Consider Giving Your House a Big Bolt of Blue

Our homes should be taking their cue from the fashion catwalk this season, where smart denim, crisp chambray and patterned separates made anything blue a must-have. As with outfits, you can either go all-out, using fabulous wall-to-wall bright blue, or pick out accessories and statement pieces that will lift a predominantly neutral scheme. You can dabble with lighter shades, such as sky blue and aquamarine, or plunge feet first into the look with an eye-poppingly bright sapphire to set your spirits soaring.

Sometimes all it takes is a single blast of color to refresh a tired room. This classic monochromatic palette bursts to life when juxtaposed with the retro-shaped armchair upholstered in a jewel-bright turquoise fabric.

And why not cleverly harmonize the theme with black and white graphic cushions that keep the chair from looking like a spare part?


While most of us might have played it safe with gray or an earthy neutral against the white countertops and floor in this sleek kitchen, look at how much energy and personality the planes of dramatic blue bring.

And don’t forget, dark blue cabinet fronts will also disguise fingerprints and smudges — a boon for an open-plan family kitchen.


A cobalt-blue backdrop will add gravitas to a busy floral pattern. This pretty wisteria print is packed with enough color and personality as it is, but might have lost its drama against pure white. Instead, the bright blue tongue and groove paneling (right down to the baseboard) enhances the beautiful purple and green flowers. The touches of sunny yellow add the flavor of spring.


Play with shades. If you’re a color fan, don’t be restricted to a single shade. Instead, let it rip with an electrifying mix of turquoise, indigo and royal blue for maximum effect.

In a small, open-plan kitchen, it can be fun to introduce a punch of bold color to define different areas of the room or simply to flex your color muscle. If this look is too bold, try the same effect with blues from the paler end of the palette.


Add a block of color. Color blocking is a tried and true way to tackle a lethargic living room. You may not think it, but royal blue and tangerine are a great color collaboration. The brave blocks of the hot hue in this living room would add drama to any neutral backdrop.

If total color blocks are too strong for your eye, try accessorizing with patterned cushions and detailed art to break up the look a little.

Read more on color blocking


Take it up and over. This flamboyant boudoir turns the notion of “white walls, colorful bedding” on its head. This fresh, invigorating turquoise wraps the walls and ceiling in a brave bolt of blue.

The key here is to freshen the look with white furniture, bedding and paintwork and let the blue glow create a cocoon-like vibe for sleeping.

See stories on decorating with turquoise


Overhaul one or two walls. I don’t think we’ll ever get tired of using a bright, coastal-inspired blue in the bathroom. Simply overhauling one or two walls in a vivid cerulean paint is enough to lift pristine white fixtures and fittings and create a refreshing, invigorating vibe in keeping with the room’s function.

Paint is an easy decorating tool for the bathroom; while tiling calls for an expert’s touch, anyone can try a hand at painting a wall. Just remember to use paint that’s been specially formulated for use in the hot, humid conditions of the bathroom.


Wow with wallpaper. This subtle, patterned paper offers a stylish alternative to blue paint for a child’s room.

All-over wallpaper is such a great trend to harness this season, and it creates a fresher, more modern vibe than the tried and true feature wall.


All together now. Your beloved grays and neutrals might just be in need of a little sprucing up this spring, and bold turquoise is the perfect antidote to a monotone interior, especially when paired with gorgeous flashes of golden yellow (these two shades are great friends).

A shot of opulent turquoise can do wonders for a large, open space that can look a little lost and anemic left on its own. Pepper the separate zones with the same bolt of blue for a united look.


Bring the outdoors in. If you are lucky enough to live by the beach, then ultramarine, azure, turquoise and sky blue should be at the top of your color chart. Here, cool cobalt cushions echo the natural hues of the ocean beyond. Take your pick from the palette outside your window, and you’ll freshen up an off-white sofa in seconds.

Blues also work incredibly well with neutral tones, such as mushroom, taupe and biscuit, for a sophisticated edge.

Tell us: Have you used blue to good effect in your home? Share your ideas, inspiration and photos in the Comments.

More: Browse more stories on decorating with the color blue

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