If colors could snag yearbook superlatives, blue would have a lock on “Best All Around.” Whether navy, cobalt, cerulean, or periwinkle, blue is plenty comfortable being just about everyone’s favorite.
So it should come as no surprise that blue is a natural-born star in the home decor world as well. Shades of blue are appearing everywhere these days, from kitchen islands to guest baths to living room walls. In fact, the paint company Behr crowned “Blueprint” – a cool blend of blue, grey and green – as its 2019 “color of the year,” while various shades of blue took up four of the 12 spots on Valspar’s list of trending colors.
Indeed, calm, sophisticated, and soulful, blue can work a special kind of magic on your home; but choosing the right shade for the right space demands a little extra thought.
In the Living Room: Deep Blues
Neutral no more! Sure, we’ve been told to paint our living spaces in inoffensive taupes and greys and to save bold colors for less trafficked areas. But if you’re feeling adventurous, toss out that advice and slather your living room walls in a deep shade of blue. Paired with light-colored accents, artwork, and furniture, dark blue can make everything stand out handsomely.
In the Bedroom: Soft or Dusty Blues
It probably comes as no surprise that your bedroom is the ideal place to incorporate some restful blues – they’ll make your chamber the ultimate sleep space. But while a deep blue can make you feel wrapped up in warm velvet, you may not want to go too dark here. The bedroom is a sanctuary, so it’s a good idea to stick to softer and soothing blues.
In the Hallways, Offices, Dining, or Multipurpose Rooms: Grounded Blues
For your gathering and transition spaces, choose classic, grounded blue tones. The color won’t draw too much attention to itself. Just like the bedroom, a darker blue won’t really work here. A moody, rich color will make people stop and acknowledge it, potentially disrupting the overall feel of a workspace or dining room.
In the Powder Room: Deep, Rich Blues
Darker blue shades are ideal for hallway powder rooms. In a bathroom, like a master bath or guest bath, lighter colors and ample lighting for the practical necessity of seeing clearly and accurately in those spaces. But in a powder room, dark blues can be very dramatic.