Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a rock, largely formed from the mineral lazurite and looks beautiful when paired with jewel toned colors. This color can be the focal point in a space or simply act as an accessory; either way you will love playing with this color! 

Here designer Isle Crawford  uses the bold lapis lazuli for the entire space and balances it with pops of jewel-toned furniture pieces and black and white accessories. The pink, gold, white and black really bring this space together!

This is a great example of a lapis inspired space!

Lapis lazuli in its raw form has many different shades of blue along with veining.  The geometry of the chandelier reminds me of the veining goes along well with the mixture of hues. 

Lapis lazuli inspired accessories by Taika Dinnerware are eclectic and sophisticated! This is an easy way  to add a beautiful pop of color on your dining room table.

These lighter shades of lapis accessories gives life to this neutral room. Calmer tones of lazuli are easily integrated in any space while providing a hint of fun!

Knoll Textiles Luxe

Campbell

Saphire

Iris

Nordic

These fabrics available through Knoll Textiles use fun patterns, geometry and tones of lapis. These would be wonderful for decorative pillows or upholstery! 

Tickled Pink!

If you like pink, here are some rooms that will tickle your fancy.

Designer: Micasa

Pink transforms this industrial and modern space into a flirty sophisticated living area.

Designer: Morten Holtum

Pink paired with this jewel-toned teal creates an amazing focal point. It's a dramatic look that can be difficult to achieve without the use of rich, vibrant colors. Don't be afraid to play with pink!

Designer: Morten Holtum

If you are hesitant of using pink, take baby steps with accessories like this hot pink accent coffee table. 

Designer: Suellen Gregory

Feeling bold? Transform your ordinary white, wood or beige kitchen cabinets into a playful, inviting and sophisticated room of color. The lipstick pink cabinets work well with the white china, the beaded chandelier and the black granite counter top.  

Designer: Suellen Gregory

Powder-puff pink adds a touch of whimsy to this all white room. I suggest using pink in small doses in a common area like a living room. 

Designer: Morten Holtum

Pink adds punch to this room! The color and spiral shape contrasts wonderfully against the white walls. 

Timeless and Luxurious Malachite!

Photo: Apartment Therapy

For those who are unfamiliar with my newest color inspiration: Malachite is a beautiful and natural occurring mineral with unique and regal green hues, textures, and patterns. It is commonly used to make jewelry, fine furniture, and extravagant finishes but is also a timeless and historical material that was reserved in it's use for only the finest and wealthiest of the social hierarchy. Today, this beautiful color and finish is available to anyone in want of sophistication, luxury, or antiquity into their space.

Photo: Jim Thompson
The deep green hue of Malachite mineral contrasts well with oranges. This shows how timeless and hippie chic this color can be used.

Photo: Global Views
Try Faux Malachite colored accessories such as these small side tables for a touch of bold color and sophistication!

Photo: Kelly Wearstler

Malachite's finish and texture are translated here in the stone furniture as well as the curtain patterns. 

Global Views

Shake Off the Blues!

We see shades of blue in our wintertime landscapes and the color blue can affect our moods both positively and negatively.

I think the best way to fight the winter doldrums is with the right amount of cheerful, uplifting blue. So this month, I'm shaking off the blues with a little bit of blue!

I love how designer Kelly Wearstler mixes a variety of mineral blues with yellow; another favorite uplifting color.

Kelly's use of turquoise blue with spring green and a little orange adds a little fun and whimsey to this children's room.

Colbalt and shades of light powder blue are perfect in this sophisticated space designed by Kelly Wearstler. 

Photo: Kelly Wearstler, Inc

Ring in the New Year with Red

The Junior League of Atlanta 2010 Kitchen Tour
Photo: Susan Currie

Red is vibrant and adds energy to a space. If you want your guests to engage in great conversation, add red and they'll be ready for fun.

Designer:: Vivian Bencich
Photo: Susan Currie

This dynamic red and gold wallpaper makes a fabulous focal point as you enter the bathroom. The vanity's lighter, golden wood finish works wonderfully with the wallpaper; while the neutral mosaic tile above the vanity adds pattern, texture and contrast.

Designer:: Vivian Bencich
Photo: Susan Currie

Red accents can be used in any space. Even if you prefer a calm and tranquil color palette for the bedroom, a red accent is a great way to add interest and fun. 

Vivian and John Bencich must love red because they used it throughout their home including variations of the color like their daughter's bedroom with plenty of pink.  As designer and architect, their home was selected as one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 2010 Homes of the Year.

Grey Palette Makes for 'GREYT' Rooms!

Designer Thom Filicia

If you love a neutral grey palette for a room, check out these 'GREYT' designs by Thom Filicia.  Thom appeared on Bravo's Queer Eye and recently launched a line of fabrics for Kravet.  He has a signature style that's a combination of modern with classic touches.

The spice brown base cabinets add warmth and texture to this modern kitchen.

The gilded mirror is a spectacular focal point that shows off well against the steel grey walls.

Mix it Up - Cool Grey with Warm Neutrals

Grey is a popular color this season and I've fallen in love with the combination of cool grey paired with warmer neutrals! The warm tones add a cozy feeling to the soft cool grey in a room.  Take a look at these images to get ideas about how you might like to use this color combo in your home. 

WebbMarsteller
Atlanta, GA

These icy and warm grey geometric accent pillows mirror the colors of winter. They work great with warm browns and other rich colors.

Artist Stephanie Wheeler at WebbMarsteller
Atlanta, GA

Artist Stephanie Wheeler used a cool grey, blue and warm brown palette in this abstract painting.  The colors blend harmoniously and the dark frame adds the contrast needed so the art pops against the geometric wallpaper.

Robert Abbey

This cool grey lamp can be paired with any color to blend or stand out.

If you love grey, I'd love to help you find ways to bring this color scheme to life in your home.  Tell me how you've mixed it into your world so I can share your ideas with 64inthebox.com readers.