HOW TO USE blue

Warm blues

with pink tones are ideal for rooms with north-facing light, while cool blues have green tones and best suit rooms with a sunnier aspect. Patch-test paint colours first before using them.

Classic blues

embody timeless decorative styles, such as nautical navy and white stripes, cream and pale blue vintage ticking stripes.

Soft sky blues

are best used strategically to add interest to a small room, for example, as a paint colour for the ceiling or a door frame.

Use a gloss finish

on woodwork for a high sheen finish to fully realise the richness of deep shades such as peacock or teal blue.

Paler shades

will nearly always create a fresh, airy feel in a small space. Try mist, duck egg, seaspray or polar blue.

Strong blues

such as denim, chambray, indigo and marine blue can be freshened with pure white for a modern take on classic coastal.

Historical blue references

such as Delft tiles or blue and white striped Cornishware, add interest to a country kitchen.

Cornflower, hyacinth, campanula and bluebell

are perfect inspiration for nature’s pairing of colours and combine a variety of blue tones that range from mid blue to those with lilac tones for a sophisticated scheme with views of a cottage garden.

Moody slate and storm blue

will enhance the grey tones of steel and polished concrete. Use to great effect in open-plan modern rustic-style spaces.