Jefferey Pouros
Plus if you're looking for living room ideas (opens in new tab) that are calming, even in the busiest of households, this is the color to choose. ‘Its different tones have the power to convey a variety of moods, from bold to peaceful, so they can be easily introduced in any type of living room, no matter the size or style.’
‘With blue being one of the world’s longest standing most popular colors, it’s safe to say it’s been added to the timeless palette’, adds Kelly Collins, head of creative at Swyft (opens in new tab).
‘Darker colors can imbue a magical quality in your living room, maximizing its coziness’, says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab). ‘Blue generally looks fantastic paired with crisp white, giving the room a fresh and summery feel’, says Lloyd. ‘Warmer tones of cream bring out its warmth, ensuring the color scheme doesn’t look too stark.’
Not only is it an emotionally powerful color in itself, but it is also easy to pair with a whole host of friends, from gray living room ideas (opens in new tab) to more eclectic combinations, to create a more dynamic scheme. ‘It is extremely versatile in that it can be combined with a variety of shades, from brown and cream, to gold, gray and pink.’ ‘Blue makes for a great sofa choice as it works well with a variety of tones, and transitions well into different seasons’, says Dani Burroughs, head of product at Snug (opens in new tab).
‘A navy velvet, for example, can bring a regal flair to your home, instantly elevating your living room.
When employed in jewel tones like royal blue or a deep turquoise it can be unendingly lavish – especially when paired with gold accessories. ‘A sophisticated and refined pair, blue and gold will give the living room a glamorous feel that can be adapted to suit different styles, from industrial to country.’
If your living room is a space primarily used in the evening, consider painting it a shade that will look at its absolute best when you need it most – for O’Donnell, that’s the perennially popular navy blue. For interest, no matter the time of day, try contrasting tones of equal intensity on walls and ceilings, or taking the color straight up and over to create the ultimate evening retreat.’
‘To avoid your scheme feeling too clinical, incorporate different textures such as linen cushions in contrasting blue hues, tactile throws, and wooden accessories for a rustic country finish,’ advises Ben Stokes, interior designer and founder of Kagu Interiors (opens in new tab).
If your living space has recently taken on the mantle of home office, tailor it to your newfound needs by painting it blue.
‘If you are wanting to create a soothing relaxing space that also improves your focus and productivity, then blue is the perfect color to go with,’ says Collins. As a classic combination drawn from nature, blue and white has historic design connotations in multiple cultures all around the world.
In this room, a statement wallpaper takes notes from Portuguese tile design, channeling the blue and white ceramics that climb the exterior walls of homes in cities like Lisbon. Whether it's tile-style or winding florals, blue and white patterned wallpaper ideas (opens in new tab) generate a bold look, but reign in the fuss.
‘Royal blue and yellow living room (opens in new tab) schemes are bright, fun and joyful.
It's worth noting, too, that if you're favoring a blue that would sit comfortably on a green living room ideas (opens in new tab) moodboard, yellow is a great choice for adding a welcoming shot of warmth to the scheme. ‘Blue works extremely well in the living room, as it has a calming, welcoming effect and reacts well to natural light,’ says Wezen. ‘If you are still hesitant, start your transformation in a cloakroom or small bedroom, since richer colors work well in such spaces, despite the accepted wisdom that white paint makes a room seem larger.’
