Indigo Indulgence
For a while now, inky indigo has dominated fashion houses and, unsurprisingly, is making the transition to interiors – which is fortuitous because this dark shade of blue will be very familiar to Nigerian eyes. From the dye pits of Kano to Yoruba adire and the uli drawings of the Igbos, indigo plays a central role in our colour and texture traditions. The colour itself is a rich shade of blue and has the ability to create a warm aura in a room. Like your favourite pair of jeans, this classic shade goes well with everything – from neutral shades like white, grey and warm, medium wood to giving a sophisticated edge to pops of neon, coral or pink. It even works well with copper accents, toning down any brassy echoes. Natural indigo dyes produce a more vibrant shade of the colour compared to synthetic alternatives and the various hues from pale, cornflower blue to deep, bluish-black, mirror deep ocean landscapes that evoke a sense of stability and tranquillity. It’s no wonder indigo is a growing trend in luxury projects across the world.
A -There’s something truly classic about botanical prints. Add a healthy dose of indigo to a white background and these designs stand out, and with beautiful framing in distressed silver pine, each picture gets the setting it deserves. Indigo Ferns Framed Prints from Pottery Barn
B - Modern style reigns in the Mood Blue Dinnerware from CB2. Featuring square forms, this dinnerware set includes indigo dinner and salad plates, which contrast beautifully with soup bowls in medium blue as well as cups and saucers in white
C - Geometric style hits the right note with the Cut Cushion from Fern Living made from 100% cotton. Featuring hand-printed illustrations, the cushion is topped off with a brass zipper.
D - This Linen Booker Armchair from Anthropologie was inspired by a vintage market find, enabling the piece to blen with a range of styles representing different eras. Who’s ready to curl up with a good book?
E - Stripes are undeniably classic; add a classic shade like indigo into the mix and you have a tried-and-true combination that will never go out of style. This Mohair Throw from Fern Living is perfect for those rainy, hideaway weekends.
F - To give life to a tired bathroom, add a feature wall using indigo. Bathrooms are a wet space so indigo suits this room perfectly.
G - A perfect example of colour layering – different shades of indigo create a sophisticated, natural look. The white background, gold door handle and black photo frames demonstrate indigo’s versatility in pulling a room together.