Insight To The Blues
Elegant and simple, one of the most universally appealing colours on the spectrum, blue is a versatile highly varied colour with the ability to enhance mood and evoke a range of different emotions.
Colour communications experts, Pantone, announced at the beginning of the year ‘Classic Blue’ as its Colour Of The Year 2020.
What different resonance those words now hold given the unprecedented times we find ourselves thrust into. As one of the strongest hues on the colour spectrum, blue is believed to bring down blood pressure, slow respiratory rate and reduce stress.
Deeper, bold shades create a sense of confidence and are associated with loyalty, trust and success. offering the impression of safety and a calming authority which we all crave today more so than ever. It makes perfect sense therefore that for these reasons blue is the colour of the police, the NHS, the uniform of the fire brigade and has its political connections, all taking advantage of our unique response to this colour.
Outside, naturally in its purest form, blue is at its most powerful, its obvious association with the sky and the sea, tranquil and peaceful. Idealistic, enhancing self expression and our ability to communuicate, this reflected in logos of social media sites such as FaceBook and Twitter.
Used in interiors, especially with regard to colours on the walls blue splits opinion….. for some it conjures up cooler spaces while for others it evokes calm and serenity. The fact that blue is the colour most widely used in decoration, however, is testament to its amazing transformative powers.
Using a paler blue on walls takes on a reflectance, making rooms feel larger, dark blues create a more dramatic, indulgently glamourous space, while vibrant blues smack a burst of energy and grey blues caress the soul with a softer, alluring feel.
These principles also apply to upholstery, whether blues and blue/greys are layered for a sumptuous softness or stronger blues for drama.
When using blue as a window dressing consideration of the shade may make a huge difference, blue does not ‘block’ the eye or tell it to STOP as does red, it can however slightly detract from a beautiful view beyond, perhaps use an accent of a stronger blue or opt for a softer blue.
Given its soothing and calming qualities blues is a colour recommended for use in bathrooms and bedrooms to create a relaxing space.
Blue is often associated with intelligence as research has shown that it helps to stimulate thought, enhance concentration and make it easier to pursue academic or mentally strenuous endeavours.
For the ultimate style statement in your home, team Classic Blue with crisp whites, brass finishes and plenty of natural greenery.
There are however some less appealing associations with the colour blue, it can be considered cool and aloof, it is associated with suppression of the appetite and therefore a colour not used in the hospitality trade, interestingly there are very few naturally blue foods, blueberries being the only one that springs to mind!
Interior design is so intrinsically linked to our mood with colour having a direct effect on our psyche, what do you conjure to mind when you think of the colour blue?!
