The absolute best way to decorate a room in sea colors is to find a framed print of the sea that has the color palette you prefer. Once you find that print, you can choose key colors out of the print for your color scheme.

But if you're new to decorating and need some guidance, then this is the article for you.

Below is a color scheme that uses the colors of the ocean front. And I will refer to this image as I explain how to effectively use this color scheme.

Decorating in sea colors should bring a peaceful relaxing feeling to your room.

In the color scheme above, I started with a light bluish green (1). The sea is made of all kinds of blues, so I chose a more aqua tone.

Next, I looked at the color wheel and added #1's complement... which happens to be a sandy taupe (2).

From there, I added black to #2 to come up with some darker shades of #2 (3 and 4).

I went back to the color wheel, and chose the color directly in between 1 and 2, which is a pale green (5).

And lastly, I added some shades of #1, since this is going to be my dominant color.

Now... how do you use these sea colors in a room?

#1 - This is a wonderfully soothing color and would look wonderful as a wall color. You could even add some more white to it to make the color more subtle.

#4 - This is your wood tone. When selecting furniture, try to find woods that resemble this tone of brown. The darker wood against the light walls will offer an interesting contrast.

#1, #3, #5, #6 - Find fabric that includes these colors. Perhaps you find a striped fabric that has the aquas and pale green. Use the same fabric as your drapes. And then maybe you find a tan couch.

#5, #6 - Use these colors as guides to accents and accessories. A pale green bowl with sea shells. Lamps in pale green or aqua. Flower vases. Large conch shells.

And don't forget white! Look how wonderful these colors look on white. White will add brightness and life to your room. So, maybe have white drapes... white flowers... white accessories. Maybe even white wicker furniture.

One more thing... throw a few fun pillows into the mix. Make them bright and vivid. A bright aqua and a bright orange could be just the color punch!

Now, sit back and relax... and enjoy the feel of the ocean.

Happy decorating in sea colors!

Jennifer Thoden