▼

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A CASE FOR COBALT

Although blue is my favorite color, I never really thought about using cobalt as an interior color until I saw the gorgeous domed roofs that spotted the landscape on the island of Santorini. The deep, bold blue nearly matched the June sky and became the perfect contrast to the stark white exteriors that kept the homes cool. It's true, cobalt is not for the faint of heart, so I started with a set of cobalt tumblers which I mix with more traditional pieces when I'm looking for a pop of color. I've graduated to a few throw pillows in cobalt and am seriously considering a chic Trina Turk outdoor print for the sunroom. I do love the glossy lacquered walls in cobalt that so many designers are adopting with great success-do you dare to do cobalt?
 Victoria Hagan
Beachy cobalt blue sofas hold their own with a strong striped carpet 
House Beautiful
Moorish details in a blue bathroom
Elle Decor
Aerin Lauder's sons room is sweet and chic
Christina Murphy
White and cobalt, the perfect combination
Miles Redd
Masterful mix of color and texture
House Beautiful
Start small with accessories-I love this cobalt glass collection
Mary McDonald
Cool cobalt and hot pink-chic mix
Miles Redd
One of my favorite rooms. Glossy walls, cherry red doors and a chevron pattern floor-you better be daring!
Amanda Nisbet
Another example of cobalt blue walls done right.  The velvet chairs warm the room up.
I love the juxtaposition of old and new-isn't the Marie Antoinette portrait fabulous?
at

18 comments:

  1. AllieJanuary 19, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    Cobalt blue rocks! Love these images that really show how versatile this color is. Excellent post on such an interesting topic. Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. quintessenceJanuary 19, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    Normally not my favorite shade of blue but you've certainly made a good case! Love the high gloss versions!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stephanie @ La Dolce VitaJanuary 19, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    I love it when I see it but it wouldn't work with the rest of my things. I'll just have to admire it elsewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jalon BurtonJanuary 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    WOW! What a wonderful way to wake up in the morning... big beautiful colorful photos of a rich striking color!!!
    AWESOME - thanks so much for sharing these - I love them all.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    I love the blue in the library and of course anything Victoria Hagan does is perfection. I love seeing interiors that inspire a new take color! Also- here is my email-- allumerdecor@gmail.com (i couldn't find yours and I wanted to thank you again for the Katie Ridder book!!!)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chic ColesJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    This is a great color and I really love when it is used in combination with whites or pinks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. CDSJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:30 AM

    We're all on a blue kick today! BonBon Rose Girls has a cobalt bag, Coco and Kelly a cobalt brunch, and I've got a blue V-Neck tee as part of my thursday threads! I love blue...any hue of it...but cobalt is the yummiest of them all I think. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. Splendid SassJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    All of these images are stunning, Barbara. There is so much richness in cobalt, and I love the way the designers have used it here. I think that Miles Redd is the king of design and I love his rooms of cobalt.
    The bathroom is going into my inspiration file, since that is next on my list.
    Have a lovely Thursday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. I Dream OfJanuary 19, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    Cobalt is such a cheery color. The blues in my home tend toward navy, but I love the brightness of cobalt shades. They make me think of summer. Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Acquired ObjectsJanuary 19, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    While a bit bold for me usually you've made me think twice. These interiors are gorgeous and that blue would work in any region.

    XX
    Debra~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Taylor GreenwaltJanuary 19, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    I love any blue. It looks so pretty mixed with pinks and tangerine. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mary Ann PickettJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    it is a glorious color but I AGREE with you....start small.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The enchanted homeJanuary 20, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    I am with you...love that Miles Redd room and those glossy blue walls, LOVE! And the Christina Murphy room with white and cobalt is also goregous. In the right home, I think cobalt is a beautiful accent color.

    ReplyDelete
  14. La Petite GalleryJanuary 20, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    You joined my follower's and all I had was an e-mail. I went online and here you are. Happy New year.
    yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stacy CUrranJanuary 20, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    I LOVE the lacquered blue walls in a couple of the photos. I love blue in general, and how you highlighted the cobalt in this post. i did a post on blue yesterday and managed to miss almost all of these gorgeous images!
    Stacy

    ReplyDelete
  16. designchicJanuary 20, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    I am a huge fan of cobalt and especially love it in beach decor. Monika from Splendid Willow has a cobalt chest that I am obsessed with!! Hope you have a great weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ispirato DesignJanuary 20, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    You don't have to make a case for cobalt for me! It has always been one of my favorites and not just for beach inspired rooms. As you've demonstrated here, so elegant, sophisticated, dramatic etc. etc.

    ReplyDelete
  18. MeganJanuary 29, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    What a great roundup of cobalt inspirations; I love it in all variations. Thanks for stopping by my blog!!

    ReplyDelete