PAINTBOX NAVY

Choose this moody blue for a look that’s bold, dramatic, yet very liveable

the possibilities are endless with this classic hue

Sophisticated, smart and pretty darn sexy, navy blue is the warmer way of embracing on-trend dark side hues. It also has a rather luxe feel – just think of all those châteaux and stately homes, where it is teamed with plenty of gold or used as a backdrop to collections of Old Masters.

These associations are less surprising when you realise that blue pigments once cost more than gold. ‘Historically, blue was a colour that was one of the most expensive to produce and spoke of the wealth and extravagance of the homes it appeared in,’ explains David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene.

‘In art, blue paint was reserved for depicting royalty, dignitaries and religious figures and still, to this day, holds that same luxurious appeal.’

Navy is adaptable, with a useful ability to offset other colours, as well as straddling many seemingly contradictory moods: timeless or contemporary, glamorous or relaxing. ‘It’s ultimately usable and versatile,’ agrees David. Not only that, navy is particularly useful for us Brits, as our northern light enhances its pigments. ‘Our eyes have difficulty tuning into the depth of navy hues and for this reason the colour gives the sense of endless space and the feeling of endless opportunities,’ says David.

Because it’s on the warmer side of the blue spectrum, navy creates an inviting, cocooning feel. Put this down to the fact that all blues evoke feelings of calm and serenity, as well as aiding concentration, making navy the perfect antidote to our 24/7 lives.

WRAP-AROUND COLOUR Painting walls and ceilings the same inky shade makes a statement and plays a visual trick by blurring boundaries between different areas – useful in smaller spaces or low-ceilinged rooms. Walls and ceiling in Squid Ink 698 pure flat emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L; woodwork in Squid Ink 698 architects’ eggshell, £66.50 for 2.5L; woodwork and cornicing in far room in Lead I 681 architects’ eggshell, £66.50 for 2.5L; wall in far room in Lead V 685 pure flat emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L, all Paint & Paper Library

CALMING BACKDROP A moody blue can take on a restful vibe when teamed with classic white and warming wood. Keep the ceilings white as well for a harmonious look and to make the room appear more spacious. de nimes estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball