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Inject Some Confidence and Calm With Classic Blue
Beautifully versatile and ever popular, make blue your go-to interior shade for 2020
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Let’s face it, blue is a pretty timeless colour and for many of us, a firm favourite for our interiors. It’s no surprise then that Pantone introduced ‘Classic Blue’ as their Colour of the Year for 2020 – said to instill calm, confidence and connection, and be reminiscent of the sky at dusk. Doesn’t that sound appealing? And, since we are now living in such a fast-paced and digitally-driven world, there’s no better reason to use this grounding colour in our interiors to help us feel at peace and bring a sense of tranquility to our space.
Ready to embrace blue in your own home but aren’t sure how or where to use it? Look no further, as we’ve got some top tips to help you do just that…
Ready to embrace blue in your own home but aren’t sure how or where to use it? Look no further, as we’ve got some top tips to help you do just that…
This room features Marathon, Elephant and a neutral, Ecru White, all Resene.
1. Why it Works
Not only is blue a timeless colour, but it’s also easy to introduce into your existing scheme, simply with a lick of paint. Whether you want to update a room with freshly painted walls or cladding, or add in some subtle hints by painting the windowsills or a door, it’s a colour that works well in any style of home, from rustic coastal abodes to sleek, modern new-builds. Think of the blue, white and red combination of Hamptons-style interiors, or elegant darker blue walls in period properties – it’s a winning colour that’s been used again and again, with stunning effect.
You may want to keep in mind your surroundings when deciding which blue to use, though, as this can dictate which shade will work best for you. “The harsh natural light in New Zealand and Australia really has quite a significant impact on the colours that become popular regionally,” says Laura Lynn Johnston, editor of Habitat by Resene magazine. “We tend to choose dustier shades, since the sun can cause hues that are more vibrant or saturated to get washed out. Coastal and denim blues – especially those with more grey in them, such as Resene’s Coast, Bunting and New Denim Blue colours – are really the ‘Classic Blues’ here and are shades that will continue to be hugely popular,” Johnston continues. “But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t combine them with a closer match to the popular Pantone version.”
Bonus tip: Use paint effects to add an extra dimension to your bedroom furniture. Try a fun striped effect, using low-tack masking tape, or a vintage look with Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint and wax.
1. Why it Works
Not only is blue a timeless colour, but it’s also easy to introduce into your existing scheme, simply with a lick of paint. Whether you want to update a room with freshly painted walls or cladding, or add in some subtle hints by painting the windowsills or a door, it’s a colour that works well in any style of home, from rustic coastal abodes to sleek, modern new-builds. Think of the blue, white and red combination of Hamptons-style interiors, or elegant darker blue walls in period properties – it’s a winning colour that’s been used again and again, with stunning effect.
You may want to keep in mind your surroundings when deciding which blue to use, though, as this can dictate which shade will work best for you. “The harsh natural light in New Zealand and Australia really has quite a significant impact on the colours that become popular regionally,” says Laura Lynn Johnston, editor of Habitat by Resene magazine. “We tend to choose dustier shades, since the sun can cause hues that are more vibrant or saturated to get washed out. Coastal and denim blues – especially those with more grey in them, such as Resene’s Coast, Bunting and New Denim Blue colours – are really the ‘Classic Blues’ here and are shades that will continue to be hugely popular,” Johnston continues. “But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t combine them with a closer match to the popular Pantone version.”
Bonus tip: Use paint effects to add an extra dimension to your bedroom furniture. Try a fun striped effect, using low-tack masking tape, or a vintage look with Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint and wax.
Wall panelling painted in Indian Ink, nightstand in Wishing Well, floor in Half Chicago and vases in Mystery (left) and Wishing Well, all Resene.
2. Where to Use It
Which room you use blue in will have a say on what shade you opt for. For example, in a bedroom you can use Classic Blue along with other inky blue shades to create a cocooning environment that encourages better sleep, whereas in a living room you might want to keep it feeling brighter by using it in smaller doses along with paler shades of blue and fresh white.
“Shades like Resene’s Torea Bay, Decadence, Resolution Blue and Wet N Wild all make excellent accent colours, especially when used on key pieces of furniture, such as a sideboard or coffee table,” says Johnston. “The beauty of paint is that it can always be painted over as trends or tastes change, whereas investment pieces like a sofa or armchair should be in a colour you truly love, rather than the flavour of the month.”
2. Where to Use It
Which room you use blue in will have a say on what shade you opt for. For example, in a bedroom you can use Classic Blue along with other inky blue shades to create a cocooning environment that encourages better sleep, whereas in a living room you might want to keep it feeling brighter by using it in smaller doses along with paler shades of blue and fresh white.
“Shades like Resene’s Torea Bay, Decadence, Resolution Blue and Wet N Wild all make excellent accent colours, especially when used on key pieces of furniture, such as a sideboard or coffee table,” says Johnston. “The beauty of paint is that it can always be painted over as trends or tastes change, whereas investment pieces like a sofa or armchair should be in a colour you truly love, rather than the flavour of the month.”
Walls painted in Wishing Well, with painted details in Cleopatra (gold) and Time After Time (pale blue), side table and plant pot in Half Tea and vases in Time After Time, Influential and Cleopatra, all Resene.
Why not use your blue as a base for motifs or abstract patterns in other colours? Or, if you have a favourite colour but can’t decide what shade to go for, why not try tone-on-tone decor, using varying shades of the same colour?
Stylist’s tip: Continue your wall colour onto your ceiling for a cosy, cocooning effect.
Why not use your blue as a base for motifs or abstract patterns in other colours? Or, if you have a favourite colour but can’t decide what shade to go for, why not try tone-on-tone decor, using varying shades of the same colour?
Stylist’s tip: Continue your wall colour onto your ceiling for a cosy, cocooning effect.
Wall panelling painted in Yes Please, back wall in Elderflower, pendant lamp in Wishing Well, cacti pots in Submerge and rattan table in King Tide, all Resene.
You’ll also want to consider the type of paint you use. Beautiful matt finishes are a popular choice for walls, but if you’re worried as to how durable they will be in a high-traffic area, such a hallway or kitchen, it’s worth looking at a low-sheen range that is easy to clean and offers extra protection. In a bathroom, try one with an anti-bacterial protection to help prevent mould.
Bonus tip: Use a flat finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, to bring out the depth and moodiness of dark blue.
You’ll also want to consider the type of paint you use. Beautiful matt finishes are a popular choice for walls, but if you’re worried as to how durable they will be in a high-traffic area, such a hallway or kitchen, it’s worth looking at a low-sheen range that is easy to clean and offers extra protection. In a bathroom, try one with an anti-bacterial protection to help prevent mould.
Bonus tip: Use a flat finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, to bring out the depth and moodiness of dark blue.
Wall painted in Kandinsky with grid in Wet N Wild, floor in Wet N Wild, nightstand in Secrets with drawer in Wet N Wild, large plat pot and bud vase in Jalapeño and lamp and picture frame in Alabaster, all Resene.
3. What Goes With It?
We know that blues go fabulously with other shades of blue, white and grey, but what other colours can we pair with them?
For Classic Blue hues, why not try introducing small pops of bright colours? “Start with a classic warm grey on your walls like Resene Quarter Truffle, then paint Resene Torea Bay on a side table, find a couple of cushions to match, and balance it out with just a touch of tropical orange, like Resene Chilean Fire,” says Johnston. “Or, swap Resene’s Chilean Fire for a vibrant lime like Sushi or Lima. Classic shades of blue always pair well with another classic colour: red. Look to timeless options like Resene’s Raging Bull, Jalapeno or Dynamite.”
Soft grey-greens have seen a surge in popularity, too, and blend beautifully with Classic Blue, creating a nature-inspired effect. And, while we’re on the subject of nature, it’s worth opting for a more environmentally-friendly paint choice if you’re looking to reduce your exposure to VOCs.
3. What Goes With It?
We know that blues go fabulously with other shades of blue, white and grey, but what other colours can we pair with them?
For Classic Blue hues, why not try introducing small pops of bright colours? “Start with a classic warm grey on your walls like Resene Quarter Truffle, then paint Resene Torea Bay on a side table, find a couple of cushions to match, and balance it out with just a touch of tropical orange, like Resene Chilean Fire,” says Johnston. “Or, swap Resene’s Chilean Fire for a vibrant lime like Sushi or Lima. Classic shades of blue always pair well with another classic colour: red. Look to timeless options like Resene’s Raging Bull, Jalapeno or Dynamite.”
Soft grey-greens have seen a surge in popularity, too, and blend beautifully with Classic Blue, creating a nature-inspired effect. And, while we’re on the subject of nature, it’s worth opting for a more environmentally-friendly paint choice if you’re looking to reduce your exposure to VOCs.
Wall papered in Resene Wallpaper Collection 388783.
Metallics, including bronze, copper and gold also work well with blue, and are ideal for adding a luxe feel to your scheme.
We’re also set to see a lot more orange coming through this year. “Bitter orange hues, like Resene’s Smoke Tree, Moroccan Spice and Ayers Rock are well poised to be the next big thing,” Johnston confirms. “You’ll mostly find them as accent colours, at least for the time being, so use them on accessories like trays and vases, whereas Resene Green Meets Blue and Fast Forward are both gorgeously decadent choices for your walls.”
Bonus tip: Use a colour wheel to quickly find a complementary colour to use as an accent. Simply look at the colours on the opposite of the colour wheel as your chosen colour. Or, click here for more advice on complementary colours.
More: For more ideas on the latest looks to try in your home, visit the Resene website or your local Resene ColorShop. Or, use the free Ask a Resene Expert service.
Tell us: What colour blue is your favourite? Share with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments section below.
Metallics, including bronze, copper and gold also work well with blue, and are ideal for adding a luxe feel to your scheme.
We’re also set to see a lot more orange coming through this year. “Bitter orange hues, like Resene’s Smoke Tree, Moroccan Spice and Ayers Rock are well poised to be the next big thing,” Johnston confirms. “You’ll mostly find them as accent colours, at least for the time being, so use them on accessories like trays and vases, whereas Resene Green Meets Blue and Fast Forward are both gorgeously decadent choices for your walls.”
Bonus tip: Use a colour wheel to quickly find a complementary colour to use as an accent. Simply look at the colours on the opposite of the colour wheel as your chosen colour. Or, click here for more advice on complementary colours.
More: For more ideas on the latest looks to try in your home, visit the Resene website or your local Resene ColorShop. Or, use the free Ask a Resene Expert service.
Tell us: What colour blue is your favourite? Share with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments section below.
- This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make.
Resene has all the quality paint, colour, wallpaper,... Read More
It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make.
Resene has all the quality paint, colour, wallpaper,... Read More
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