One Color, Five Ways: Decorating With Peacock Blue

I'm not an avid TV watcher, so I've never seen Gossip Girl (I know, I know). Yet when I spotted Serena van der Woodsen's new office, I immediately regretted missing the episode. That rich, peacock blue color? I want it. Badly. On my walls. Right this second.

CasaSugar recommends Benjamin Moore's Bahaman Sea Blue #2055-40 on the walls, but I think I'd go a few shades darker for added drama. In fact, I've rounded up a few inspirational images of my own that I'd love to explore further. I'd never realized how versatile peacock blue can be until I spotted the color used in so many different rooms!

Feeling inspired, we went looking for how people are using this great color. From "old world glamour" to "global style," here's how to decorate using peacock blue -- no matter what your style.

ECLECTIC
To re-create an eclectic look with peacock blue, pair different colors, textures and accents from a few different time periods. Here, an antique painting creates a focal point from which to draw inspiration from. Try adding a few patterned chairs, textured sofas and bright pillows to contrast with the high gloss blue paint color on the walls. A chandelier, bookcase and other more traditional accents help tone down the room, creating an eclectic, but appropriate space.

To keep the look from appearing cluttered, try and match a few accent hues together, such as the raspberry-colored pillows, the red chair and lady's red dress in the painting.

OLD WORLD GLAMOUR
Channel your inner explorer with a touch of old world glamour. When paired with hardwood chevron flooring and tufted furnishings, peacock blue acts as a sophisticated backdrop to worldly trinkets and accents. An India-inspired baroque chair adds to the global feel, leaving the aesthetic warm, soft and balanced. The bright orange sofa brings the antique touches into the 20th century, perfectly complementing the cool hue of peacock blue.

Keep the look glamorous by painting the wall with a high-gloss finish, and be sure you have an ample amount of natural lighting so the space appears light and airy, rather than dark and dreary.

TRADITIONAL
Peacock blue goes traditional with white architectural elements and deep, orange-hued velvet furnishings. A gold mirror doubles as a candlelit accent for the evenings, while ceramic sculptures lie atop the symmetrical fireplace. Add some flowers, warm-colored books and a soft rug for a cozy look that is both traditional and chic. A handy tip? Any time you have a bookcase, stock those shelves with massive amounts of leather-bound books.

You'll appear well-read, worldly and wise -- all key ingredients for a lovely and traditional living space!

GLOBAL
Serving as a backdrop for warm honey and cocoa-colored textured furnishings, peacock blue gives off a hip, global vibe. To avoid overpowering the space, use a healthy dose of symmetry and light accents, like the large ivory room divider in the corner. The rattan-inspired rug grounds the space and adds to the ethnic element of the room, while the minimalist accents keep the variety of textures in check.

The finishing touch in this living room? A Mediterranean lantern atop an antique shelf. Add an ikat-inspired cushion for some pattern and you'll have a global retreat in a snap!

VINTAGE CHIC
A sweet and varied display of antique paintings creates a vintage aesthetic, while the bold peacock blue keeps the look from appearing dated. With a few vintage statement pieces like a Saarinen tulip table and mid-century lamp, the sofa provides just the right amount of pattern to pull the textures together. A bold, blue accent chair provides a touch of modern color and gives a layered depth to the bright space.

Don't forget the accent color! In this case, the mustard pillow and pink peonies keep the room looking sweet and harmonious.

For additional color inspiration, read more:
-Decorating With Purple
-One Color, Five Ways: Orange