Beautiful Home Decorating in Shades of Blue
The Safest Colour For Creating Relaxing Rooms Throughout the House
Aug 4, 2009
There are endless opportunities to get it right when decorating with blue as there are so many shades to choose from. Decide on the mood, as blues can be cool or warm colours.
Look at the way the natural light falls in a room before deciding on the shade. Icy blues are best in south facing rooms. North facing rooms may feel bleak with the cooler grey blues so go for a shade which includes some green to make a duck egg blue or a pale aqua.
In general blue is a calming colour in all shades, and useful for people with stressful lives. There are many books about creating a calm haven in your home, including Holistic Home by Maxine Fox. Using all these tips can bring each room to its full potential.
Ideas for Blue Bathrooms
Blue is a particular favourite for bathrooms as it looks clean and restful. This doesn't mean boring. Blue bathrooms can be elegant or funky. To create an elegant look, use shades of blue moving towards violet, which is blue with the addition of red.
Choose two shades of blue. Paint three walls in one shade and then try painting a vertically striped wall in the two shades of blue. Use masking tape, or draw freehand wobbly ribbon lines down the wall. As long as the stripes are more or less the same width it will work.
A horizontal border a third of the way up a wall can look interesting in a plain room. Experiment with different shades of blue and consider a wavy line instead of a straight one.
For a more funky look, move towards green making a turquoise or aqua colour. Use brightly coloured accessories in marine blues or even a contrasting warm and active colour like red to keep it lively. Again observe the light and make decisions based on the atmosphere that the room is designed to create.
Ideas for Blue Kitchens
Decorating with blue can make a beautiful country style kitchen. Paint walls a duck egg blue and use paler or darker shades of the same colour on the wood work. This will give a spacious and calm feel to the room. Look for cheerful yellow accessories and toning prints for curtains. Create a herb-filled window box to bring life into the kitchen.
With surfaces in a light natural wood, a white sink and copper-bottomed pans on shelves the kitchen is a dream come true.
Ideas for Blue Living Rooms
Calm does not need to be muted. For a fresh, crisp look a blue and white living room is very effective. Go for linen and cotton fabrics in blue and white prints. Patterns can be mixed if the same palette is used, so try floral and stripes or checks together when deciding on upholstery and cushions. White woodwork and white painted furniture complete the look. There are some beautiful traditional blue and white accessories such as the willow pattern china, blue glass, and delft tiles. Lamps can go silver or bright white.
For a softer effect try a cream and blue scheme and add touches of pink or turquoise for warmth. To make a statement, try using a splash of coral red with one or two pieces.
Woodwork in Blue Rooms
Avoid dark woodwork in blue rooms, especially floors. Blue is a dominant colour and absorbs the light. A light natural wood or cream or white woodwork works best. Paler shades of blue can be used with care on woodwork in a living room.
Although blue is the safest colour to work with, avoid deep shades on walls as the room will look dark and may feel cold.
 |
 |
