Introduce tones from the sea and the sky for fresh styling
From delicate duck egg to deep inky indigo, blue is a favourite for adding country style to any room and, depending on the shade, can sit well in both classic and contemporary settings. Hues such as azure, turquoise, sky blue and sea blue have a strong association with nature and are both fresh and calming, making them ideal for sanctuary spaces such as bathrooms and bedrooms. For rooms that demand a more sophisticated mood, consider Wedgwood blue, Delft blue and Prussian blue, alongside muted rose and pale muddy neutrals, to enhance the aesthetic of period features such as cornicing, panelling and plaster mouldings.
CHARM AND CHARACTER
For small country spaces, blue is ideal for enhancing tranquillity and rural appeal. Select shades that evoke a sense of flora and fauna, such as hyacinth or delphinium, as the backdrop; add cheer with fabrics and decorative accessories that showcase birdlife or flowers in complementary tones, and accents of yellow or pink. Armchair cover in Bantam Bough linen union by Mark Hearld by St Jude’s (stjudes fabrics.co.uk).
DEPTH AND DRAMA
Historically, kitchens in country houses were coloured blue because it was believed to deter flies. These days, a splash of blue adds a level of heritage charm and sophistication, and can be used in a variety of ways to add interest to period kitchens. For a modern rustic space, use an old dresser or shelf unit as a striking focal point, sand back and treat with a coat of soft denim-blue furniture paint.
LIGHT EFFECTS
Moodier shades can change with the light
Always colour test before applying paint to a room to ensure the colour is properly enhanced by the type and amount of natural light available. This is particularly true with moodier shades, where they can change dramatically, depending on whether the room has a north- or southfacing aspect. A dark but warm storm blue adds depth to a relaxing soak in the bath tub.
ROMANTIC STYLE
Some blue shades have a pretty French country feel, particularly when teamed with vintage painted furniture pieces and old galvanized zinc and ironware. Enjoy mixing three or four similar tones of soft blues that have hints of grey or green to create a harmonious conservatory or living room scheme that is rustic, but elegantly so.
JOIN TOGETHER
Used strategically, a distinctive blue can visually connect odd areas of a room such as a corner nook or alcove to the rest of the space by painting a window frame, wooden shutters, a cupboard door or even a wall of panelling. Use the same blue as that on nearby furniture or cabinetry for cohesion.
MODERN ART
A piece of artwork that showcases different blue tones can be used as the inspiration for a whole room scheme. Use each single shade as an accent colour for other furniture pieces and decorative accessories, such as rugs, blinds, curtains and ceramics. Try painting a mismatching set of wooden chairs in different shades of blue for a relaxed modern feel in a country dining room.
ADDING ACCENTS
Blue can be used to give a sophisticated yet lively feel to a child’s room or guest room when introduced as an accent colour to a neutral grey or taupe. Rugs, bed quilts, lampshades and curtains can all be added in a variety of contrasting patterns and different shades of blue to create a room full of visual interest, without looking over-cluttered.
Create a room full of visual interest
HIGHLIGHTING HUES
Add interest to an alcove in an otherwise neutrally decorated room with a chest of drawers or armoire painted in a complementary tone to the background colour. Use paint techniques to great effect by layering blue over the same shade as the wall colour, and then lightly sanding back to create a distressed finish that reveals patches of colour echoing that of the walls.
FIGURATIVE FORMS
Blue-and-white decorative patterns have long been associated with country homes. Scour reclamation yards or antiques fairs for vintage Delft or tessellated tiles, or alternatively source new versions of classic styles from leading tile manufacturers. It’s a great way to make a kitchen splashback and introduce a welcome dash of colour without changing the entire room.