Decorating
Decorating: 10 Reasons to Change Your Mind About Dark Blue
Yes, it’s strong. No it isn’t classic white. But dark blue can look super-stylish in a living space. Let us prove it to you…
I’m sure that, when it comes to choosing a colour for the living room, dark blue isn’t top of the list for many of us. But perhaps it should be. Because just as a neutral backdrop allows us to add in bold accessories and daring patterns without a second thought, so does indigo or navy blue – it’s just that you might not know it yet. Take inspiration from this selection of super-sophisticated rooms, which are packed with colour and personality – and inky blues. If you don’t want to go the whole hog with top-to-toe blue, you can always invest in a fabulous statement sofa (and best of all it won’t show the dirt).
Introduce a key blue piece
Deep blue works well as a feature colour on chairs and sofas, particularly in a luxurious velvet like this. On paper, the mid-grey walls, yellow lamps and red patterned rug shouldn’t work together, but the result is beautifully eclectic and inviting.
Deep blue works well as a feature colour on chairs and sofas, particularly in a luxurious velvet like this. On paper, the mid-grey walls, yellow lamps and red patterned rug shouldn’t work together, but the result is beautifully eclectic and inviting.
Go for bold
This dark blue wall is so saturated in strong colour it’s bordering on black. What might have been viewed as too dark a shade in the paint pot is actually elegant, refined and on trend when applied to the walls. Try lots of paint tester pots and you’ll be amazed at what you love.
See 10 ways to embrace bold blue in your home
This dark blue wall is so saturated in strong colour it’s bordering on black. What might have been viewed as too dark a shade in the paint pot is actually elegant, refined and on trend when applied to the walls. Try lots of paint tester pots and you’ll be amazed at what you love.
See 10 ways to embrace bold blue in your home
Accessorise for an Eastern mood
There is a certain mysticism to the colour indigo – if colours had personalities, this shade would be intellectual, intuitive and deep in thought. Here, the symmetrical layout, dark wood and highlights of gold and red accentuate the Eastern vibe.
There is a certain mysticism to the colour indigo – if colours had personalities, this shade would be intellectual, intuitive and deep in thought. Here, the symmetrical layout, dark wood and highlights of gold and red accentuate the Eastern vibe.
Warm it up
Blue can tend to the cool side, so in a north-facing room, make sure you choose a shade with warm undertones. Recliners and hammocks will allow you to put your feet up and enjoy the contemplative and calming powers of indigo. All together now, Ommmm….
Blue can tend to the cool side, so in a north-facing room, make sure you choose a shade with warm undertones. Recliners and hammocks will allow you to put your feet up and enjoy the contemplative and calming powers of indigo. All together now, Ommmm….
Match woodwork and walls
Moody and dramatic, floor-to-ceiling navy blue creates the most sophisticated of colour schemes. Floorboards, skirting boards and walls are painted in the same inky shade, creating a stunning modern backdrop for the crisp white furniture.
Moody and dramatic, floor-to-ceiling navy blue creates the most sophisticated of colour schemes. Floorboards, skirting boards and walls are painted in the same inky shade, creating a stunning modern backdrop for the crisp white furniture.
Drench in blue light
Ok, so this room may not be painted or furnished in dark blue, but the striking coloured lighting bathes this entire space in a mesmerising cobalt glow. Perhaps this is the ultimate party room for urban living?
Ok, so this room may not be painted or furnished in dark blue, but the striking coloured lighting bathes this entire space in a mesmerising cobalt glow. Perhaps this is the ultimate party room for urban living?
Tone it down with spring greens
Freshen up shades of indigo and navy by including a blast of zesty lime green. The citrus burst is enough to make you throw open the windows and get ready for the sunshine.
Freshen up shades of indigo and navy by including a blast of zesty lime green. The citrus burst is enough to make you throw open the windows and get ready for the sunshine.
Layer similar shades
I love the simple approach to this room. Decorating the whole space in layers of similar-hued petrol, cobalt and indigo blues, which work beautifully together, creates an utterly compelling scheme. The multicoloured rug is all that’s needed for a final flourish.
I love the simple approach to this room. Decorating the whole space in layers of similar-hued petrol, cobalt and indigo blues, which work beautifully together, creates an utterly compelling scheme. The multicoloured rug is all that’s needed for a final flourish.
Pick out prominent features
If you think dark blue is a bit sombre (best kept for pinstripe suits and school uniforms), then think again. Here in this busy, eclectic living space, air-force blue paintwork creates an elegant partner for the trompe l’oeil bookcase wallpaper and mismatched seating.
See 9 examples of how to be brave with colour
TELL US...
Would you incorporate dark blue into your decorating scheme? Let us know your thoughts and experiments in the Comments.
If you think dark blue is a bit sombre (best kept for pinstripe suits and school uniforms), then think again. Here in this busy, eclectic living space, air-force blue paintwork creates an elegant partner for the trompe l’oeil bookcase wallpaper and mismatched seating.
See 9 examples of how to be brave with colour
TELL US...
Would you incorporate dark blue into your decorating scheme? Let us know your thoughts and experiments in the Comments.
A rich indigo background has the power to make any other colour or fabric pop. Most of us might not be quite sure about adding a hot pink velvet chair, but after seeing this effortlessly stylish room, who could resist such a spirited colour combo?