The Lapis of Luxury

Lapis Lazuli, a semi-precious stone, has been employed to denote luxury ever since the Babylonians built their showpiece city gates from it - which amazingly still survive today in Berlin's museum:

The Egyptians got in on the act too.

Today it's making just as much of a statement when the deepest blue known to mankind is employed to regalize a room. Whether you use a little as an accent...like this London home:

Or a lot such as here:

It's undeniably striking. The designer Miles Redd showcased it in a glossy, high shine NY apartment:

How blue toned cool is this translucently cobalt dining room? 

Back in the 30's this Bakelite radio was the must have item which would look tremendous today in any of these decors thanks to its streamlined design:

Definitely would work in The Factory, with its jewel toned velvet opulence and industrial chic edged with gold:

Even at Montagu House it wouldn't be out of place, Modern meets Moderne...

Lapis blue beautifully complements other colors and can be used creatively to highlight them, such as Norton in Somerset where they have cleverly enriched the inside of cupboards against a pale aqua kitchen. 

I've used it myself in the same combination! 

Two shots that need no combinations, such as they stand alone: The spectacular Ambleside uses Lapis in its truest sense, deep blue flecked with glittery gold in this ultra glam bathroom - 

Finally, a quirky little find, a London company called Squint Ltd who patchwork cover all manner of unexpected things with lush cobalt velvet. Here, their bedside table (a snip at $780, or many snips if you try it yourself) and Stag Lamp. Marvelously and Englishly Eccentric.