What does blue say to you? Does it invoke feelings of the beach or ocean? Or maybe it brings back a memory of a quaint country cottage? Believe it or not, blue is a great color to use in home décor. Used correctly, you can bring your home into cozy warmth or clean coolness with the right shade of blue. Or, use blue furniture and accessories against neutral walls for the same effect.
Famously calming and peaceful, blue can have very different effects on a room depending on its temperature.
Warm blues, like denim, ocean blue, or slate blue, contain hints of red. Color experts say they advance, or come toward you, so they help make a room feel cozier. Decorators often like warm blues in social spaces, like the living room, the kitchen, or the dining room.
Shades known as cool blues―like cobalt, turquoise, and ice blue―have yellow in them and tend to recede, or back away, which can help a small space look bigger. Color experts explain that cool blues encourage calmness (which is nice for a bedroom) and focus (say, in a home office). Sometimes cool blues can go a little further and be cold. But in a bathroom, where you want a crisp, clean vibe, that can be a good thing.
If you go for a blue bath, add a lot of black and white towels and accessories for a more contemporary look. If you’re more the traditional type, choose a matching print accent in your shower curtain or towels.
Another blue option is to look skyward for inspiration. Think about stars or the sun when choosing complimentary accessories for your blue base. Choose the blue you see in the sky to bring the outdoors in. There are so many decorative accessories available that your only problem will be deciding on which way to go. The sky is literally the limit!
Speaking of the sky, how about clouds? Little touches of birds or butterfly accessories are whimsical and a sure crowd pleaser. Hang some birdhouses on the wall for a three dimensional look and you can wake up to nature everyday. Another option would be to go the heavenly route. There are many angel figurines and pictures that show the little cherubs dancing on the fluffy white puffs. Anyone could use a little peaceful inspiration to start out the day right!
Ask “What’s your favorite color?” and about 60 percent of us will say blue. One reason for this is all the associations we have with it: To be blue is to be loyal and steady, top-notch, peaceful, powerful, cool—even to have a romantic hint of melancholy. Some people shy away from using blue in their homes, or confine it to certain types of rooms. The thought among decorators is that blue is restful, good for quiet contemplation, but that it must be used carefully—too much can be “too cold.” In reality, its multitude of shades and different associations make blue particularly versatile. So go ahead – be blue!
