I’ve heard from a few industry experts that blue is making a comeback next year and will be the height of fashion for 2012 but in my opinion, blue never went out of fashion! Blue shades immediately evoke connotations of sea, sky and mountains making us feel endlessly calm and tranquil, perfect emotions for busy homes.

 

There are numerous ways of introducing this colour into your home in the New Year. Contrasting deep shades of blue with milky shades of cream and white are perfect ways to balance this colour and eliminate the chance of it looking childish or brass. There is a misconception that blue makes a room feel cool, and while this might be the case with certain shades of blue, you certainly can’t tarnish them all with the same brush and it’s all about the importance of clever colour combinations.

 

Sticking with lighter tones of blue in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms is a good idea as you don’t want to darken these rooms in any way. Crown’s Kitchen and Bathroom range is designed for use on walls, ceilings, wood and metal. It resists steam and grease making it the perfect paint for rooms prone to condensation. Shades such as Periwinkle and Platinum from this range can work really well. Both shades can be easily teamed with colours like Milk White or Ice Cream or alternatively you can go for the sunnier golden shades like Golden Glow or Yellow Light.

 

For a more sophisticated and classic style, combine deep blues with white or pale blue/grey. In your living room or bedroom for example you could team Sea Spirit as a feature wall with shades such as Classic White or Soft Steel. You can then determine the entire style of the room through accessories. Cream or white furniture will create a classically elegant look while gingham curtains in navy blue will help design a country feel. Use Pure Brilliant White in Liquid Gloss for skirting and non splatter Ceiling Paint on ceilings to maximise the impact of the blue.

 

Crown’s matt and mid sheen paint also comes in a gorgeous sultry colour called ‘Dramatic’. For a classic style with a twist, add this shade to a living room or bedroom for fantastic results. This rich blue is amazing when teamed with dark wood or a deep marble. It also works surprisingly well with pink tones. Add long smoky pink curtains and large oversized cushions to add a subtle contrast. This shade will create a sense of quiet drama while giving a luxurious feel.

 

Where better to add a touch of serenity than in your kitchen. For a comfortable and striking space, deep blues work beautifully on a splash back. Royal blue tiles for example will create a fabulous focal point in your kitchen. Alternatively use Windsor Blue, Blue Mosel and Oxford Blue in Solo One Coat Gloss to paint your cabinets. This paint is perfect for giving wood, plastic or metal furniture a face lift.

 

From bathrooms and kitchens to living areas and bedrooms, blue will work in any space. If it’s a soothing atmosphere you seek, or a bolt from the blue, you will find a range of shades of this colour to satisfy every whim!

 

Happy decorating!