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Color School

I See Skies of Blue

July 17, 2023

Okay, if I had to choose just one color to use in my home (torturous), it would be blue. Blue is a tried and true for me, and I have yet to meet a blue I didn't love, so I'm super excited to jump into today's lesson. As a reminder, last week we covered the colors red, orange, yellow, and green.

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This lesson is a part of our Color School series! Be sure to check out our past lessons if you want to feel more confident in your color-making decisions.

Follow along with this Color School series and receive exclusive bonus content and tips directly to your inbox by signing up for our email newsletter. Psst, it's free; no strings attached!

What to know about the color blue

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Similar to the color green, blue is found in nature and is typically associated with oceans, lakes, rivers, and the sky. It's no wonder we see blue as more of a soothing, calming color. Other feelings it might evoke are trust and authority. On the other hand, it can be associated with sadness and depression, so as with the other colors, be careful how you use them!

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This peek-a-boo blue moment in the pantry is one of my favorites. And apparently, on a psychological level, blue is known to suppress appetite. I don't know if this is keeping me from mindlessly grabbing snack foods from the pantry, but who knows!?

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Since the complementary color of blue is orange, blue typically pairs well with warm woods and metals, which is what made Faye's room feel so dynamic.

Here are a few other examples of creators using blue that I'm currently crushing on.

Blue trim

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More and more, we're seeing color being used on trim and doors. It's a great way to dip your toes into the world of color while still using a neutral color on the walls. This would be especially great for those with an open floor plan. Paint color is Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue.

Blue & Orange

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If you've got orangey wood in your home and aren't sure how to work with it, bring in the blue! Completely obsessed with the plaid tile flooring, patterned wallpaper, green contrast trim, orangey wood cabinets, and checkered towel. This is a total yes from me.

Blue Gray

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Don't forget! Neutrals like gray, beige, and creams all have color undertones. Rarely is gray ever used as its true black-to-white scale, but instead has many color pigments. You would know this if you ever bought a gray paint, painted it on the walls, only to see that it looks blue or purple! Note: there's nothing wrong with a blue or purple gray if that's what you want. This dark, moody blue-gray really transforms this butler's pantry. I also love the contrasting blue backsplash!

Have fun with blue

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As with any color, there's no right or wrong way to bring it into your home! The best thing you can do is identify your own personal style and find ways to use color in a way that's harmonious.

And of course, if you're looking to add some blue into your life, here are some blue things to get you started.

Decorating with Blue

1. CLJ x Loloi Virginia Pillow $38
2. Plush Velvet Curtains $50
3. Antique Navy Skis II $700
4. Electra Table Lamp $173
5. Cove Woven Leather Ottoman $398
6. Faux Blue Hydrangea Arrangement $349
7. Alcott Entry Cabinets $2,639
8. Odette Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4) $38
9. Fenna Bed $2,298
10. Florencecourt Charcoal Wallpaper $202 (per roll)
11. CLJ x Loloi Polly Ivory/Denim Rug $488
12. Washed Wood Nightstand $498

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  1. Originally this post had a different cover image that was so gorgeous! Is this from a space you designed, or do you have a source for it by chance?

  2. You are so creative, Julia, and your sense of color is stunning! Love, love your posts. You think outside the box and come up with some incredibly unique designs. I'm looking for a good blue right now so may I ask what color of blue you used in your
    pantry?

  3. Color School has been so helpful! Thank you for this series!
    My understanding is if you want a color to pop, you can pair it with a complementary color (like the blue and orange you noted above). But what if you want to tone a color down? For example, if you have orangey colored wood trim, but want to tone down the orange? Which color would be best to pair it with?

    Thanks!

  4. I am in love with indigo blue and love collecting fabrics that color. I've seen the dyeing process, oddly, the fabric starts out green and turns blue as it dries.
    I am wearing coral and blue together today. It's one of my favorite combos.

  5. I’m with you on the love for blue! I just redid my kitchen and my cabinets are inky blue by SW and I’m obsessed!

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