Turquoise is a Neutral

Sean Scherer

I know that for a lot of people, color can be a scary thing. Hours can be spent agonizing over a bold color choice for walls or upholstery (or even just a throw pillow): "Will this color work with the other colors in the room?" "What other colors could this work for in the future?" "Am I limiting myself to only working within a narrow range of colors and/or styles?" That sort of thing.

If you happen to fall into this color-cautious camp, then please allow me to make a suggestion: go with turquoise. Whether in accessories to give an otherwise neutral space some pop or as the dominant color in a space, turquoise (or turq-WAZ as Alison would say) is a surprisingly versatile color and should under no circumstances be relegated to the kids' room. In fact, I'd venture so far as to declare turquoise a neutral; it can work with just about any other color and in any style of decor.

Kim Coleman

Here, I love how the turquoise really plays off an otherwise black and white space to give it some serious sophistication (and a dose of fun). The bright turquoise border just under the crown molding and above the base boards is a brilliant (and easy) way to put some bold color on your walls without the commitment. This would also add some faux-architectural interest to an otherwise boxy room.

Christina Rottman

What's interesting about this turquoise kitchen is that it's the only colorful room in a very neutral (albeit lovely) house. I remember Rottman discussing in the accompanying article that she chose the kitchen for her bold color statement because it opened on to several rooms so the color could spill into the rest of the house.

Jamie Drake

Here again turquoise is used as an accent color, but this time in a very colorful room. I love the asymmetric placement of the art on just one side of the window, which balances off the small table and accent chair anchoring the opposite end of the long MCM sofa.

Ruthie Sommers

The pops of turquoise add some visual noise to an otherwise quiet palette in this sitting room designed by Ruthie Sommers. I particularly love the pale lavender walls that cast such a lovely glow on all the white furniture.

Ashley Whittaker

Admittedly Whittaker uses a softer version of turquoise in this dining room, but this is a quieter, more traditional take on the color that may be more palatable to folks looking for a more subtle statement.

Massucco Warner Miller Designs

I love the high contrast between the turquoise ocean prints on the wall and the bright orange curtains and pillow. The turquoise/orange combination is a very of the moment take on a traditional red and blue. This room is also a great example of how a neutral base can be easily punched up with colorful accessories (that could just as easily be switched out in a few years if your color tastes are running in a different direction).

Rob Southern

This library was just about the only room I liked in the feature on this Houston home in a recent issue of House Beautiful (black vinyl walls, oh my!). That said, that deep turquoise (or peacock blue) paired with that gorgeous ikat print and stunning Persian rug make my heart skip a beat.

Jodi Macklin

While turquoise does indeed deserve a place outside the realm of childrens' bedrooms, it is nevertheless a great choice for the under-18 set. This room designed by Jodi Macklin takes full advantage of turquoise's youthful, bold spirit by pairing it with hot pink and lime. The plaid bedskirt and floral curtains are also a great illustration of the golden rule (keep the palette the same, but vary the scale) on mixing patterns.

Steven Gambrel

I love how Gambrel is able to successfully incorporate turquoise walls into a masculine interior. I never thought turquoise could ever read as "moody", but with the dark curtains, pendant and fireplace, it somehow does.

John Willey

The turquoise lamp that launched a thousand posts. Still stunning after all this time.

Massucco Warner Miller Designs

Another gorgeous example of a turquoise chandelier, this time courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller out in California. I love this paired with the very traditional, very orate ceiling medallion.

And, of course, what would this post be without a roundup of my favorite turquoise items?

Sourcelist (clockwise from top left): 1. Christina Table Lamp by Bungalow 5 from Clayton Gray Home ($450) 2. Blue Beaded Globe from Pieces ($695) 3. Vintage French Glass chandelier from Revival Home & Garden ($1,200) 4. Mira sofa from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($) 5. Vince and Vincent Lamp from Stray Dog Designs ($425) 6. Zebra Waste Basket and Tissue Set from Clayton Gray Home ($160) 7. Lacquer Umbrella Stand from Jonathan Adler ($295) 8. iittala mug from AllModern ($14.40) 9. Turquoise Glass Jars from Grace Home Furnishings ($35-$55).

Sourcelist (clockwise, from top left): 1. Lush square pillow by Unison from AllModern.com ($36) 2. Turquoise Vases from Jayson Home & Garden ($80-$98) 3. Large lucite frame from Dabney Lee at Home ($120) 4. Azure pillow from John Robshaw ($98) 5. Writing Desk from Russell and McKenna ($2100) 6. Amanda Blue quilt by Roberta Roller Rabbit ($125) 7. Turquoise Pill Carafe from Jonathan Adler ($48) 8. Cyan pillow from John Robshaw ($105) 9. Ginny Shower Curtain from India Rose ($95) 10. Turquoise Moroccan pouf from John Derian ($265) 11. Turquoise Art Deco lamp from Target ($59.99).