29 Apr April Showers: Top 10 Exploring Blue

April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. Many of us will be very happy to see the blooms coming soon.  For now let’s use that rainy day blue as inspiration for our April Top 10.  Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 is called: Classic Blue.

What does blue evoke for you?  This particular shade (Pantone’s Classic Blue) is a bit moody, but it’s warm ,and timeless. You may recall our January Top 10 focused on a pink shade called First Light, click here to read.  Benjamin Moore also features Blue Danube in their color trends palette that has a similar feel to the Classic Blue, check it out>    Now, let’s have a look at how using a great blue can really add impact an interior, shall we?

First, let’s start with fabrics.  One recent project, Indian Walk, features a great Schumacher fabric called Garden of Persia in Bleu Marine.  It was used for the dining room draperies, kitchen valance and as pillows in the breakfast nook. Using the same fabric in different ways really carries the design throughout the room.

Photo credit:  Rebecca McAlpin

Photo credit:  Rebecca McAlpin

Read more about down2earth interior design’s project spotlight on Indian Walk. >

Another fabric we love is the Chinoiserie “Whimsy,” a blue and white print by Pattern Garden from Spoonflower. It is a playful pattern with monkeys, umbrellas, tassels, palms and leopards.

Next up, the Paidge Sofa in Ink Blue performance velvet from West Elm is a stunning addition to a living room.  The blue is a rich color and the silhouette of the of the sofa is classic and adds a polished look to room.

To cozy up the sofa, a throw blanket and pillows will add comfort.  The Embellished Nayo Throw Blanket from Anthropologie has various textures and tassels to layer on some interest while featuring thin stripes of blue.

Blending perfectly with these items is the Serena and Lily Bayview Pillow Cover which also has an interesting circular pattern that is very eye catching.

The pillow also looks fabulous styles in a room using lighter colors.

Photo from Serena and Lily

A stunning find is the West Elm Maze Rug, which has an embroidered feel and also would look amazing with a lighter shade fabric sofa, which would really make the pattern pop.

How can you get a moody blue shade on your wall?   Paint is great, but it isn’t the only way.

While a color like Sherwin Williams Azure Tide (from their new Emerald Designer’s Collection)  would look rich, there are also some great wallpaper selections.  The Cole & Son wallpaper called “Wood and Star” is our next selection for the April Blues Top 10.  It is a versatile pattern that would look great in the interior design for a nursery or kids room as well as a living room.

There are so many ways to bring the blue hue into an interior design plan.  Art work and accessories are a great way to layer in color.   The “Deep Blue Bay” print from minted has a water feel and beautiful blues that really stand out.

This Arhaus set of cylinder vases are great accessories that can layer in that blue color.  Fill them with flowers from your May blooms or leave them empty, pair them as a trio or use just one.  They provide many options when it’s time to stage the room!

And last but not least, let there be light!  The Swell Pendant Light by Bicycle Glass from Houzz is a beautiful light that has a rainy appeal with the distorted band that travels around the handblown glass.

We wish you all a blooming and beautiful May!  We look forward to the rest of the springtime that is to come.  If you are in need of some interior design help, from planning future renovations to staging your home office so that it looks more professional – contact us!  We are working and can help your interior design dreams become reality in the healthiest, most socially responsible way we can.