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From Sea to Sky Tranquil yet invigorating, modern yet retro – turquoise is the shade of a new decade  Eternal optimist: Liven up any room with turquoise-accented textiles, like patterned curtains or embroidered blankets. Image courtesy of Anthropologie Both calming and rejuvenating, the many shades and tones of turquoise are the new faces of a new year. In fact, international color authority, Pantone, Inc., Carlstadt, N.J., recently named turquoise the color of the year for 2010. “After a recessionary year that left many with a feeling of gloom and doom, a color that restores zest and motivation was needed,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of fashion, home and interiors at Pantone. “In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth inspired by water and sky.” Beautiful and eye-catching as an accent or bold as an allover tone, turquoise can make a stunning addition to any home. If figuring out a way to incorporate a shade has you feeling anxious, take baby steps. “Turquoise is an incredibly flexible color, finding easy company with a wide range of hues,” says Erika Woelfel, director of color at BEHR Paints. “Try small doses of it at first, to see if it is compatible with your taste and senses.” Seattle-based interior designer Sara Eizen, owner of Nest Seattle, suggests trying the shade on an unexpected surface. “In a room, you may have four walls, but you have six surfaces,” she says, including ceiling and floor. A hesitant decorator might paint just the ceiling or try a turquoise rug. Be sure to consider which shade works best with your personal aesthetic. Turquoise is versatile, and each hue creates a different mood within the home. “Grayed versions of turquoise lend a historic, sophisticated feel to rooms. Brighter [shades] have more energy and are great for places where people might entertain,” Woelfel says. “A soft, bird’s egg blue is wonderfully relaxing for a bedroom. A strong, vibrant, lagoon blue gives a tropical vibe to sitting rooms or kitchens.” If you decide to paint an entire room in your preferred shade, remember to balance bold color on the walls with subtle touches, like wooden furniture or a neutral-colored sofa or rug, Eizen says. Don’t feel as if grays and creams are your only options, however. “Cool turquoise and aqua are at their best when combined with warm, rich colors like olive, ochre, amber and coral,” Woelfel says. For a sense of whimsy, Pressman suggests pairing it with bright cobalts, spring greens or lemon yellows. Of course, paint is just one way to bring the blue hue into a home. Accent pieces can add a surprising, sophisticated pop of color to most spaces. “Think of using turquoise as an easy way to dramatize any décor,” Pressman says. The kitchen is a great room to accessorize. “Look for countertop appliances such as toasters, coffee makers and blenders as well as dinnerware and glassware to help a kitchen or dining area come alive,” Pressman says. In the living room, add throw pillows, lampshades or a vase. When incorporating this elemental color into a home, the sky truly is the limit. Let creativity be your guide as this striking blue transports you to a soothing tropical paradise. |
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