Nature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Blue From the Great Outdoors

Blue surrounds us more than any other color, making it easy to love and use — it’s the color of our planet, the oceans and the sky. It plays well with all of the other colors (think about how you can put literally anything with a pair of blue jeans), is a favorite of both men and women, and can match any mood, from playful (aqua) to soothing (ice blue) or dramatic (midnight). Let’s look at blue through the lens of nature for a fresh perspective on this well-loved color.

‘Montana de Oro Sunrise’ Photograph - $1,600 Blue in nature. From the deep, mysterious blue of arctic ice to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean, blue is the color we are most used to being around. Seen from outer space, the swirling blue oceans are the most dominant feature on our planet. Think of blue jeans, blue skies, blue flowers and clouds, the vibrant blue on a parrot’s wing or the soft blue of early-morning light over the beach.


Rich blues. Deep, rich blues with a bit of warm gray or green in them are sophisticated hues that are easy to work with. Reminiscent of the sea against a rocky shoreline, these colors pair well with other natural shades of gray, brown and sand, although a pop of an equally bold hue (like raspberry or plum) would also be welcome.


Caribbean blue. Want to channel that beach vacation year-round? Pull your color scheme from the sun-drenched beach: vibrant turquoise, pale sky blue, puffy cloud white, soft sand and driftwood brown.


Aqua, sea blue and agave blue. These midtone blues feel lively, social and uplifting. If you thought blue was too staid, maybe a shot of aqua, tropical sea blue or silvery blue-green agave will change your mind.


‘Pismo Surfer’ Photograph - $1,200 Sunrise or sunset blue. Think for a moment which you prefer: sunrise or sunset over the water? Your answer can give you a clue about the direction to take your blue-based color scheme. For those who love morning light, consider putting soft, pale blue-grays with silver, white and soft pink. If sunset over the ocean is what captivates you, choose a darker, richer blue and pair it with a flash of blazing orange or red.


Soft, soothing blues. Blues, perhaps because they are so widely found in the natural world, are known to soothe and relax us, making soft blue an ideal choice for the bedroom. Pale blue walls with natural linen, white and silver add up to a comfortable, sleep-inducing space.


Darkest blue. Midnight blue is as elegant and mysterious as the starry night sky. Even those who think they don’t like using blue may be drawn to this deep, dark shade. On painted surfaces midnight blue tends to change with the light, making it a more interesting choice than charcoal gray or straight black.


Crisp and clean schemes with blue. Bright, clear blue paired with crisp white is a popular scheme in both traditional Swedish and American country interiors. You can’t go wrong with this combination — it’s as refreshing and simple as a clear blue winter sky above a field of snow.


Blue in the garden. From the silvery blue-green spears of agave to the violet-blue of the iris, you can find every shade of blue in the garden. Notice which blues you are most drawn to there, then widen your view to take in the colors surrounding them — green is a natural pairing, but pink, purple and yellow can also make great companions to blue.



Using blue outdoors. Looking outside the home, bold blues are a great choice for accents in the garden and on the patio. Consider a vibrant blue bench, garden stool or ceramic pot. Or paint a garden gate or exterior wall or fence bright blue and train lush green vines to climb over it.

Tell us: What is your favorite shade of blue? Do you prefer the dark and dramatic shades, beachy Caribbean blues or soft, pale blues?

More: Lessons on Green From the Great Outdoors

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