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12 Spaces That Do Blue in a Subtly Soothing Way
In colour theory, blue is known as a calming colour. These tranquil spaces demonstrate just how relaxing it can be
Chiquit Brammall
8 November 2016
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
Whether it’s a wall paint colour, an anchor piece of furniture such as the sofa or bed, or little accent pieces, the blues in these rooms create an ambience that’s restful and cocooning.
1. High-rise living that blends with the sky
Pale blue walls seemingly extend out the window to the surrounding skyline. A darker blue area rug grounds the lighter colours of the room, and harmonises them with the darker elements.
Pale blue walls seemingly extend out the window to the surrounding skyline. A darker blue area rug grounds the lighter colours of the room, and harmonises them with the darker elements.
2. Scandi-style living and dining space
Pale wood and grey furniture contrast and complement the blue walls of the small but airy-looking multi-purpose room.
Pale wood and grey furniture contrast and complement the blue walls of the small but airy-looking multi-purpose room.
3. Blue-grey but playful
Notice the cat scratching post at the far left side of this photo – the cantilevered shelves are not just for display but cat play as well. The colours of the accessories (cushions, table decor) draw on that playfulness to give the solemn-and-subtle blue-grey wall a light and cheery feel.
Notice the cat scratching post at the far left side of this photo – the cantilevered shelves are not just for display but cat play as well. The colours of the accessories (cushions, table decor) draw on that playfulness to give the solemn-and-subtle blue-grey wall a light and cheery feel.
Photo by Breton Brut
4. Small but boldly blue
In this powder room, dark blue walls are uplifted by glossy white tiles and fixtures.
Take the Houzz Tour
4. Small but boldly blue
In this powder room, dark blue walls are uplifted by glossy white tiles and fixtures.
Take the Houzz Tour
5. Dusky blues create a more intimate living room
With its double-volume feature, this penthouse apartment needed a cosier feel. Enter the jade-blue paint used on the feature wall and ceiling. More blues were added via artwork, area rug and decor accessories.
Read more about this space
With its double-volume feature, this penthouse apartment needed a cosier feel. Enter the jade-blue paint used on the feature wall and ceiling. More blues were added via artwork, area rug and decor accessories.
Read more about this space
6. Blue canopy
Royal blue slashes through this off-white bedroom with drama as it extends from the ceiling to the headboard and onto the bedcover.
Royal blue slashes through this off-white bedroom with drama as it extends from the ceiling to the headboard and onto the bedcover.
7. Soft and subtle
Printed wallpaper introduces blue as a very light-hued treatment in this study, so that the work space is luminous and lovely.
Printed wallpaper introduces blue as a very light-hued treatment in this study, so that the work space is luminous and lovely.
Photo by Fauzi Anuar
8. Smart kitchen
Cabinet and drawer fronts can easily be swopped for a change of hue in this kitchen. For now, the blue creates a chill ambience that also adds visual depth.
8. Smart kitchen
Cabinet and drawer fronts can easily be swopped for a change of hue in this kitchen. For now, the blue creates a chill ambience that also adds visual depth.
9. Sofa, so blue
The sectional sofa here is an anchor piece that completely influences the colour and feel of the living room: soothing and chill.
The sectional sofa here is an anchor piece that completely influences the colour and feel of the living room: soothing and chill.
10. Patterns of blue
From cushions to rug to planter pot, a mix of clashing patterns works a treat in this living room because of the soothing colour they all come in.
From cushions to rug to planter pot, a mix of clashing patterns works a treat in this living room because of the soothing colour they all come in.
11. The softest touch
Watery blue cushions and hues on the artwork bring this neutral space a soothing and vibrant appeal.
Watery blue cushions and hues on the artwork bring this neutral space a soothing and vibrant appeal.
12. Layers and layers
How to do a room in complete blue? Take a page from this bedroom, that goes from a very pale blue-grey to livelier, shiny blue. So dreamy!
TELL US
Do you like blue? Tell us your colour preference in the Comments section.
MORE
10 Ways to Bring Blue Into the Home
Beautiful Blue Bathrooms
How to do a room in complete blue? Take a page from this bedroom, that goes from a very pale blue-grey to livelier, shiny blue. So dreamy!
TELL US
Do you like blue? Tell us your colour preference in the Comments section.
MORE
10 Ways to Bring Blue Into the Home
Beautiful Blue Bathrooms
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