Design Story: The Aqua Room

A study in sunlit serenity -- soft aqua, natural textures, and a room that breathes

Aqua & White: A Room That Feels Like a Breath of Sea Air

There’s something timeless about a room washed in shades of aqua. It feels fresh, calm, and impossibly inviting — the kind of space that instantly softens your shoulders the moment you step inside. For this Aqua & White mood board, I wanted to capture that feeling of island air drifting through open windows, balanced with crisp white and thoughtful textures.

The Fabrics That Shape the Room

Two standout prints set the tone: China Seas Lyford Background in Light Turquoise and Brunschwig & Fils Rivière in Aqua. Both are beautiful on a headboard, but the Rivière has a special softness and scale that makes it ideal for wrapping a platform bed — especially the Oomph Aspen, which was made for upholstery-rich designs.

To keep the linens clean and classic, I love the Matouk Essex duvet cover in Lagoon. It adds just the right whisper of color without interrupting the calm.

Soft Walls or Pattern Play?

For the walls, a gentle wash of turquoise is perfect. Try color-matching #D3F0F2 at any paint store for a soft, airy glow that feels serene both day and night.

But if you’re in the mood for something a bit bolder, China Seas Bali-Hai in Turquoise wallpaper is a beautiful option. Its movement and scale add personality while staying completely within that breezy island aesthetic. Pattern-on-pattern can be incredibly chic when the palette stays cohesive.

Art That Makes the Room Sing

Over the bed, a Louise Dahl-Wolfe print brings a moment of unexpected color — the water in the photograph echoes the room’s turquoise tones and adds a subtle spark. To balance the composition, hang two coral prints on either side. It’s a small detail, but it gives the vignette that finished, designer look.

Layering Warmth and Texture

To keep the room from feeling too cool, incorporate natural warmth:

• A Patterson Flynn broadloom rug brings quiet luxury and softness underfoot.

• Cane side tables introduce an island sensibility and a light, textured contrast to the turquoise palette.

These pieces create the foundation for a room that feels easy, relaxed, and effortlessly pulled together.

Finishing Touches

Use your chosen headboard fabric again for the curtains, which creates a seamless visual flow. Then upholster poufs or a small chair in any remaining textiles — this is where the room becomes both polished and personal.

Together, these elements form an Aqua Room that feels sunlit, fresh, and quietly luxurious — the kind of space that invites you to exhale and settle in.