How to Decorate With Cobalt Blue Tile

Cobalt blue tile can set the stage for French country decor.

Cobalt blue is an intense color that brings "pop" to your decor. It is a major component in the French country palette reflecting the character of the farmhouses in various regions of France. This beautiful blue is most often paired with yellow and white, along with accents of deep red and green. The result is an informal decor with a flesh vibrant look.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Paint supplies
• Braided area rugs
• Lace panels
• Framed artwork
• 4-legged table
• Table accessories
• Sunflowers
• Wreath
• Counter accessories

Instructions

Bathroom or Kitchen

1. 

   Yellow walls provide a warm balance to the cool blue tiles.

   Paint the walls above the tiles a fresh sunny yellow. This sets the tone for a French country look in your kitchen or bathroom.

2. 

   White cabinets or vanities will provide a fresh country look.

   Paint your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanity white. Lightly sand the painted surface to give the wood a soft weathered appearance. Replace drawer pulls and knobs with oiled bronze or white porcelain hardware.

3. 

   Braided rugs are a charming country accent to a room.

   Install natural wood floors or white ceramic tile. Handcrafted cotton braided rugs can be scattered to add texture and color to the floor.

4. 

   Red and white towels are a quaint country accent for the kitchen.

   Display deep red towels in the bathroom. For the kitchen, use solid red, red-and-white striped or checkered linens.

5. 

   Choose lace panels for your windows.

   Hang breezy lace panels over the windows. An old-fashioned roller shade will provide privacy.

6. 

   Roosters are often the subject of French country art.

   Decorate your walls with framed art. Vintage botanicals or countryside scenes are ideal subjects for your decor. Roosters are another option.

Extras for the Kitchen

1. Paint a four-legged farmer's table white with a crackle finish. Sand the edges lightly to add to its vintage look.

2. 

   Cobalt glasses add rich color to place settings.

   Cover the table with a blue and white toile tablecloth or placemats. Set the table with white china plates. Choose utensils designed with a simple profile and a less polished finish. Arrange cobalt blue glasses for a striking look. Match cloth napkins to the glasses or tablecloth. Slide them through a white or blue patterned china ring. Slip a sprig of fresh rosemary through the ring and place one on each plate.

3. 

   Add sunflowers to a colbalt vase for a beautiful centerpiece.

   Fill a large cobalt blue glass or ceramic pitcher with large sunflowers. Place it in the center of your table. This simple centerpiece will look impressive.

4. 

   Embellish a grapevine wreath with sunflowers for your door.

   Hang a grapevine wreath on the inside of your kitchen door. Embellish the wreath with faux sunflowers.

5. 

   Use lemons in a bowl for a bright splash of color.

   Accessorize your counters. Set a blue-and-white ceramic bowl on the counter and fill it with lemons. Use apothecary jars for canisters. Group a few cobalt blue juice glasses on your window sill and add cut daisies, wildflowers or an old-fashioned white rose to each.

6. 

   Faience depicts traditional French folk art.

   Accent your table or counter with pieces of faience. This is a charming style of pottery that depicts hand painted figures of peasants or roosters.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops for bargain prices on wooden tables and accessories.

• Deep red stenciling can be added to the tops of the walls. Keep your design simple.

• Blue and white hydrangeas can be substituted for sunflowers.

References

• Cottage Home Decorating: French Country Style
• Decorating Country Home: French Country Bathroom Decorating