Decorating with blue

Take the plunge and decorate your scheme with a splash of this gorgeous colour, from moody blue hues to fresh aqua brights

Calm, cool and collected, the colour blue is a decorating win win: not only does it make a beautiful base for a scheme but it's scientifically proven to be a subconsciously calming shade, making you relax without even realising it.

We're huge fans of the colour, from pretty pale baby blues to rich azure shades to the deepest inky indigos, we can't get enough of it.

 

living area with blue colour wall

(Image credit: TBC)

Country casual blue and cream living room

A cornflower blue painted wall provides the perfect backdrop to a cream coloured sofa, white shelving and accessories and honey coloured wooden furniture and shutters. Keep the look relaxed with plenty of soft textiles in linen and cotton.

room with wooden desk and chair

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Azure blue home office

A vivid wash of azure blue on the walls makes for a bold and confident style statement. Team it with plenty of crisp white accessories and furniture to give it a classic Greek island feel.

turquoise blue bedroom

(Image credit: TBC)

Turquoise blue bedroom

A beautiful blue headboard, together with matching fabric covered cushions and a coordinating bedspread ensure you'll dive deep into sleep in this turquoise sanctuary.

blue and white kitchen diner

(Image credit: TBC)

Blue and white kitchen diner

Take inspiration from classic Delft patterns and decorate a family kitchen diner with a beautiful wash of colour and pattern. Create a cute seating corner in an alcove and wallpaper the wall in a bold print to highlight the space.

inky blue wallpapered dining room

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Inky blue wallpapered dining room

A bold wallpaper pattern is teamed with plain painted panelling from the dado rail downwards to ensure the print doesn't overpower the space. The rich oak furniture and matching basketry pair beautifully with this look.

denim blue living room

(Image credit: TBC)

Denim blue living room

Why stop at double denim? Go denim to the max with this wonderfully rich layer-upon-layer blue scheme. Packed with gorgeously rich tonal shades of blue, from the soft blue jean upholstery to bright blue painted wall and shelving unit.

teal country style bedroom

(Image credit: TBC)

Teal country-style bedroom

Walls painted in a light teal shade provide a great contrast to honey coloured wood furniture and accessories. Hanging classic Shaker-style peg rails right around the room will provide you with instant storage, while creating a clever picture rail effect.

pale blue ticking print bedroom

(Image credit: TBC)

Pale blue ticking print bedroom

Blue is best in a bedroom scheme - it instantly calms you and prepares you for sleep better than any other colour could. Classic ticking stripes are a great choice for a bedroom and the simple print allows you to add more layers of pattern - on curtains or blinds - as a subtle contrast.

Ginevra Benedetti
Deputy Editor (Print)

Ginevra Benedetti has been the Deputy Editor of Ideal Home magazine since 2021. With a career in magazines spanning nearly twenty years, she has worked for the majority of the UK’s interiors magazines, both as staff and as a freelancer. She first joined the Ideal Home team in 2011, initially as the Deputy Decorating Editor and has never left! She currently oversees the publication of the brand’s magazine each month, from planning through to publication, editing, writing or commissioning the majority of the content.