Vintage Boho, Seaside and Native Interiors... Tips for Decorating with Turquoise

Turquoise is a happy and friendly colour that likes to influence; working well to accent other colours or equally as special influencing a space as the main colour. It radiates the peace, calm and tranquility of blue, the balance and growth of green and the uplifting energy of yellow, all of which make up its colour.

In colour psychology, the colour turquoise controls and heals the emotions creating emotional balance and stability.  

If you're considering decorating with this colour, before you begin ask yourself what you want to convey in your space. How do you want this space to make you feel?

You might use turquoise in your environment to lift your mood, to give some colour to an otherwise neutral palette, or cool down a warm environment. Or use turquoise to help relax you and convey feelings of a seaside retreat, or make it more exotic. 

Here are some ideas...

Getting started with turquoise

If you're just getting your fingers wet with this colour, you might want to start by adding a hint of turquoise to a room, through cushion covers, a side table, or decor accents such as vases or frames. Or choose a shade that serves to blend with neutrals. For example choose a dark stone shade of turquoise as a wall or feature furniture colour. Watch out as too much can convey a coldness and be unwelcoming so be sure to bring in warm elements such as browns or through textures of velvet. This look also suits autumn accents - think olive, timber, burnt orange and golden yellow.

Create a Retreat

Play with a variety of shades including light and bright turquoise for a cheerful and breezy beach look. Maybe it's with curtains, wall colours, furniture and accents such as throws and wall hangings.

Add reclaimed wood to this look for a casual theme and pair with marble or steel accents if you want to add a classical element. For artwork, look for flowing peaceful pieces that enhance the tranquility that turquoise brings. 

For a beach home throw in some water themed accents (think starfish, shells, anchors, rope). Or if your retreat is lake inspired, add pebbles, canoes and paddles. In Feng Shui, round objects are water elements so look for round jars, vases or lamps to add to this space. The colour turquoise is a water element itself and can be paired with many different shades of itself to bring depth to this space. Consider also pairing with shades of yellow (especially gold and cream) and brown to bring in warmth.

For a provincial retreat, add turquoise in its lightest shades through washed wooden furniture or decor or curtains, and make sure it's paired with lots of white. 

Think Tiffany's

For a turquoise space that is pure sophistication, keep to lighter shades of turquoise and pair with lots of black and white accents, for example black and white or sepia photos, artwork and frames. This is a great look if you want to spruce up a corridor or otherwise black and white space.

For a feminine look, glam it up with crystals and embellished furniture and decor. Add elegant and classic elements through vintage or vintage-inspired accents. To introduce more colour try pastels, especially pink or purple, in just a hint here and there. For example, a vase of fresh flowers, a single frame, in an artwork, or seat cover.

Adding turquoise with vintage boho

Is maximum impact your goal with turquoise, or maybe you're renting a home with turquoise walls and you're wondering what you can do? Vintage boho could be your best friend, so to speak. There are no rules, boundaries or conflicts. Balance is key however.

First, consider pairing bright turquoise with equally bright purple and magenta in the space. Then add other colours and shades.

This looks loves lots of texture and pattern. For texture, worn turquoise furniture works well in this environment as does velvet and embellished crystal. Patterns can be added through drapes, artwork, cushion covers or table cloths. Think floral, Edwardian and fauna, such as birds or anything that brings a balance of bold and fine designs.

Be sure to balance shapes too, so if you have hard edged furniture (square or rectangular), add round accents such as cushions, lamp tables, or chandeliers. 

Go Native

In a native sense, we associate turquoise with Native Americans and ancient Aztecs. Expand this by incorporating a range of indigenous and cultural influences from around the world to make your own native space. 

A rustic looks suits this style well. Try wooden or leather pieces paired with dark rustic metal accents such as armchairs or stools. Brown is turquoise's best friend in this environment, serving to bring turquoise back to its original earth element. For the same reason, consider bringing in pottery, plants and other earth elements to your space.

Bolder or traditional prints work best in this space. Use bright turquoise and bring in colourful artwork and accents in turquoise's complimentary colour; burnt orange. Flavour the space by bringing in a small amount of rusty yellow, magenta, cactus green or indigo (any of the other tertiary colours). For something brighter you can choose to pair turquoise with both orange and red instead, along with black and white to really give this space some mighty Western kick.

This should be a truly warm and inviting space, a sanctuary, so if it doesn't feel this way try adding rugs and cushions, and warm lighting.

As this is your native space, don't forget to add a personal touch with photos or artwork that makes you feel connected too.

Additional tips

If you're new to turquoise, you might try the following suggestions:

We’ve gathered for you a large collection of different rooms, artworks and ideas on pinterest that feature different shades of this tranquil and cheerful colour and we hope you find some inspiration among them. 

Visit our pinterest board for more inspiration, or see below for our hand picked artworks we think would work well in an turquoise environment.  

ARTWORKS FOR TURQUOISE INTERIORS: