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Let’s call it blue sky thinking. These 10 ideas make decorating with blue feel fresh, bold and totally doable
From pale powder to deep navy, we love the colour blue in every one of its moods and incarnations. Whether you're looking to create the perfect calming space or want to add a vibrant pop of colour to your home, this always-versatile shade is on hand to help. From kitchen cabinets to patterned wallpaper to study spots drenched in cobalt, there are so many ways to inject this colour into your home. Here are a few blue room decorating ideas to get you started...
A classic mid-blue looks smart alongside a jaunty painted stripe and pale wood furniture for a less literal take on nautical. Pair with a warm brown sofa and contrasting textures for a smart, sophisticated finish.
Pictured: Walls in Mazarine; stripe in Cool Arbour, both intelligent matt emulsion; skirting in Cool Arbour in intelligent all-surface primer; all Little Greene. For a similar sofa, try Munich, Swoon. For a similar coffee table, try Madison, William Wood. For a similar rug, try Jonathan Adler Greenwich Blue, Ruggable
This blue has just the right depth to anchor a bold-patterned wallpaper. Set against paler tones, it creates a clean and crisp palette. It's also a great example of how to do the 'unexpected red theory' right, adding a subtle pop of colour with its vase and lampshade.
Pictured: Kezia wallcovering in Boathouse Blue, Romo. For a similar console table, try Fluted, West Elm. For a similar lamp, try Candy, Pooky
Bright blue does the heavy lifting in this hallway, boldly framing, highlighting and elevating the space’s architectural features. This accent colour injects energy into this staircase, giving the space a modern, Mediterranean twist.
Pictured: Project by PL Studio. For a similar light, try the Blossom diffuser lamp, Houseof. For a similar pedestal, try Yosef, The Masie
Cobalt blue packs a punch, and this workstation channels the inky depths of an Yves Klein canvas with shades of cream and pale pink. Pair with a rug of the same colour for a vibrant, cohesive finish.
Pictured: Portal Inverse rug, 2LG x Floor Story. For a similar chair, try Series 7in Misty Rose velvet, Fritz Hansen
Just a hint of baby blue takes this dining area from plain to playful. It’s fresh, uplifting and works beautifully with warm woods and creams. It's also fantastic for subtly bringing out the blue undertones in any wall art or decor.
Pictured: Strapats wall shelf, Tônn Furniture. For similar chairs, try Stella, Anthropologie. For a similar pendant light, try Eclipse lampshade, Ferm Living
In the kitchen, a soft blue with grey undertones offers a cool, calming base that, combined with creamy tiles, lightens the space without feeling sugary. Pair with wood tones and pops of verdant green for a grounded, soothing effect.
Pictured: For a similar chopping board, try Nusa, Edith + Lou. For similar tiles, try Fellini Crema Gloss, Claybrook
With its rich depth and subtle black undertone, this blue brings drama without overpowering its heritage features. Let the natural features of your home shine with a statement-making wall colour that doesn't steal the show.
Pictured: Walls in Maritime marble matt emulsion, Mylands. For a similar artwork, try Mood by Lena Wigers, PSTR Studio
This slate-toned moody blue, reminiscent of the night sky, is a great pick for a calm, cocooning bedroom. Pair with soft greens and exposed wooden floorboards for the full nature-inspired look.
Pictured: Country Home Tiamat wallpaper, Graham & Brown. For a similar bed, try Monroe, Loaf. For a similar bedspread, try Grant chequered throw, Perch & Parrow
Lustrous shades of blue work brilliantly in bathrooms. Play with pattern, tone, and texture for maximum impact. Here, the sink's duck egg backsplash cleverly matches the tiles' geometric shapes.
Pictured: Blue Jean zellige tiles, Otto Tiles. For a similar sink, try Oskar, Cast Iron Bath Company
Tile-drenching your bathroom won’t look busy if you stick to a tight palette – rich blue hues mixed with soft accents and metallic finishes give the space a sumptuous look. Add a pop of cobalt through a towel or bathrobe to complete the whole look.
Pictured: Shibori tiles in Cobalt, Designers Guild x Fired Earth. For a similar showerhead, try Hudson Reed brushed brass shower head, Victorian Plumbing
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