Perhaps you have noticed I love the color aqua. Maybe my header tipped you off, maybe because I have mentioned it and shown a glimpse here and there of it in my house or work. Recently, I have used it in two very different projects. I think it reads as a neutral. Seriously. Try to think of a single color that does not look good paired with aqua? I mean
without letting your possible dislike of this color or a possible paired color influence you. For example: yellow. In my adulthood, I haven't particulary cared for yellow. But, pair it with pale aqua or grey and suddenly I have a whole new appreciation...and love!
Image courtesy of Lene via The Essence Of The Good Life
The use of this color has deep historical roots that goes back centuries. The Victorian's loved it and proudly used it in their formal front parlor's. The Swedes love the lighter shades, especially combined with whites, creams and grays. It gained popularity again in the 40's. Modern design often incorporates bright, sometimes electric pops. I especially love aqua for it's versatility. It looks good used in interiors from coastal to classical.
Martha Stewart from 1998
Two of my favorite designers, Suzanne Kasler and VicenteWolf, use it in the most beautiful ways:
SK
SK
SK
VW
VW
VW
Erin of
House of Turquoise had the brilliant idea to create a blog specifically to talk about her love of this color and all of it's close cousins. I visit her blog often to share
my love and get my fix!
unknown-I've had this image forever
Decor-Spring 2010
Decor-Spring 2010
Decor-Spring 2010
And, yesterday while trying to catch up on some of my favorite reads I came across something great at Jenny's who writes
MFAMB. She
is currently contemplating painting these dining chairs black. I was distraught....freaking out....ok, if you read the comments...begging her to leave them pale aqua. I like the fact, they are neither black or white....but unique and cool like Jenny (yes, dear readers, if begging doesn't work...a little flattery is not beneath me as long as it is rooted in truth). She selected a fabulous suzani fabric for their seats and just had them recovered.
Get ready to swoon:
So, with permission to use these photos and have a little fun, Jenny has agreed graciously, to let readers beg, convince...
oops!...I mean weigh in with their
most honest opinion on the fate of the chairs' color. And, if you have an idea besides pale aqua or black, please let us know....just in case...one of us is wrong!
Posts
I'm so glad she kept the chairs aqua -- they look fantastic! It's perfect with the fabric as it picks up on the aqua accents in the print.
ReplyDeleteAnd you KNOW how much I love aqua and turquoise. Totally agree that it's a neutral.
Such beautiful images to showcase this lovely color!!! And yes, Jenny better not paint those gorgeous chairs!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the link-love and kind words!
BRILLIANT call, I would have HATED to see the color changed! And it looks absolutely lovely with the new suzani fabric. I am re-doing my master bedroom and was planning to use turquoise in some form as I have a dresser in a blue-ish turquoise that I just love. Several of these images have gone straight to my decorating file, so THANK YOU so much for the inspiration. It really CAN be neutral, depending on the depth of the hue. A LOT of food for thought, here! xx P&H PS: I am going to check out some of the blogging neighbors that you have mentioned here : )
ReplyDeleteAhhh, yes aqua. I hope Jenny decides to keep the chairs the aqua color. I recently painted a set of six dining chairs this color. My builder saw them and wanted to purchase them for his wife's dining table---but he wanted to strip them and refinish in a dark stain. I told him I will find him some other dining chairs!!! See my aqua chairs here: http://sparky-youngbloodstudios.blogspot.com/2010/04/project-complete-whew.html
ReplyDeleteI love aqua, too. Lots of it in my house ranging from barely there to the color of aquafresh gel toothpaste!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I weighed in on this issue over at MFAMB, so I'm glad to have the chance here....
ReplyDeletekeep 'em like they are, babe....these chairs sing in the color they are now....
Love the pretty color and I love all of the pictures. Every room is stunning. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteLove them in aqua!
ReplyDeleteI like the aqua but another idea would be a pinkish red that is in the suzani. I depends on where the chair is going.
ReplyDeleteremembering my grandmothers intense aqua and black tiled bath, i grew up really disliking turquoise.
ReplyDeletenow, it is a favorite which scares me.........will it become the burgundy and forest green of old?
jenny had better not touch those chairs, they are perfect!!!!
debra
I am a blue-eyed blonde who has been in love with turquoise all my life. No one looks bad when turquoise is around. This is a way cool post. xx's
ReplyDeleteI have been an aqua/turquoise fan for as long as I can remember; my home and wardrobe sure reflect it.
ReplyDeleteI love that first photo's wallpaper!
Here's to aqua!!
I am with you on the aqua color --- it is what is painted on my bedroom ceiling (very pale) and is an accent color in a room filled with creams, taupes and chocolate brown. It gives it a little light. I find is soooo soothing!
ReplyDeleteMmm-I LOVE this color, our bedroom is a pale aqua with all white linens and dark wood furniture, our guest room is aqua and cream, our powder room is teal...hmm, perhaps we should start a club? Aqua Addicts Anonymus??
ReplyDeleteSo of course my vote goes to keep the chairs aqua. She could paint them a darker teal if she wanted a little more contrast, otherwise it's perfection!
*Amy
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThis made me laugh...you may be on to something!
~Rebecca
love this post & esp the historical bit
ReplyDeletethe chairs are gorgeous!!
xo
One small change can be so uplifting. I would love to see them painted in a fresh high gloss chartreuse or a pretty navy blue. They are already pretty lovely the way they are ---but I can appreciate a change.
ReplyDeletepve
Gorgeous images and I love Jenny's chairs as they are too...xv
ReplyDeleteOh you dear sweet soul.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments. May you always be charmingly blessed.
I hope you'll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a darling French tote.
I too love Erin's blog, and Jenny's chairs...and all these images as well! That mirror in the first image is hanging in our powder room here, how fun to see it in another setting!
ReplyDeleteJenny,
ReplyDeleteThe aqua seems to be getting a lot of support for your dining chairs...but I do like the ideas PVE suggested! Keep us posted...
~Rebecca
Why oh Why would she even think to paint them any other color, they are wonderful and so is the fabric. I would rather see her change the fabric if she feels she needs a change than to paint them. I think you made the perfect call. Keep them this wonderful soft turqouise!!!
ReplyDeleteThe fourth image is so absolutely perfect. I want to spend all day there flipping through design magazines and soaking in the inspiration. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thank you for the pleasant comment on my guest post at The Shiny Pebble. I love finding new blogs (well, new to me...).