Maybe it’s the cold winter weather making me dream of sun-drenched beaches and azure waves, but aqua is on my mind. And apparently, many others are thinking of it too! Aqua and turquoise are among the hottest colours this season – popping up in homes everywhere. For those who think it’s a crazy colour for home decor, think again. Aqua is being used in even the most traditional homes with great results. Here are some thoughts and tips for using AQUA:

1. Neutralize it. If you’re thinking aqua walls, too bright or too pastel shades may be inappropriate – especially for a main living area. This season’s pastels are ‘grayed’ or ‘beiged’ – a little dusty and a little more subtle.

2. Unless…it’s a bathroom! Powder rooms and bathrooms look great in vivid aqua. Sparkling white fixtures and shiny chrome make aqua look so fresh and fun. For a classic look, choose black and white floor tiles.

Tip – Do you know that you can buy vintage aqua bathroom fixtures from the 1970s? This would be gorgeous with black, white or gray accents.

3. Speaking of accents…What colours coordinate with aqua? Complementary colours on the opposite of the colour wheel work well — these are oranges and red, including scarlet, raspberry and burgundy.

Colours on the same side of the wheel are royal blue, emerald green and minty greens. These create a much softer, blended effect. One of my favourite choices is navy with aqua. Navy always adds a classic, sophisticated touch.

4. Neutrals with aqua. All neutrals work well with aqua…gray, white, beige and black. It depends on the look you want to achieve. Gray and beige with aqua are more conservative, white is very feminine, black very dramatic and modern. One popular choice is tan with aqua. It creates a beachy, cottage feeling.  Some nautical and seashore touches and you have the perfect oasis right in your home.

5. Which wood for your furniture? Again, aqua is versatile. White wood is pretty with aqua, maybe for a child’s room. Darker woods add richness, giving depth to aqua walls or accessories. Light wood is more casual and laid back. Wickers and bamboos work well too.

6. Accessories. Thanks to the trendiness of aqua right now, accessories abound. There’s no shortage of linens, kitchen accessories, place mats, throws, cushions – whatever you want. Accessories are an inexpensive way to add aqua without a big commitment.

Tip – Aqua glass is simply stunning. Vases, bowls, pitchers – they look great in a grouping! Put them on a sunny window sill; add lime green and raspberry glass too.

7. Aqua upholstery. Why not? Consider a gorgeous aqua sofa or side chair. Combine it with more rugged choices like brown leather pieces or durable twills for contrast.

8. Really? You’d use aqua there? Yes! The unexpected is ideal for this fun-loving colour. A cast iron bed painted aqua. An old rocking chair in soft turquoise. Aqua Muskoka chairs (out of this world pretty!) How about a bright aqua front door? Even one spectacular piece of aqua furniture in your hallway.

Tip – Try painting the inside of white bookcases or open cupboards in vivid aqua. Bye bye boring!

9. Aqua ceiling. Soft aqua on your ceiling, framed in white trim, is like having a blue sky above you all the time. Keep it light and soft.

10. Wall of beach pictures. Create a gallery of beach pictures and photos. The aqua in the water unifies the theme. Keep the frames all one colour to unify the look further.

Tags: decor, trends