6 Designers Share Their Favorite Blue Paint Colors

Everything from the design of an office to a good night’s sleep can be inspired depending on the hue of blue.

Everything from the design of an office to a good night’s sleep can be inspired depending on the hue of blue.

By Becky Harris, Houzz

We hear about designers making rooms “light and airy” all the time. The right blue paint, on the other hand, can set a dramatic tone. Blue hues can add some East Coast preppiness, tie antiques and modern furnishings together, cozy up a bedroom or provide crisp contrast to bright white. Below, the right saturated blues inspire everything from fashion designs in the office to a wonderful night’s sleep in the bedroom. Six designers share the blue paints they used and why they love them.

Benjamin Dhong Interiors, original photo on Houzz
Sea Star 2123-30 by Benjamin Moore

Saturated blue makes a soothing and nostalgic first impression in this California entry. Since the family has East Coast roots, interior designer Benjamin Dhong wanted to infuse some of that flavor into the home. “The color reminded me of old Williamsburg — a Colonial feel — but still felt fresh,” he says.

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The designer painted the walls and the trim in the same hue. “It’s a very deep color but still has an inner light and plays with the light beautifully,” Dhong says. He also notes that the antique French barometer on the wall “really pops” against this blue.

 Dineen Architecture + Design, original photo on Houzz
Blue Note 2129-30 by Benjamin Moore

Rich blue wall paint helps tie together a range of styles in this New York City townhouse. “This was a really successful color — it made a great background for our mix of antiques, vintage and modern pieces. It really served to anchor them in a unifying surrounding,” architect and interior designer Joan Dineen says. “I think it is really unique in that ability.”

The designer also notes that the color can change along with the time of day. “It also responds beautifully to changes in light,” she says. “At night it is quite restrained and elegant, and daylight brings out its exuberance — we love it!”

Custom Design & Construction, original photo on Houzz
Compass Blue MQ5-54 by Behr

An accent wall in deep cobalt energizes this multifunctional Los Angeles room, which primarily serves as an office for a clothing designer but doubles as a dining room. “She wanted something that was thought-provoking, which helps while she’s creating beautiful garments,” designer Beth Yuen says. “However, it also needed to be relaxing to set the mood when hosting a posh dinner with friends.”

The choice is working out swimmingly for creative work and elegant dinners. “We love the deep, true color of this paint, and it was the best fit. We find it similar to a sapphire,” Yuen says. “Our client couldn’t be happier with the result. She has found it to be inspiring to her latest designs.”

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Landing Design, original photo on Houzz
Hale Navy HC-154 by Benjamin Moore

Preppy and classic, navy blue was an apt choice for this New England bedroom. “Hale Navy is a classic, true navy blue — it can ground a moody space or highlight a more poppy, energetic space,” interior designer Tyler Karu says. “It looks especially beautiful with clean, white elements or various wood tones.”

Bedding: Bellora and Garnet Hill

Lindsay Pennington Inc, original photo on Houzz
Hague Blue No. 30 by Farrow & Ball

In this Los Angeles bedroom, indigo walls inspire a deep slumber. “I love to employ deeper, darker colors on bedroom walls to establish mood and coziness,” interior designer Lindsay Pennington says. “Hague Blue is an inky indigo that is neither too green nor too purple. Though it’s quite dark, it’s not oppressive, as the white bedding, mirrored nightstands, crystal lamps and metallic ceiling reflect the light pouring in from the windows.” The designer also notes that this paint is timeless and that in addition to walls, it also works beautifully on cabinetry and millwork.

Meriwether Inc, original photo on Houzz
Devine Macaw by Devine Paints

“I love this description from the Devine Paints website: ‘An independent pigment that sings its own song,’ ” architect Meriwether Felt says. And it certainly sings a pretty song in this crisp Minnesota kitchen, which belongs to a homeowner whose favorite color is blue. “This blue color also contains a fair amount of gray, which helps it play so well with other colors,“ Felt says.

Here those colors include warm honey in the wide-plank fir floors, contrasting white on the walls and trim and leafy greens outside the window. “This remodel is such a warm and happy home,” the architect says. “Putting the blue on the base cabinets helps ground the room and pair it with the complementary color of the floor.”


Related: Here’s What’s Hot in Kitchen Trends

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