Shades of Blue: The Perfect Summer Colors

Nothing screams summer more than the color blue. When we think of this dominant hue, we tend to associate it with a beautiful clear sky, tropical waters, and anything pure. The color blue also can affect the human psyche; by soothing illness and treating pain and we could all use a little of that...right? All in all, blue is a soothing color, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your summer settings.These aquamarine paint shades can dress up any drab room. They will add just enough interest to your space, and you would be surprised how many different colors complement this hue of summer. Turquoise, just happens to be one of my favorite colors. I have used varieties of the color all throughout my apartment from a robin's egg to spa blue (is what I like to call it). I can't seem to get enough of it and happens to be a design trend of the season. My boyfriend makes fun of me for my obsession with this color. Men just don't get it do they?


 All these varieties of turquoise look amazing with white.Whether it be white furniture, or detail molding it looks awesome. This color can be used in bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a small living space.

To zest up your summer try it with a kick of tangerine-orange and mauve blue. I found myself being so inspired by this West Hollywood apartment it's vibrant, glamorous, and retro. It's a bit eclectic,but the mix works great. The space incorporates a modern palette and variety of pattern from a subtle zebra print to an applique, to a floral and a geometric print. This room features a Serena floor lamp by Oly which screams Hollywood glamour with it's upbeat modern detailing. The mixture of furniture styles is very noticeable as well. A Asian influenced ceramic garden stool was worked into the space from Forgotten Shanghai. Check out Forgotten Shanghai they carry all kinds of unique Asian antiques and accessories. The sofa shown, believe it or not, is from a flee market and upholstered in Yomas Savanna velvet.

collage created by chelsea murray

TIP: Use two pairs of contrasting pillows to avoid the skimpy look of one pillow.
TIP: To modernize your look. Use two different kinds of textures in your pillows.
TIP: If you need to cut corners in cost; buy a vintage or flee market sofa, but splurge on the fabric.

MENTIONS:
Zebra Fabric by Fabricut 2502804
Turquoise vases by Jayson Home & Garden

Turquoise and Tangerine.

The touch of tangerine as seen in this tasteful quilt adds enough color to pump up this subdued color scheme. A darker shade of turquoise is used in the lamp and truly acts as an accent against the soft turquoise color of the wall. This room is well balanced and unique in my opinion.This is one of my many favorite Jan Showers lamps. She manufacturers a wide variety of these distinctly tasteful decorative lamps. They come in different shapes, and colors. So if turquoise is not your thing, don't worry there are a lot more. These lamps are truly a work of art, they add so much character and refinement to an interior space while providing just enough splash of color to make a space distinctive and exciting. Check them out at janshowers.com!

MENTIONS:
Orange and white fabric is by Quadrille.
Chair by Wisteria
Lamp by Jan Showers
Paint is Olympic Aqua Chippon A58-3


Believe it or not, I was able to find last year's 2009 House Beautiful cover that inspired me to paint my next room in one of these aquamarine hues. I love the strong contrast of the bright turquoise color against the white trim detail. It's so bold and refreshing.

House Beautiful, August 2009

Here was my take on this summer satisfying hue:

My Bedroom 2009

Features  Serena & Lily bedding.


Don't be afraid of mixing bold colors with Aqua:

I was enamored with the featured bedroom of Olatz Schnabel in this month's issue of  House Beautiful. I love this unique collaboration of colors. All the colors complement one another so nicely, the purple and red are so dominant against the aqua.  This room is very bold and powerful, yet it is fun at the same time. I love the Julian Schnabel palm tree artwork it is so fascinating.

Now for some entertainment! Here is an idea for your summer outdoor entertaining. A Grecian Escape.

collage created by chelsea murray

For summer entertaining I discovered these great Lucite tumblers They also have matching steamed glasses, as well. They are non breakable and dishwasher safe. I bought a set for my parents for our lake house and they are great for enjoying a drink on the dock and for taking on the boat cause we don't have to worry about them breaking. The best thing about them is they look like real glass with their decorative detailing. These are unlike any other Lucite glasses I have seen. They come in more colors check them out at http://lecadeaux.com/products.php?cid=148&sid=64! The monogrammed plate featured is one of laplates.com customizable monogrammed plates. Choose your pattern for your background and your monogram style and order. They are great for outdoor dining! The reed rope carafe is perfect for a dinner party and adds a textural note to your tablescape. It's made from recycled glass as well find it at conranusa.com

TIP: I feel it is necessary to set your table with a combination of colored and clear glasses, steamed and glasses with no steam. However you want to do it, it's up to you.

WHY: It adds color and different levels to your table setting, which in itself adds visual interest.

MENTIONS:

Pillow by Trina Turk residential (she is one of my FAVS)

Lucite Tumbler LeCadeaux

Monogrammed Plate LaPlates

Outdoor Furniture set by Pottery Barn

Recipe provided by Martha Stewart

Check out the recipe for Hibiscus Cosmopolitians at http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/hibiscus-iced-tea

interior pictures provided by House Beautiful