Guest Picks: Jolts From the Blue

If I had to pick a color to represent summer, I would choose blue. I know some people consider it to be a cold hue, but think of bright blue summer skies, deep blue oceans or turquoise blue swimming pools, and it's not hard to understand why blue evokes summer.

There's a particular shade of blue that always makes me feel awake and positive: cobalt blue. Discovered in 1739, cobalt has had many uses throughout the centuries and has appeared and reappeared in fashion many times. Cobalt blue — and its many variations, such as Yves Klein blue, smalt, cerulean, royal blue or imperial blue — has risen again to popularity in the last couple of years. And it continues to be a vibrant, happy shade that adds a pop of modern energy to any space.

I've gathered some of my favorite bright blue pieces here. Not all of them are strictly cobalt, but used strategically, they could bring a whole new lease of life to a space. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof

Design by Conran Elder Chair, Cobalt Blue - $1,225.00 » This is my absolute favorite furniture piece at the moment. Modeled on a classic English roll-arm chair, it gets a modern treatment with the bright blue fabric. The blue legs give it an extra twist.


Parquetry Coffee Table » This is a very special piece. If you're prepared to splurge on a coffee table for a special room, this may be the answer. The parquetry is noteworthy in itself, but the bright blue stripe elevates this table to a whole new level. This is definitely a treasure to save for.


Cirque Vases - $19.95 » If you want to mix your blue with other vibrant colors, these vases are an excellent choice. Fabulous colors and shapes make for an interesting display.


Worlds Away Pagoda Lamp, Navy - $473.00 » This lamp is nearer to navy than cobalt, but the lacquer finish gives it a pop of energy that evokes the feeling of cobalt. What a great twist on a traditional shape!


B&B Italia El Dining Chair » If you want a splash of bright blue in your dining room, these chairs may be the answer. Also splurge-worthy, but the combination of comfort and unique style is outstanding. I'd pair them with deep, denim-blue walls for a truly enveloping blue room.


Design by Conran Herringbone Woven Throw - $70.00 » JC Penney has reinvented itself recently with several design collections. The Conran collection, which includes the chair at the start of this ideabook, includes several well-priced cobalt items. I love this throw blanket with stripes and tassels.


Design by Conran Candlestick Holder, Blue - $30.00 » The collection also includes this midcentury-style candleholder. It would be very cute on a teak table or white sideboard.


Study Wingback Chair - $749.00 » If cobalt is a little bright, tone it down with this lighter-than-navy chair with bright blue piping. It's a modern take on a classic style, so it could work in any interior.


John Peacock Floor Lamp - $99.95 » Cobalt blue also works well as an accent in a neutral space. This simple blue floor lamp would be a great pop of color in a range of schemes.


Jonathan Adler Carnaby Honeycomb Mug, Blue - $18.00 » To add the finishing touch to a summer breakfast table, how about these vibrant mugs with different shades of blue and turquoise? They're sure to guarantee a great start to the day.


Louis XVI End Chair, Royal Blue - $389.00 » If your taste is more classic, royal blue can bring a much-needed shot of color without throwing a traditional room off balance. Imagine this chair in a room of pastel-colored elegant settees.


Threshold Blue One-Drawer Accent Table » In the bedroom a jolt of blue energy might be the ticket to balance out all-white bedding. These nightstands do the job.


Blue Chevron Wastebasket - $69.00 » Even the wastebasket can bring a shot of color to your space. If you like chevron but don't want to commit to a rug or drapes, this might just be the answer.


Shoreline Wall Art - $499.00 » I'd pair white accessories with this restful blue painting to transition between blue and white.


Marais A Side Chair, Sapphire - $145.00 » This gorgeous summery blue shade works well on the industrial Marais chair. It's ideal for a breezy kitchen scheme.


Irving Chair, Blue Fabric on Green - $145.00 » This is more of a peacock blue than a cobalt, but I love the vibrant shade paired with a quirky modern shape. This would be a great — and comfortable — dining chair in a modern scheme.


Adam & Viktoria Foliage Sapphire Pillow - $216.00 » This pillow has blue embroidery and blue velvet, making it a really spectacular accent piece. It is definitely pricey though, so just one on a special chair would be more than enough.


Trina Turk Tribal Blue Embroidered Pillow - $110.00 » Another option would be this Trina Turk embroidered pillow. It evokes Mediterranean textiles and would be amazing against a white chair in a light-filled space.


Beebe Windmill, Bridgehampton, NY, Elevations - $69.95 » I am a huge fan of blueprints; they have the graphic quality of black and white sketches, but with the added jolt of color. I'd love to use a series of these in a study.


Brazilian Blue Agate Coasters - $68.00 » I bought these coasters as a gift recently and almost had to keep them for myself! They are simply stunning with a sparkling shade of blue and work well in both modern and traditional decors.

Next: Classic Color Duo: Blue and White

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