Decorating with Blue | Designer-Approved Ideas for Your Home
Are you thinking about decorating with blue but not sure where to start, or worried it might feel cold or boring?
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You’re not alone! In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to use blue like a designer to create calm, curated, and high-end spaces.
We’ll dive into the psychology behind the color blue, explore the best color schemes to pair it with, and look at design styles that truly love this timeless shade. I’ll also share simple ways to bring blue into your home through furniture, decor, and accessories.
And if you’re thinking about paint, I’ve got you covered with my go-to designer-approved blue paint colors.
Whether you’re ready to go bold with navy or just add a few subtle touches, you’ll leave with plenty of inspiration.
This post is all about decorating with blue ideas.
READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk 2025
Psychology of Blue
Blue is the color of the ocean and the sky. It represents loyalty, peace, and honesty—and it’s often used to promote relaxation, clarity, and protection.
But depending on the shade and lighting, blue can also bring on feelings of sadness or stillness. That’s why it’s important to choose the right tone for the mood you want to create.
In feng shui, blue represents the Water element, symbolizing wisdom, calm energy, and introspection.
Spaces with cool colors like blue tend to feel soothing, quiet, and serene—reminding us of crystal-clear waters and open sky. Visually, cool colors recede, helping small spaces feel more expansive and airy.
That’s why blue works beautifully in rooms where you want a sense of peace and focus, like bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, bathrooms, and meditation spaces.
Blue Color Scheme Ideas
Blue fits beautifully into a variety of color schemes, depending on the vibe you want to create.
Monochromatic Blues
One option is a monochromatic palette using light to dark tones of blue. This adds depth and drama—especially when paired with the popular color drenching trend.
Blue + Neutrals
For a relaxed, timeless look, pair blue with neutrals like white, beige, or brown.
Already have a neutral space? Freshen it up easily with blue accents like pillows, rugs, or artwork.
Blue + Yellow
For a more energizing look, try blue and yellow together for a cheerful, uplifting vibe.
Blue + Orange
For strong contrast and visual interest, pair blue with orange or rust tones—these complementary colors bring energy and warmth.
Blue + Metallics
Want a touch of glam? Pair blue with metallics like gold or chrome to instantly elevate the space.
Blue + Green
Feeling bold? An analogous palette of blue and green can be stunning—but balance is key. Mix in some neutrals to keep it grounded.
Pro Tip: Even something simple, like adding blue pillows to a gray sofa, can create a beautiful refresh without overwhelming the space.
Design Styles That Love Blue
Let’s talk about the design styles where blue really shines!
Coastal Styles
First up, Coastal. And within coastal, there are so many variations:
- Beach Coastal: Light, airy spaces with seashell decor, woven furniture, driftwood, and nautical touches. Think Hamptons beach house vibes.
- Modern Coastal: Clean lines, neutral tones, and pops of coastal blue paired with minimalist furniture and natural textures.
- California Coastal: Casual, layered, and earthy with dusty blues, natural materials, and lots of greenery. Think Amber Lewis and Studio McGee.
- Grandmother Coastal: Inspired by the cozy, elegant charm of Nancy Meyers’ movies—heirloom pieces, soft florals, wicker chairs, and pastel blues.
Traditional Design
Traditional interiors—like what you’d find at Pottery Barn—are filled with blue in everything from sofas to accent chairs to classic patterned rugs.
Contemporary Design
Contemporary spaces often use bold blue pieces, like navy velvet sofas from Crate & Barrel or Arhaus, to make a sleek, modern statement.
Transitional Design
Transitional interiors blend traditional and contemporary, often using blue accents in art, chairs, and pillows for a fresh yet classic feel.
Eclectic Design
Eclectic designs, like timeless hotel lobbies, layer navy blues with rich textures and curated, collected pieces.
Modern Glam
In my own sitting room, I used a navy velvet sofa with gold, ivory, black, and pops of pink for a bold, glamorous look.
No matter your style, blue acts as a go-to neutral that instantly elevates your home.
What’s your design style? Let me know in the comments—and if you’re not sure, take the free design style quiz linked below!
How to Bring Blue Into Your Home
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry. Here are simple ideas for adding blue into your home decor!
Living Room
Go bold with a navy sofa or add subtle touches with blue accent chairs, oversized artwork, or throw pillows.
Bedroom
Make a statement with a navy upholstered bed or layer in blue with nightstands, a duvet, decorative pillows, or a bedside lamp.
Dining Room
Incorporate blue through a rug, upholstered chair fabric, or even curtain panels for a refined touch.
Home Office
A navy bookcase wall creates depth and drama, or you can add smaller accents like a blue desk chair or abstract artwork.
Bathroom
For a bigger statement, install a navy vanity or blue tile wall.
For a lighter touch, try blue towels, vases, or spa-like decor pieces.
Powder Room
Grasscloth or patterned blue wallpaper makes a high-end statement without overwhelming a small space.
Kitchen
Paint the cabinets or the island blue, or try blue tile backsplashes, appliances, or counter stools.
One of my favorite options? A white-and-blue quartz countertop from Cambria—it’s absolutely stunning!
Quick Tip: Before buying new furniture, measure your space and create a floor plan. Grab my free PDF guide below to walk you through it!
Designer-Approved Blue Paint Colors
Ready to make a bigger impact? Let’s talk paint—the most affordable way to completely change a room’s vibe.
I recommend creating large sample boards using Benjamin Moore samples on 11×14″ cardstock.
Or, if you want an easier (and less messy) way, use Samplize peel-and-stick samples. They’re:
- Made with two coats of real paint
- Damage-free and repositionable
- Large enough to wrap around corners
- Safe for walls, cabinets, and even exterior surfaces
Pro Tip: Keep samples loose (don’t stick them directly!) and view them against a white background in different lighting throughout the day.
Benjamin Moore Blue Paint Color Guide
I’ve linked a free PDF Blue Paint Color Guide below!
Feel free to download it and pin your favorites to a mood board—it’s a great way to start visualizing your space.
Light Blues (Perfect for bright, airy rooms):
- Marilyn’s Dress (2125-60): A barely-there soft blue
- Gray Sky (2131-70): Subtle and muted
- Iceberg (2122-50): Light and crisp
- Glass Slipper (1632): Pale blue with a hint of green
- Whitestone (2134-60): Dusty and elegant
- Smoke (2122-40): Calming and timeless
Darker Blues (Great for bold walls and cabinetry):
- Kensington Blue (840): Deep and classic
- Van Deusen Blue (HC-156): Rich and sophisticated
- Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20): Teal-leaning, perfect for moodier spaces
- Hale Navy (HC-154): The ultimate designer favorite for navy cabinets and walls
Bonus Tip: Head to Pinterest and search the paint color name + room type (like “Hale Navy Kitchen” or “Smoke Bedroom”) to see real-life examples before committing!
Have you used one of these colors? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear what you picked!
Final Thoughts on Decorating with Blue
And that’s a wrap, my friends!
Now you have tons of ideas, inspiration, and designer-approved paint colors to help you start decorating with blue.
Whether you want to go all-in with a navy velvet sofa or just sprinkle in a few blue accessories, you can create a space that feels stylish, calming, and truly yours.
Remember—always choose shades you love, not just ones that are trending, so your home feels timeless and personal.
If you need more help creating a designer look on a budget, check out my course Designer Home 101! You’ll learn everything from finding your style to those final finishing touches that make a home complete.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me—and until next time, Happy Designing! Ciao!
This post is all about decorating with blue ideas.
Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
