Sea Inspired Original Color Combinations

Are you looking for new color inspiration?  Have you exhausted all the obvious sources like art, foliage, and and personal accessories?  So I took my toddler to the zoo for a little distraction.

We entered the aquarium at the zoo hand in hand and  all of a sudden he let go and sprinted away.  I followed him and saw him standing with his nose to the glass of a beautiful, bold fish, coral, and other sea life from around the world. 

The colors were mesmerizing and I realized what wonderful combinations they reveal.  I proceeded to snap lots of photos on my iPhone so I could match colors using Ben Color Capture (free and fabulous iPhone and iPad app!) and use the many images as a slideshow to keep my little one entertained on the rare occasion that I attempt to actually get a little "me" time.  Clever, don't you think?

 
I found Bronze Tone in one of the Aquarium shots I took on my iPhone

As I started to look into it, I found amazing photography of sea creatures that lend themselves to neutral, bold, and exotic combinations of color.  Take a look and see which colors appeal to you.

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What are your most unusual sources for color inspiration and how have you used them?

Comments

[Living in Color]

So glad you're all as in awe of these beautiful creatures as I am! Anyone noticing all the pops of color at Paris Fashion Week, too? I imagine my toddler would not be welcome there! Still LOVE it!

[Kathy Barlow]

Color research led by toddlers! How cool is that, Sonu? I need to start following mine around and taking notes. And so true that nature is the ultimate color inspiration.

Especially love the second color palette!

Thanks for sharing,
--Kathy

[Marie Brady]

Such a lovely set of visuals! I'm always pointing out to clients the way nature puts colors together-especially the greens. Great inspirations!

[Lisa (at Benjamin Moore)]

Jodi- Ben Color Capture is now available for the Droid. Look for it in your device's marketplace. You will need OS version 3 or higher.

[Living in Color]

Wow, you really are ready for the turquoise trend! I wonder if it's the trends that influence us or us that influence the trends.... collective efforts, I suppose?

[Donna Frasca]

Can't go wrong when Mother Nature is your inspiration for color!

[jodi]

I REALLY wish they made this app for the Droid

[Live In Full Color]

Love this Sonu! I have a slight obsession with seahorses so I think I'm drawn to that palette the most (plus pink seems to be popping up in my life lately for some reason!)

hmmm, unusual source for color inspiration- too many to mention but the most subliminal was after my first trip to Jamaica. I realized after that every article of clothing I purchased for the following 6 months was a shade of Turquoise-almost the exact shade of the water there.

Let's just say I am well prepared for this year's color trend!