Kim Meckler
Blue is back! Indigo, denim, sapphire, azure, cerulean – whatever you would like to call it, this colour is making a strong comeback on the decorating world. Often sporting a greenish undertone, this colour is popping up in everything from glass tile to laminate flooring and it is a beautiful, fresh change for those of us who think we have ‘seen it all’ in design.
We recently had a meeting with an area rug supplier who showed us a new line of carpets and blue was the predominant colour. Blue grey is making a small departure from the shades of grey craze we have been experiencing but I was surprised to see a true denim colour dominate the palette of carpets he was offering. We have also received a new line of glittery, candy coloured mosaic glass and stone tiles and the blues and azure tones are breathtaking.
Navy blue was once considered to be a neutral. In the 80s and 90s blue went with everything from black to brown. Navy and red was a popular choice for those of us (yes, me too) who wanted to look like a snappy sea captain when we donned a navy and white striped shirt with red accents. Ladies over 40 you have all done this at one point in your life, admit it! Now in home design this colour has made its way back as a main staple in our colour palettes, often replacing black as the anchor colour in a room.
I always freeze up a little when a client suggests decorating in blues. It isn’t a colour I am well versed in and I grew in an entirely blue house and I believe I have a slight aversion to ever putting blue carpets in a client’s home. I personally don’t wear blue (except jeans) and rarely gravitate towards any blue items when I am shopping. I do, however, have one client who has chosen a delightful shag for her home which is a fun teal shade called Indigo and I think it is going to look spectacular. Teal still remains a favourite colour of mine whether it is the bright electricity of my bridesmaid dresses in 1990 or a more greyed version that I seem to keep drawing into the palette of my home.
Regardless of your current palette you can ‘bluetify’ your home in many ways from small accessories to larger commitments such as paint, flooring and furniture. Blue truly does coordinate with any colour and can even be mixed with green despite the rhyming verse to the contrary (blue and green should never be seen). It is available in most decorative accessories and it brings a cool and relaxing bit of colour into any room. Design labels such as Nautica (snappy sea captain) have embraced navy as their signature shade, making it easy to redefine your space with this current and trendy shade.
If you haven’t considered the new blue for your home, drag yourself out to the nearest home design store or fabric seller to see this delightful shade in person. Use the many shades of the sea and create a soothing palette for your home, it’s time for you to be captain of your décor. Take something new home today and see what blue can do for you.
Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.