Which blue is right for you?

From the Resene decorating blog

Blue. Just the word is relaxing, evoking a long deep breath. Visually, of course, it's even more powerful.

Blue is a colour that not only advances but also draws us to it. From living rooms to bedrooms, kitchens, powder rooms, and beyond, there are a league of blues which will envelop your home in colour. Blue can be understated or bold, calming or invigorating, modern or retro, fun or serious. It can be used sparingly, using soft blue accents or bold splashes here and there or you can go for a bolder statement wall or colour drenching. Inject personality.

So how do you find the right Resene blue hue for you? Are there particular blues that suit certain styles of house or complement the era in which it was built? Are particular blues most suitable for certain rooms and which can be used to brighten a space or create a cosy feel?

Perfect colour partners for blue

Blue is a versatile colour, happy to stand on its own or share the spotlight with other bold colours, like hot pink and olive green.

• Strong royal blues such as Resene Havelock Blue, the darker Resene Hendrix or the bright Resene Resolution Blue and crisp Resene White is a classic pairing. Together, blue and white create a fresh but timeless colour combo which will never feel overdone or unexciting. White allows the blue to reign supreme

• Try pairing a sky blue like Resene Echo Blue or the softer Resene Dreamer against a hot pink like Resene Pink Panther or the softer but still peppy Resene Ballerina.

• A mid pink like Resene BFF and navy blue also go well. This pairing will keep things from feeling too frilly and light. Perfect in the bedroom of a coastal bach – add blush pink linens to the bed topped with a dark blue bed blanket.

• A smoky grey-blue like Resene Smokescreen pairs unexpectedly well with warm wood like pine and rimu.

• Combining different blue-green hues like Resene Bismark and Resene Calypso will give a kitchen an elegant beach vibe.

Bedtime stories

A soothing soft blue feels adds an ethereal, dreamy quality to every space and is particularly well-suited for bedrooms. Even the floorboards can be washed in a lovely grey-blue. Also offering a restful vibe is Resene Comfort Zone. For a child’s room which serves as both bedroom and playroom, try a more vibrant shade such as blue-violet like Resene Portage.

Nautical and nice

Blue is one of those colours that feels accessible, bold enough to feel like you're taking serious risks, but still classic. If you live by the sea, channel the waves with a range of blues from blue-green hues like Resene Escape and Resene Boston Blue to the more true blue hue of Resene Bondi Blue and the brighter tone with Resene Captain Cook.

• Layer your blues to add depth. Start dark and add progressively lighter colours until you get the right room balance. Work off a Resene Multi-Finish palette to easily curate your favourite related blues.

• To avoid overpowering a room with blue, keep the colour confined to certain areas. You don't need to douse an entire room in blue to make it stand out. Choose one statement piece to feature the hue such as the kitchen island. Sky blue in the breakfast room will make your morning coffee a delight while white accents will help it feel fresh. Then add smaller touches of the same colour elsewhere in the room to help it belong.

• Opt for a pale, barely-there shade of blue like Resene Breathless to use the colour as a neutral.

• For a powdery blue try a calming, periwinkle blue hue like Resene Powder Blue. There's something undeniably modern about using one specific colour, and a pastel shade delivers a sense of bold quirkiness that doesn't take itself too seriously.

• Going bold doesn't always have to mean using a vibrant or dark colour. Instead, texture can create drama. Hang Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to create a textured design then apply your chosen Resene colour.

• Walls in a deep blue like Resene Indian Ink give a warm, wintery vibe; pair with white to ensure a bright, airy atmosphere.

• You don’t have to limit yourself to just paint. Choose a Resene wallpaper with blue accents then pick out a colour to inspire your Resene wall paint for adjacent walls or rooms.

Your blue personality quiz

1. Do you prefer…

A –  A lake or river
B –  The harbour
C –  The ocean

2. Do you prefer…

A –  mirror-flat lake
B –  Gentle rolling waves
C –  Crashing waves

3. At the beach, are you…

A –  Relaxed, chilling out in a deck chair or picnic rug to read a book.
B –  Active, taking to the water for a swim, kayak or paddle board.
C – A combination of both.

4. Which house would you prefer to live in?

A –  Villa
B –  New build
C –  Log cabin

5. Do you prefer...

A –  Pretty prints
B –  Botanical prints
C –  Abstract designs

All As –  Your blue preference is for soft understated colours like pastels and sky blues and timeless combinations like blue and white. Try Resene Seachange, Resene Pattens Blue, Resene Solitude or Resene Escape.

All Bs –  You like blues that evoke nature, sky and ocean. Try Resene Forecast, Resene Into the Blue, Resene Undercurrent or Resene San Juan

All Cs –  You’re prepared to be a little adventurous in your colour choices opting for bold splashes and adding a little quirkiness. Try Resene Deep Teal, Resene Green Meets Blue, Resene Space Cadet, Resene Indian Ink or Resene Half Smalt Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection.

If you weren't sure if you wanted to anchor your space around blue before, you probably are now. You can’t go wrong with blue – there is a blue to suit all spaces, styles and preferences – all you need to do is find the blue that is just right for you.

January 25, 2022

Get inspired by projects from other kiwi homeowners who have decorated with blue. If you need help finding your favourite blue, book a colour consultation with a Resene Colour Expert, visit a Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online.

Book a colour consult | Ask a Colour Expert | Ask a Paint Expert

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