be done before gluing them together but you could mask it an do it too.