I’m not sure why they call it the winter blues when you’re feeling down this time of year. No colour is more soothing than blue. In fact, blue has been proven to lower your heart rate and blood pressure and promote a sense of peacefulness. Perhaps it’s this calming effect that has put blue on the forefront of home décor this season. But beyond a boy’s bedroom, where and how do you add blue to your home?

Here are a few ideas:

Blue Any Room. Blue works in any room. Darker blues are more sophisticated – perhaps navy for a master bedroom. Bright blues are more fun – like royal blue in a family room. Be careful with cool blues as they can make a room feel cold, but they work beautifully in a bathroom when crisp and clean is your mission.

Adjust the Temperature. A sunny room facing south can be cooled down with light blue walls. The opposite is also true: a cool room can be warmed up with rich shades of blue. But beware of cool blue in a room facing north – brrr!

Paint on a Sky. The oft-forgotten ceiling is beautiful in pale, atmospheric blue. Paired with sparkling white cornices, it’s serene and special – and adds charm no matter what your wall colour.

Blue Furnishings. If you’re looking for an automatic focal point, this is it! Blue accent tables in rich turquoise or dark royal blue illuminate a foyer. Studded sofas provide comfort and wow factor in denim, indigo or teal. Or go subtle with a neutral beige sectional highlighted by cushions and a hassock with blue stripes and blue-infused patterns.

Change Your Room Size. Warmer, darker blues are recommended for social spaces as they bring the walls forward, making you feel open to conversation. Think dining or living rooms. Light blues recede walls, ideal for a hallway or area you wish to open up.

Use Blue WITH a Neutral. Blue pairs delightfully with neutrals. Is there anything more classic than navy blue and white? Blue is also a superstar with beiges and tans, through to rich shades of chocolate brown. Blue with grey is a little trickier; it can be cold unless you use warm blue shades.

Use Blue AS a Neutral. Blue is so versatile. It pairs well with almost any colour. Blue and green is a natural combination and promotes a feeling of harmony – mix up the shades for diversity. Blue is also spectacular with red, orange or yellow, opposing shades on the colour wheel. With red, it’s lively and fun, maybe for a kitchen , mixed with lots of white? With orange, it’s very striking. Go for softer blues. With yellow, blue is joyful – blend it with rich woods in a family room.

True Blue Accessories. Choose accessories that make it easy and affordable to embrace blue. Whether it’s gorgeous blue velvet or blue patterned cushions, blue lamp shades or bases, photos of a turquoise ocean, antique china in Blue Willow, or these whimsical blue birds – accessories abound in every shade of blue. Add and enjoy!

Tags: decor, design tips, Furniture, trends