Transform three rooms with moody blue

Update a simple country look with a swathe of deep dramatic blue and a little vintage-inspired floral pattern

Ginevra Benedetti
By Ginevra Benedetti
last updated

Any room can take a hit of bold blue when it's used in the right proportions and with a little bit of style savvy

For a contemplative study space

Use
a deep, navy blue paint in a chalky matt finish to create a warm,
immersive effect in a space that you want to feel calm and relaxing.
Pair with white and pale-wood furniture to prevent it looking
oppressive. Some metal accessories to add a subtle industrial feel will
work well in this scheme.

room with dark blue and wooden table

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Wall and panelling painted in Stiffkey Blue Estate Emulsion, £39.50 fo 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

For a fresh living room

Use equal amounts of white with dark blue for a balanced
decorating scheme. Go for pure or creamy whites, as grey tints will look
chilly. Dark blues are heavy, so lighten with pops of pattern, staying
tonal so as not to overwhelm with too many contrasting colours. The
right accent colour will really pop against dark blue. Try a citrussy
yellow or light greys or metallic silver for a subtler look. If you find
a blue-base fabric you love, use that then take your accent from it.
Use whitewashed or distressed-finish pieces for a less polished more
relaxed shabby-chic look.

room with open wooden shelves and dark blue wall

(Image credit: TBC)

Walls painted in Woad 251 Absolute Matt Emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Blind made in Giverny 120147, £50 per metre, Harlequin

For a tranquil bedroom

Create a gentle look in a bedroom scheme by teaming a deep indigo blue with purplish cornflower tones, adding textured woods and plenty of soft textiles for a comfortable, lived-in look. Add a vintage feel with a heritage print from William Morris or Liberty, or try linen from Bedeck's William Morris range.

bedroom with dark blue and columbine bed linen

(Image credit: Bedeck)

Wall and panelling painted in Indigo Flame matt emulsion, £21.98 for 2.5ltr, Valspar range, B&Q. Columbine bed linen, £60 for a king-size set, V&A range, Bedeck

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Ginevra Benedetti
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.  

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