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Trend Alert: Mixing Neutrals With Emerald and Aqua

March 04, 2020

Whether you're looking for the light brightness of aqua or the rich dimension of emerald, these two jeweled hues are a guaranteed way to amp up your neutral color palette.

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Photo: Aubrey Pick. From: Lauren Nelson
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Illuminate With Aqua

Open-concept and luminous, this contemporary dining room freely mixes pale woods, soft gray and whites with subtle geometrics. A burst of color enters the space through the aqua pendant chandelier, and simple black details punctuate the room to bring in dimension.

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Photo: Leonid Furmansky. From: Christine Turknett
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Understated Elegance

Finding its base in minimalist style with a touch of midcentury-modern design, this living room has a graceful, uncluttered vibe. A nubby area rug and faux-fur throw bring in tactile appeal so the space doesn't feel too sparse while the aqua-teal curtains adorning the floor-to-ceiling windows add a nice dose of color.

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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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Dining With a View

Designed to maximize the stunning seascape, this light and airy dining room has a built-in banquette under the windows, a sleek wood-and-metal table and open-backed chairs. A clean, crisp color scheme of white, soft gray, brass and aqua is pulled from the waterway scenery, creating a seamless flow between the indoors and out.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt. From: Blackband Design
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Add in Drama

While designers often suggest sticking to neutrals for your main furniture pieces, one statement piece in a bold color choice takes your living room from ho-hum to dazzling. This emerald-green Chesterfield is a striking foil to the wood ceiling, sandy-hued palette and practically all-glass walls.

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Photo: Michael J. Lee. From: Ana Donohue
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All About the Mix

Exposed wood beams and stacked stone set the scene for this rugged and comfy living space, yet it doesn't get bogged down in one design style. A combination of floral, damask and polka-dot fabrics in shades of aqua and plum create a bohemian interplay with the heavy-weighted traditional furniture, and elegant accessories dot the space with global flair.

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Photo: Julie Soefer Photography. From: Marie Flanigan Interiors
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Modern Grandeur

Architectural details are the name of the game in this cozy home office, from the coffered ceiling and moldings to the stunning built-ins. In a room already dominated by rich tones — dark hardwood floors and emerald-green built-ins — and bold statement pieces, like the oversized chandelier, an acrylic desk adds a visual weightlessness to the space.

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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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Cheerful Hues

Shiplap walls and exposed wood beams are quintessential starting points for farmhouse style. Here, the look gets a shot of modern charm with apple-green light fixtures and an aqua sliding barn door.

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Photo: Chad Mellon. From: Lindye Galloway
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Living Large in the City

As glam as the city that surrounds it, this dining space is made for entertaining and taking in the spectacular views. Emerald-green velvet chairs are a charismatic addition to the chic wooden table with hammered brass legs. An updated Sputnik chandelier highlights the whole scene.

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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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Let It Be the Star

Not a supporting player this time, aqua takes a starring role in this charming bathroom. The pretty-in-blue vanity is topped with clean white countertops and brushed-nickel hardware and faucets. The shade also defines the mirror, which doubles the effect and brightness of the low-hanging, contemporary pendant lights.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Black and White and Green All Over

The contrasting pairing of black and white forges a captivating juxtaposition no matter how it's used, but throw in an equally exciting shade and you've got an unforgettable room. Here, the opposing hues combine with emerald green for a preppy-meets-geometric bedroom retreat.

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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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All About Balance

A joyous blend of colors — navy lower cabinets and aqua barstools — infuses the mostly white kitchen with energy. Concrete countertops and brass light fixtures bring rich warmth into the palette.

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Photo: Kim Cornelison Photography. From: Lori Paranjape
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Jack of All Trades

The L-shaped island in this kitchen plays many roles: it's a dining spot, prep area, hangout and homework station. Plus, it invigorates the completely white cottage kitchen with a vivid emerald green.

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Photo: Cory Holland. From: Harmony Weihs
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Pigments in Tile

An assortment of aqua glass tiles enlivens this frameless walk-in shower. To create the eye-catching layout, small rectangular tiles are laid horizontally as a border around the vertical linear ones. Incorporating a spot of color in a room draws the eye throughout the entire design.

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From: Secrets From a Stylist and HGTV Design Star
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Here Comes the Sun

It's hard to go wrong with a two-toned palette. Flowing white curtains and bright walls meld with vintage emerald-green chairs and a flora-inspired rug for an oh-so-inviting sunroom.

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Photo: Tessa Neustadt. From: Blackband Design
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Practical + Vibrant

An all-white kitchen establishes a heart of the heart that will never go out of style. This kitchen leans into the timeless appeal with classic elements, such as a white brick backsplash and exposed beams. For a note of effortless color, the barstools have aqua slipcovers. Not only does it make them easier to keep clean (just throw the covers in the wash), but it's also a simple switch-out when the homeowner is ready for a new hue.