Who doesn’t love the color blue?
It is the clear, powdery sky on a perfect summer’s day. It is the deep ocean crashing against the shore. It is the colorful surprise in a field of green.
Azure. Baby blue. Cerulean. Cobalt. Cornflower. Corporate. Cyan. Indigo. Midnight. Navy. Prussian. Robin’s egg. Royal. Sapphire. Sky. Slate. Steel. Blue comes in so many different wonderful shades, there’s something for everyone.
Soft, cool, calming . . . blue. It soothes and heals . . . and can lower the pulse rate and body temperature. It is the perfect color to use for a relaxing retreat.
Decorating with the color blue
Painted walls provide a dramatic backdrop for this traditional living room. (Photo: HGTV)
Taking its color cue from a collection of vintage pottery, royal blue brings two plush armchairs into bloom. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
A lighter shade in a pitcher-and-bowl collection invites a subtle, almost translucent, aquamarine print.
(Photo: House Beautiful)
Porcelain plates on an aquamarine wall
give this breakfast area a dash of added flair.
(Photo: House Beautiful)
Powder blue with a peach accent pillow— wow! Note how the six photos, framed in black, are being used as a headboard and nicely update the furniture.
(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
The Power of Blue
I love a great before-and-after, and this is one of my favorites. No major changes here—everything done was cosmetic. Cobalt blue-and-white paper on the walls. A new mirror. A new crisp white window shade. A new rug, wastebasket, navy towels, and two pots of wheat grass for contrast. And, for the shower curtain and stool, a fabric in the same pattern as the wallpaper. The result is stunning! (Photos: House Beautiful)
B E F O R E
A F T E R
[left and above] This bedroom is all dressed up in coordinating patterns, and an abstract painting picks up different shades of blue—but the real story here is the paneled, painted ceiling that stretches to the sky . . . and that view! I want one just like it! (Photo: HGTV)
Soft white furry, fun fabric with a baby blue looks comfortable, warm, and inviting—couldn’t you just curl up in the bed?
(Photo: New England Home)
Blue-and-yellow is a classic color combination. Here, plaid drapes look great with patterned wallpaper, and the yellow corner cabinet showcases the blue china beautifully. The dark sisal area rug and yellow flowers on the table tie everything together. Makes for a nice formal space right off the kitchen.
(Photo: Traditional Home)
Blue cabinets with vintage-inspired hardware and beadboard give this kitchen a country cottage look. The top cabinet doors with glass fronts and sides are a nice touch. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
Vibrant blue subway tiles work well with the crisp white cabinets and checkered Roman shades in this stunning kitchen (Photo: House Beautiful)
and graduate the tone from light to dark. 2. Painting the interior of kitchen cabinets (or bookcases)
always adds color, depth, and interest. (Photos: Martha Stewart)
A blue and white living room designed by Sarah Richardson takes advantage of its wraparound view of the beautiful blue sea. (Photo: Sarah Richardson)
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Lisa Borrough says
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 9:59 AMThat blue kitchen with the subway tile and all the windows is great, but where are the cabinets for dishes? I imagine the dishwasher is near the sink. It’s not too convenient not to have cabinets above it. Still, it is awfully pretty and bright.
Patricia says
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7:29 PMI’m guessing the cabinets are on the opposite wall (not in the photo). I agree, it does make things less convenient; but, as cheery and bright as this kitchen is, I might be willing to walk the few extra steps (from dishwasher to dish cabinets) just to have that wall of windows.
Kathleen Leisel-Berger says
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 4:51 PMLOVE this page. All the blues – my favorite color! I’m inspired to starting redoing my house.
Patricia says
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:30 PMKathleen, I’m glad you like it. Blue is my favorite color, too. Good luck redecorating!