Walls painted in Regency Blue (left) and Pale Berlin; plate painted in Delicate Blue, all £37 for 2.5ltrs of Absolute Matt emulsion, Little Greene
1. Enhance a small space
Make your kitchen seem larger and more airy, and somewhere you’ll want to spend time in, with an uplifting colour scheme of sunny blues. Use two or three shades on the walls to add depth.
2. Introduce pattern
Emphasise the space of an open plan dining/living room with varying tones of azure, turquoise and sky blue mixed with lots of white, light wood and glass. To avoid the interior design scheme looking too stark, soften the effect with a large-scale co-ordinating rug.
Summer brights
‘Vivid blues, such as azure and sapphire, are perfect for an invigorating look,’ says Janet Dixon, chief designer at Barker & Barker. ‘And whether you use them all over for maximum effect or picked out in decorative accessories, this trend is a simple way to add vibrancy.’
Serene shades
‘Blue is currently hugely popular in interior design because it is a calm colour that looks rich with greys and taupes – shades that are still being used as a backdrop canvas everywhere,’ says bespoke rug designer Jennifer Manners. ‘I think the more muddy and less pure the tone of the blue, the more luxurious it feels: sea-glass blues, steel blues and pale blues give a sense of serenity that makes a space feel inviting.’
Vibrant hues
‘Blues are often overlookedas one of the most attractive colours for small, dark rooms – using a warm, strong blue forces you to create a wonderful lighting scheme and turn the area into a really dramatic and impressive space,’ says Edward Bulmer, director of Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint. Mark Riese, creative director of Urban Living Interiors, adds: ‘To avoid a cold look, use textures, plus warmer tones and hues that work together.’
Coastal palette
This year’s seaside trend is much softer and more elegant than previous years – there’s a Scandi hint of grey, rather than bright Mediterranean blue. ‘Breezy blue is the perfect palette for a tranquil feel,’ says Emma Hopkins, marketing manager at Crucial Trading. ‘Introduce this trend with the use of seagrass or coir rugs and runners. Alternatively, pair with pale woods and warm greys for a Scandi feel.’
