For a number of years, the most popular color for home design has been some shade of gray. Any discussion on Houzz and interior design blogs about choosing colors for your home has centered around, not which color, but “which gray” is best for your walls and décor. But by the time February rolls around, we’ve seen more than enough gray in the winter sky when we step outside each day. It’s time for a change to something that will brighten our mood.
That’s why we’re excited that the Color of the Year picked by Pantone for 2020 is Classic Blue. The rich blue reminds us of a beautiful summer sky or a getaway to a seaside resort. We’re all for bringing that into our homes!
Is Blue the New Neutral?
When you look at a color wheel, it’s easy to understand why blue coordinates with other colors you love to look at every day. Blue goes well with the warmth of coral, peach or clay, the complementary colors that are on the opposite side the color wheel. Blue, yellow and red are the 3 primary colors, but can be used in soft or pale tones as well as bright ones. Start with deep navy blue, for example, and add warm pastel pink or luxurious gold. If you have a lot of gray in your décor and would love to keep it, freshen it up with a monochromatic theme, beginning with the addition of light blue-grays and touches of soft powder blue, aqua or indigo.
Photos courtesy Pottery Barn
Blue may be on its way to becoming the decade’s new neutral. The color of reflection and meditation, it can be as calming and familiar as your favorite sweater or bright as an ocean breeze.
Custom kitchen by Merrill Contracting & Remodeling
Kitchen and Bath Style
If you want a change that’s more dramatic than just swapping out your throw pillows, we can’t think of a better place to embrace the blues than in the kitchen or bathroom.
Photo courtesy Sherwin Williams
A great way to add color to your kitchen is with a bright tile backsplash. You could also go with other options like a sapphire farmhouse sink, a turquoise quartz counter surface or even contrasting island base cabinetry in a shade from azure to navy.
Photo courtesy Kohler Co.
Bathroom style and blue hues go together like mornings and coffee. Rich blues paired with natural wood tones can evoke a relaxing spa experience. A blue and white tile shower stall can provide that wake-up call you need in the morning. The blues of a coastal or nautical theme bath will take you away like an ocean cruise at the end of a stressful day.
Pick Your Own “Color of the Year”
Color trends come and go. But if you need help picking a color, the “Color of the Year” picks by Pantone or a paint company or your favorite style influencer are great places to look for inspiration. You can start small or go big. The main thing is to begin with a color that you’ll love looking at every single day. It’s up to you and we can help. Just give us a call!
