Colour us blue
Indigo in its myriad guises is a glorious palette with which to decorate. Here, wallpaper and sofa from Scion demonstrate a wonderful use of blue. Yup, we know. Tangerine Tango, as previously reported in these very pages, is this year’s Pantone shade of choice. But there’s a potential downside to the revered accolade; overkill. Fact of the matter is, because there’s so much TT every
where, we’re growing tired (and it pains us to admit this) of the tangy tone.
Of course we were using orange — in its myriad variations — long before the world caught on and are fittingly proud to have helped propel it from cult following to mass market approval. We stand loyally behind every zesty C&J project (yup, even our orange kitchens and snappy-hued dining rooms), but come on; isn’t it about time that another colour was allowed to share the spot light?
Home in Blighty for a brief sojourn, we’ve been dashing up to London for meetings and, keen to incorporate a little shopping while capital bound, we’ve been frequenting the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre (it’s like Designers Walk in Toronto, a Mecca of all things stylish) searching for chandeliers and dining furniture for an Edinburgh-based client.
We’ve been struck, each time, by a tsunami of Tangerine Tango but we’ve noticed another colour making waves; navy blue or, more specifically, indigo. From fabric books to wallpaper charts, and from carpets to accessories, the hedonistic tone is, without doubt, on a vertiginous ascent into consumer affection.
Throughout history, indigo, which is marginally brighter than its more formal sibling navy, has been associated with tradition, loyalty and fortitude.
Located on the colour spectrum between violet and blue, it’s a beautiful shade whose name comes from the bold blue dye derived from tropical plant Indigofera Tinctoria — it’s common name is True indigo.
We’ve long since admired indigo (scan our back catalogue at yourhome.ca to observe our blue period) and feel confident we’ll see a lot more of it as 2013 approaches. In fact, with support from the design and blogging community, indigo may even claim the revered crown as Pantone colour of the year 2013. In 2008, Blue Iris took the gong and its tenure may well prove to have been a nice rehearsal for its meatier big brother.
Pantone nominations aside, indigo in its myriad guises is a glorious palette with which to decorate. Some colour therapists proclaim that indigo and blue can improve focus, thereby aiding relaxation. But it’s not all good news — blue can also be tricky; its varied artillery is such that it can be restrained or overt, gentle or high impact. Therefore, depending upon the undertone of the version you choose, it can deliver warm atmosphere, or cold unwelcoming esthetics. So now you’re confused? Well, here comes remedy . . .
When you’ve decided that blue is indeed the colour you wish to employ, use it to create space that reflects your characteristics, but remember room specifics; that which works well in one part of your home may be less successful in another. Certain blues — Wedgwood or lilac, for example (try Blue Toille or Blue Orchid by Benjamin Moore.com) — are said to soothe and calm and these virtues make them particularly appropriate in bedroom application. Blue greys, on the other hand (such as Easton Blue by Dulux), can seem a little cold, especially in real estate where natural light is limited. To provide better decorating balance in duller rooms, opt for warmer tones such as turquoise or even aquamarine; both colours evoke a dreamy holiday vibe. Which is always nice. If you remain uncertain about shade selection, experiment with a colour wheel — consult Tiger Colour (tigercolor.com) for useful guidance. The hues directly opposite those to which you’re drawn are generally complimentary; you’ll observe, for example, that teal plays well with orange, while violet teams beautifully with yellow. Assembling these complimentary tones on a “major/minor” basis (particularly if dressed into a significantly white background) will tempt slick results every time. Leaving colour wheel science aside for the moment, blue also works well when stacked with neutrals like white, brown or black. For a professional look, we recommend bolstering your palette with a third shade as well as your blue and neutral combo. To this end, try adding a punch of yellow to a predominantly sky blue and white scheme, or a little red to a denim blue and khaki composure. Even just a whisper of a “third tone” can enliven an otherwise problematic monochrome debate, so plot accordingly with textiles, accessories or artwork to make your efforts sing. With serious drama only a few gallons of paint away, we hope you’ll feel inspired to take a few risks. We’re certainly not scared of the odd gamble; if our clients are happy to play ball, we’ll select a deep, high impact shade for walls, trim and even doors. Strident tactics sure, but, in the right home (with the right lighting), a wicked way to proceed. Carpets and curtains? A shade or two lighter. Hey, what the heck. Shouldn’t decor challenge? If you’re more about restraint, don’t feel you have to miss out on all the fun. Keep the majority of your project neutrally toned (as previously described) and build your confidence slowly. Toss a few indigo pillows aboard a bateau lit or dress up a classic bone-coloured chesterfield to get into the vibe. “Softly softly” and “bit by bit” are good mantras by which to live and learn. Finally, bear in mind that blue, successfully championed, can even help you alter perceived proportions. Muted versions, for example, will help soften a large space (thereby making it feel more intimate), as will saturated teal tones and organic green blues. Conversely, if trying to open up a darker, smaller space, employ clear fresh blues to assist. It’s not rocket science, yet oftentimes people simply don’t put enough thought into their visions at the initial planning stage. And, of course, that’s when
If you’re uncertain about shade selection, experiment with a colour wheel. things can go wrong.
Now you’re suitably informed, we expect to see a host of Canadian rooms newly attired in indigo and its gorgeous tonal neighbours. Just think; if Pantone does indeed come down on the side of blue for 2013, you’ll be way ahead of the pack. And if they don’t? Well, there’s always 2014. Happy painting!
á Further Reading: House Beautiful Blue: 350 Inspiring Ways to Decorate with Blue, published by Hearst
á Resources: Wallpaper (110246) and indigo sofa fabric (130450) by www.scion.uk.com Colin Mcallister and Justin Ryan are the hosts of HGTV’S Colin & Justin’s Home Heist and the authors of Colin & Justin’s Home Heist Style Guide, published by Penguin Group (Canada). Follow them on Twitter@colinjustin or on Facebook ( Colinandjustin). Check out their new candle and room spray ranges at candjhome.co.uk. Contact them through their website colinandjustin.tv.