Paint Colour Spotlight: Blue

Jan 22

It’s the time of year that after the holiday decor gets packed away, many of us look around our spaces and feel the need for a little refresh. If you’re looking to update your space with a fresh shade of white paint or a softer neutral, I’ve got you covered here and here.

But if you’re leaning towards something a little more colourful, you’re in the right place! To kick off 2024, this month I’ll be sharing some colourful home inspiration and rounding up all my favourite paint colours, hue by hue. Find all the colour spotlights here: pink, yellow, red, green and brown.

Today’s colour spotlight is a perennial favourite: blue! This classic hue is probably the colour we feel most comfortable with in our homes. It can be bold or subtle, light or dark, but regardless, this is a colour that feels timeless and approachable.

Dining Room with medium blue walls and trim — Image Source: McGrath2

Blue (especially the lighter and less saturated version) is a receding colour, which creates the illusion that an object is distant. For this reason, light blue rooms appear larger and more expansive. The same is less true for darker and more saturated blues, but a medium or dark blue room will still appear larger than, say, a rich burgundy-painted room.

Light blue living room with jute rug and coffered ceiling — Image Source: Heidi Caillier Design

Another important consideration when choosing the right blue for your space is the room’s exposure. North-facing light is generally cool and grey to begin with: using a blue paint colour will only add to this feeling. If you’re wanting to add a bit or warmth back in, opt for a blue that has a bit of green in it. The opposite is true for a south-facing room: the light in this type of room is warm and yellow. A cool blue can provide beautiful balance to all that warm in a south-facing exposure.

Kitchen with marble counter, blue painted wall and navy blue cabinetry — Image Source: Farrow & Ball

If you’re considering using blue in your space try layering in different shades of the colour. Using multiple blue tones creates depth and is more visually interesting than sticking with just one shade. Another tip for decorating with blue is to balance the cool tones with warm ones. Do this by mixing in warm metals like brass, using orange-based shades such as terracotta or cognac, or simply opting for neutrals with warm undertones (eg. beiges versus greys).