Blue – The Hue
STORY BY: Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Colour & Design Expert and Regular Guest on CityTV’s Cityline
As the heat rises this season, look to colour as the antidote, and choose blue, the ultimate in cool, inspired by the sky, water, or the icy tint of blue on freshly fallen snow. Blue is without a doubt one of the most favoured colours for North Americans, due in part surely to the fact that we are surrounded by it outdoors. At Benjamin Moore, blue is the first hue after white, gray and beige, to hold a spot among the top sellers and top sampled hues, interior and exterior. From bold to tranquil, here are some of my favourite ways to refresh with blue this season:
(CABINETS) Kensington Blue CC-780, Advance, Satin, (WALLS) Decorator's White CC-20, AURA Interior, Matte, (TRIM) Decorator's White CC-20, Advance, Semi-Gloss, (CEILING) Decorator's White CC-20, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat
Timeless and diverse, blue is a designer favourite for today’s traditional and modern styled kitchens. Navy is extremely popular for cabinets, in particular Hale Navy HC-154, one of Benjamin Moore’s top sampled hues, or for a shade or so lighter, consider Kensington Blue CC-780. For the ultimate sophistication, pair navy cabinets with contrasting brass or rubbed bronze finished hardware. If you’re not quite ready for a full cabinet makeover, accent the island with blue or simply the lower cabinets for a 2-toned affect.
(WALLS) Soft Chinchilla 2135-50, AURA Interior, Eggshell (CEILING) Icy Blue 2057-70, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat (CABINETS) Chantilly Lace 2121-70, Advance, Satin (CEILING BEAM) Chantilly Lace 2121-70, Advance, Satin (TRIM) Chantilly Lace 2121-70, Advance, Satin
A white-on-white colour scheme feels incredibly refreshed when the “fifth wall” (otherwise known as ceiling) is infused with blue. It’s like inviting the sky directly into your home. Some favourites are Soft Chinchilla 2135-50 and Icy Blue 2057-70. To refresh and revive older pieces of furniture such as cabinets, tables or chairs, contemplate the versatility of a blue such as Yarmouth Blue HC-150.
(BUILT-IN CABINETS) Blue Macaw 784, Regal Select Interior, Satin/Pearl
Considered an optimal colour for relaxation and introspection, blue is often found in bedrooms and home offices. For a casual, beachy vibe, pair natural linen and light woods with soft greens and a muted blue such as Beach Glass 1564. We know that cooler colours recede and especially in the paler versions, suggest an illusion of more space, giving an open, airy feel to small rooms. To enhance this effect, introduce a soft blue such as Ocean Air 2123-50 balanced with crisp white trim and accessories. Even a bold blue such as Starry Night Blue, also a Benjamin Moore 2023 Trend Colour, is sure to invoke a stylishly, relaxed night sleep!
(WALL) Ocean Air 2123-50 AURA(R), Eggshell (TRIM) Cloud White OC-130 ADVANCE(R), Satin (DOOR) Cloud White OC-130 ADVANCE(R), Satin (CEILING) Cloud White OC-130 Waterborne Ceiling Paint - Ultra Flat
If you are looking to up your curb appeal, blue is a popular option for the front door. While a dark, navy blue promotes a conservative, detailed and thoughtful personality, a lighter blue hue such as Blue Porcelain 1641, gives way to a more relaxed, casual first impression. Although whites, beiges and greys are the neutrals that come to mind first for transition spaces like foyers and hallways, blue makes a beautiful neutral: Think of your favourite blue jeans, is there a colour you wouldn’t wear with them? A subtle yet invigorating blue like Tear Drop Blue 2053-60 makes for a wonderful passageway and sightline from an adjacent space, in any colour. A bold blue mudroom in Blue Macaw 784 is a welcoming and engaging backdrop to all the family’s outerwear and accessories. With various tints, tones, shades and intensity to choose from, blue can be calming, welcoming and an even dramatic option for any space, inside or out.
