Working with Professionals
Bold Blue: The On-Trend Colour Your Clients Will Be Asking For
Warm cosseting blue is 2020's stand-out colour trend – read our expert guide to making it work in your clients' projects
With Classic Blue recently announced as Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020, chances are this eye-catching hue will be high on your clients’ wish lists. But why exactly is it popular now, how and where can you integrate it into clients’ homes and what are the stand-out blues you should know about? We’ve asked four design experts to share the lowdown so you’re armed and ready to answer your clients’ questions.
Fireplace painted in Dulux Master Blue. Photography: Lisa Cohen; styling: Bree Leech
“Classic blue is calm, safe and reassuring. It manages to be both serene and energetic. There’s a line in our book Using Australian Colour, ‘For many people blue is a reminder of familiar joys – holidays by the sea, a clear blue sky, blue eyes, a favourite dress’,” says Sonia Simpfendorfer, creative director of Nexus Designs.
See more stunning living rooms incorporating shades of blue
“Classic blue is calm, safe and reassuring. It manages to be both serene and energetic. There’s a line in our book Using Australian Colour, ‘For many people blue is a reminder of familiar joys – holidays by the sea, a clear blue sky, blue eyes, a favourite dress’,” says Sonia Simpfendorfer, creative director of Nexus Designs.
See more stunning living rooms incorporating shades of blue
What sort of mood can it create?
When blue is bold and intense it can be very commanding, says Wendy Rennie, colour and concept manager at Haymes Paint. “It can feel quite powerful and motivating and can really shift your mood. Blue is often identified as a ‘thinking colour’ and its currently popularity is very much a sign of the times.”
When blue is bold and intense it can be very commanding, says Wendy Rennie, colour and concept manager at Haymes Paint. “It can feel quite powerful and motivating and can really shift your mood. Blue is often identified as a ‘thinking colour’ and its currently popularity is very much a sign of the times.”
A stand-out look
With trends in Europe generally a precursor to what we’ll soon be seeing on our shores, it’s interesting to note that bold blue was spotted in several of the exhibitors’ displays at this years’ virtual European design shows.
“We saw bolder blues in furniture and accessories, such as the D-Chair by Staat for Lensvelt and the CC-Tapis Stroke rug by artist Sabine Marcelis,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager
With trends in Europe generally a precursor to what we’ll soon be seeing on our shores, it’s interesting to note that bold blue was spotted in several of the exhibitors’ displays at this years’ virtual European design shows.
“We saw bolder blues in furniture and accessories, such as the D-Chair by Staat for Lensvelt and the CC-Tapis Stroke rug by artist Sabine Marcelis,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager
Wall in Haymes Paint Royal Fair. Photography: Martina Gemmola; styling: Ruth Welsby
Easy to live with
“Bold blue is intense but it doesn’t tend to be too overwhelming, unlike other colours on the spectrum such as reds and yellows,” says Rennie.
“Subtle and mid-tone blues are very easy to live with,” says Lucena-Orr. “Bolder blues can be used to add a sense of surprise, energy and brightness into a space.”
Easy to live with
“Bold blue is intense but it doesn’t tend to be too overwhelming, unlike other colours on the spectrum such as reds and yellows,” says Rennie.
“Subtle and mid-tone blues are very easy to live with,” says Lucena-Orr. “Bolder blues can be used to add a sense of surprise, energy and brightness into a space.”
Which architectural styles do blues work with?
Classic blue is incredibly versatile and works with all sorts of architectural styles, says Simpfendorfer. “It’s easy to use in contemporary spaces but I’d happily use it in mid-century or Victorian styles too.”
“When it comes to paint in living spaces, bold blue works better with contemporary or modern styles,” says Lucena-Orr. “But you could use blue paint in a bedroom of any interior style.”
Bold blue accessories and furnishings can be incredibly versatile and work across different architectural styles, she says. “It looks amazing in artwork, rugs, upholstery and ceramics. A simple pop of bold blue can make a huge difference in a neutral space.”
For Rennie, mid-century modern, contemporary and coastal homes are the best fit for bold blue. “Team it with natural materials to keep the look fresh and not overdone.”
Classic blue is incredibly versatile and works with all sorts of architectural styles, says Simpfendorfer. “It’s easy to use in contemporary spaces but I’d happily use it in mid-century or Victorian styles too.”
“When it comes to paint in living spaces, bold blue works better with contemporary or modern styles,” says Lucena-Orr. “But you could use blue paint in a bedroom of any interior style.”
Bold blue accessories and furnishings can be incredibly versatile and work across different architectural styles, she says. “It looks amazing in artwork, rugs, upholstery and ceramics. A simple pop of bold blue can make a huge difference in a neutral space.”
For Rennie, mid-century modern, contemporary and coastal homes are the best fit for bold blue. “Team it with natural materials to keep the look fresh and not overdone.”
Wall in Haymes Paint Debonaire. Photography: Martina Gemmola; styling Ruth Welsby
The trending bold blues to watch
According to Rennie, “Haymes Paint’s Debonair, Royal Fair and Danish Blue,” are stand-out shades.
“Blues have been popular for the past three years and in our 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast we included bolder blues, such as Dulux Master Blue and Dulux Mondrian Blue, which would mainly be used for accents,” says Lucena-Orr. “But for 2021 we have included some key blues that can be used for main areas.”
The trending bold blues to watch
According to Rennie, “Haymes Paint’s Debonair, Royal Fair and Danish Blue,” are stand-out shades.
“Blues have been popular for the past three years and in our 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast we included bolder blues, such as Dulux Master Blue and Dulux Mondrian Blue, which would mainly be used for accents,” says Lucena-Orr. “But for 2021 we have included some key blues that can be used for main areas.”
Where to use it
Simpfendorfer says:
Simpfendorfer says:
- Use classic blues as an accent – on a chest of drawers, a sofa or a piece of sculptural joinery. The danger in wrapping a room in classic blue is that you could lose the element of surprise.
- Blues are wonderful in warmer rooms in the home facing north or west. Bolder blues work on feature walls and small accents – try painting some planters, ceramics or a lamp base.
- Lighter blues are perfect for smaller spaces where you want a room to feel larger. Bedrooms painted in blue feel tranquil. Bold blue adds a touch of fun to kids’ rooms and playrooms.
Rennie says:
- Use bold blue in a home office or areas where you want to make an impact and shift your headspace so you can work effectively.
- Use classic blue in furniture, such as a plush velvet sofa or ottoman in the living area or main bedroom. Or incorporate it in a bold-blue rug or runner.
- Introduce bold blues through artwork in living spaces and bedrooms or through towels in a bathroom.
- Classic Blue is similar to the colour of the third eye chakra, known as our connection to intuition, making it perfect for spaces in the home where you practise mindfulness meditation.
… And where not to use it
Lucena-Orr says:
Lucena-Orr says:
- Avoid using bold blues in small rooms on the south side of the home as they can look dark and dreary. However, you could get away with a lighter shade of blue in these spots.
- Blue lends itself better to thinking spaces, so I would avoid using it in rooms where you eat or socialise.
Wall painted in Dulux Cameo Blue Half. Photography: Lisa Cohen; styling: Bree Leech
Which other colours pair well with it?
“Pair bold blue with other shades of blue – lighter and darker, even purples and concrete greys,” says Simpfendorfer. “It also makes a dramatic partner for deep pinks and dull reds, or a cheery partner for sandy beiges and sunshine yellow.”
Which other colours pair well with it?
“Pair bold blue with other shades of blue – lighter and darker, even purples and concrete greys,” says Simpfendorfer. “It also makes a dramatic partner for deep pinks and dull reds, or a cheery partner for sandy beiges and sunshine yellow.”
Fireplace painted in Dulux Master Blue. Photography: Lisa Cohen; styling: Bree Leech
Select the right white
Blue and white are a classic combination. The best white for the job will depend on the specific blue your client chooses. “Bold blues work with cooler whites, as you need to contrast the boldness with something clean,” says Lucena-Orr. “Pair blues such as Dulux Master Blue or Mondrian Blue with a cool white such as Dulux Lexicon Half or White on White.”
For Rennie, when it comes to bold blue, warmer whites are the way to go. “Think bone-coloured whites, such as Haymes Bleached White and Whitewash 1, rather than white with a yellow undertone.”
Select the right white
Blue and white are a classic combination. The best white for the job will depend on the specific blue your client chooses. “Bold blues work with cooler whites, as you need to contrast the boldness with something clean,” says Lucena-Orr. “Pair blues such as Dulux Master Blue or Mondrian Blue with a cool white such as Dulux Lexicon Half or White on White.”
For Rennie, when it comes to bold blue, warmer whites are the way to go. “Think bone-coloured whites, such as Haymes Bleached White and Whitewash 1, rather than white with a yellow undertone.”
Harmonising finishes
So which finishes sit beautifully alongside bold blue? “Natural concrete and white-washed or natural golden timbers and upholstery fabrics are the perfect friends for bold blue – particularly when set against white lining boards,” says Simpfendorfer.
“Bone-coloured ceramics and natural materials – such as wood, stone, concrete – add plenty of texture,” says Rennie. “These will help soften the intensity of bold blue, making it feel more organic.”
So which finishes sit beautifully alongside bold blue? “Natural concrete and white-washed or natural golden timbers and upholstery fabrics are the perfect friends for bold blue – particularly when set against white lining boards,” says Simpfendorfer.
“Bone-coloured ceramics and natural materials – such as wood, stone, concrete – add plenty of texture,” says Rennie. “These will help soften the intensity of bold blue, making it feel more organic.”
Tips for success
“Make your touches of classic blue count,” says Simpfendorfer. “Use it to give further emphasis to a strong shape or to create a focal point at the end of a hallway.
“It’s a strong, calm, confident colour, and that’s exactly how it should be used. Don’t be shy – but equally, don’t go overboard,” she says .
“Make your touches of classic blue count,” says Simpfendorfer. “Use it to give further emphasis to a strong shape or to create a focal point at the end of a hallway.
“It’s a strong, calm, confident colour, and that’s exactly how it should be used. Don’t be shy – but equally, don’t go overboard,” she says .
Your turn
Are your clients starting to ask for this fashionable hue – or perhaps they’ve been asking for it for a while? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, follow these design professionals on Houzz, and join the conversation.
More
Want to get some great ideas for decorating with bold blue to share with your clients? Don’t miss this story: 17 Ways Bold Blue Can Work in Your Home
Are your clients starting to ask for this fashionable hue – or perhaps they’ve been asking for it for a while? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, follow these design professionals on Houzz, and join the conversation.
More
Want to get some great ideas for decorating with bold blue to share with your clients? Don’t miss this story: 17 Ways Bold Blue Can Work in Your Home
With the world going through uncertain times, it’s little surprise that we’re seeking out cosseting, comforting colours, says Jacquelene Symond, colour consultant at Jacquelene Symond Colour. “Classic blue is a somewhat old-fashioned colour that’s seen as trustworthy and dependable,” she says. “It imports a familiarity and stability into the home with the hope of a new dawn. It also conveys a sense of elegance and sophistication.”