Take Rooms on a Tropical Trip With Turquoise and Yellow
Flee winter's doldrums with a virtual island paradise at home, courtesy of sea-drenched and sunshiny colors
I don't know about your area, but in mine, the weather has a serious case of the blahs. It can't be a coincidence that I keep seeing online ads for getaways to the Caribbean, and I have to say, they're tempting in the midst of these gray, rainy days.
But for most of us, an extended vacation to the islands probably isn't in the cards. The next best thing: Fake it with sunny yellows and blues that evoke the sun, startlingly blue waters and flawless skies. Blue and yellow is always a fail-safe combo, but these spaces give it a tropical twist.
But for most of us, an extended vacation to the islands probably isn't in the cards. The next best thing: Fake it with sunny yellows and blues that evoke the sun, startlingly blue waters and flawless skies. Blue and yellow is always a fail-safe combo, but these spaces give it a tropical twist.
The throw pillow on the bed says it all. With bright, lemony yellows and walls the color of the morning sky, this space radiates sunshine and good cheer even on the darkest of days. Painting the ceiling a paler shade of yellow would warm it even more.
This room is traditional at heart. But look closer and you'll spot sultry hints of the tropics peeking through, from the botanical-print cushions on the upholstered bench to the summery palette. Red notes add a little heat and spice.
Oversize yellow gingham and two shades of turquoise — think of the water gradually darkening as it deepens — brighten this cottage-style breakfast area.
Cue Sebastian the crab singing "Under the Sea." Blue walls give this space the sense of being on the ocean floor, with aqua and yellow notes just like the shallows and sunshine above.
These lacquered turquoise doors and shelves simply glow, and the luminous yellow chairs appear to float against them.
Painting this recessed desk area pale blue is a brilliant touch. It feels just like a little window looking out toward a sunny sky. I'd put a big, leafy tropical plant nearby to give it the feel of a little island pied-à-terre.
You don't have to drench a whole space in blue and yellow to create a warm-weather effect. This one does the job with a few well-placed accents: blue upholstery, a yellow-painted chest, showy artwork.
The bath here uses natural light to beautiful effect. Streaming through the skylights, it heightens the intensity of the golden yellow tile and turquoise cupboard even on cloudy days.
Tell us: Do you use color to warm your house in winter?
Tell us: Do you use color to warm your house in winter?