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?

CASA CHIC

Now that we're back from our winter holiday, I've had a chance to review some of the photos from our trip and I've realized two things: Casa de Campo is an exceptionally beautiful Caribbean resort and I dislike coming home from a fun vacation. Of course we had to come home, at least that's what I repeatedly told my daughter as we both dragged our heels through the sand our last day. While I spent an exceptionally large amount of time at the beach (for someone who claims she doesn't like the sun), I also made sure I made my way around the nearly 15,000 acres of tropical paradise and experienced some incredible island architecture and design. While there were far too many chic casas for me to share, here's a bird's-eye view of a few of my favorites- 

 This estate is simply spectacular-it features a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a private beach.  There are several smaller casitas which surround the main house, perfect for guests. 

I'm smitten with the estate's elegant neutral palette-soft whites and beiges allow the gorgeous ocean to be the star of the show.

Look at the view!

White louvered doors are so light and airy-a modern take on the traditional dark wood thats typical on the island.

Most of the bedrooms have direct ocean access-perfect for a morning swim.

And this impressive estate which features a traditional island thatched roof and a stunning oceanfront location.

An enormous gazebo with several seating areas, perfect for entertaining.

 I love the use of color in this home-sunny terracotta on the gazebo and ocean blue in another outdoor seating area.

The thatched roof brings a rustic island touch to the decor.

Wishing you a wonderful day and a great start to the New Year!

GET THE LOOK-HIGH STYLE FOR A SMALL FOYER

It's such a pleasure to receive comments and feedback from readers. I'm especially happy when someone asks for design advice and I can help.  Here's a recent post-

Dear H.H.,

I saw this photo of a  foyer designed by Steven Shubel in January 2009  House Beautiful and would like to replicate the look at home.  I have a small, dark entryway and thought the light walls and furniture would open up the space-any suggestions? 

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Your inspiration photo is great!  The delicate Louis XVI chair contrasts nicely with the large black and white horse photo and black and white zebra rug. Remember to personalize the space-perhaps there is a black and white photo from a trip that you can blowup and put on canvas or you have inherited a candlestick or family heirloom that holds special meaning for you. I used sources to replicated the pieces in your inspiration room that are readily available via the internet.  Hope this gets you on your way to a beautiful new foyer.       H.H.

Ballard Designs created this reproduction Louis XVI square back chair in a distressed white finish with  chair fabric in Springwood Floral.

A great source for black and white photos is Fine Art America.  This equine picture titled  Sundance by Jim Cazel can be mounted on stretched canvas.

West Elm created this orb ceramic drum table.

This wool zebra shaped rug from Z Gallerie is the finishing touch.