I’ll be the first to admit that I have a thing for the colour blue. This is probably one of the most versatile colours in the rainbow, and in my professional opinion, one of the more exciting hues on the colour spectrum. Bright blue in all its glory has the potential to be the star of the show, but its muted, gentler variations effortlessly take the place of neutral. Blue is friendly, unfailing and universally loved, which is why it’s one of my top picks to work with.
Blue comes in literally hundreds of different shades to choose from. Azure, Cerulean, Indigo, Ice, each very different from the last. This shape shifter has the ability to go from introspective to engaged to utterly relaxed, depending on its tone, temperature and vibrancy. This is the reason you see blue used in so many rooms, with such different results.
Here are some things to keep in mind, that’ll give you blues for all the right reasons.
The bathroom is a logical choice for ocean-inspired, calm-inducing cool shades of blues, such as aquamarine and turquoise. These shades pair well with mirror and polished chrome, and complement crisp white casings, fixtures and floors beautifully. This classic palette boasts wide-spread appeal, for good reason. The look is fresh and clean, perfect for a spa-inspired bathroom.
While blue is commonly thought to be a cool colour, that would be a mistake. There are warm variations of this hue, too, which are perfect for when you want to warm up a room without resorting to traditional red-influenced colours. Blues such as denim or slate have earthy, organic characteristics that are subtly warm without being obvious.
A warm blue is the perfect choice in a living room, showcasing some wonderful depth and drama. Depending on the desired atmosphere in your space, you could go for a moody navy blue, bold peacock or a sophisticated blue with grey undertones. Warm blues are also stunning in cozy spaces such as the kitchen, family room, den or a reading room.
Beyond temperature, colour intensity also influences the mood of your space. A saturated shade of blue will convey a very different look and feel than a faded version of the same.
The bedroom is ever the happy host for the paler shades blue, thanks to their cooing, cleansing qualities. Barely there blues act as palette-cleansers, which are essential for hectic lifestyles, delivering some much-needed serenity. After all, the bedroom is where you welcome the new day; it’s where you escape at the end of a long night; it’s where you dream.
Blue is currently enjoying a big come-back in the world of interior design and decor – although to be fair, I don’t think it ever really left. You could splash every room in a different shade of blue, and each one would have a distinct look and vibe. Whether you commit to blue walls, fixtures or furnishings, or you opt for pops of trendy blue in your accessories, incorporate it into your next home redesign as a fresh new twist on an old favourite.
by Red Barrinuevo, Redesign4more