Create a palette for your home with the cool color of these beach souvenirs
Written bytext by M. Lindsey BiermanDecember 16, 2009
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Photo by Richard Leo Johnson
1 of 6Photo by Richard Leo Johnson
Color guide: Decorating with blues and greens
A beach-glass color palette
Washing up on shores all along the West Coast, surf-tumbled shards of glass have long provided found treasure for beachcombers―a rare example of nature turning trash into something beautiful.
Although it’s becoming more common to leave sea glass on the beach for all to enjoy, you can still use its vibrant hues to map out an entire room’s decor.
No matter where you live, the colors will be an immediate and constant reminder of where you discovered them.
Click ahead for 5 ways to enjoy the color of sea glass at home.
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Water colors
Q: I like the idea of sea glass color, but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit. How can I test the waters?
A: Dip into a single shade with paint––such as one of these––and accessories, which are easy to change.
Left to right: Spring Light #1092-D ($22 per gallon; martinsenour.com for stores); Pleasant View #7457 ($24 per gallon; roddapaint.com); Baywater #SR1210 ($28 per gallon; valspar.com)
Photography by Jeffery Cross
3 of 6Photography by Jeffery Cross
Make waves
Q: What about something really bold and energetic for my kitchen?
A: Create a focal wall with shimmering tile, as above, in intense sea glass hues, such as turquoise and cobalt blue.
At left: Le Onde (shiny) and Satinato (matte) glass tiles (from $79 per square foot; tile-shop.com)
Photo by Alec Hemer; styling by John Costello
4 of 6Photo by Alec Hemer; styling by John Costello
Go with the flow
Q: I don’t want to repaint or install new tile––what else can I do for color?
A: For a less labor-intensive change of palette, try mixing and matching living room or family room upholstery in sea glass hues.