The Best Blue Paints—From Calming Hues To Statement Shades

Details

Bring on the blues for statement-making nooks that serve as calming retreats. Here, top designers share their best blue colors for creating beloved spaces that zhuzh up the zen.


ELEMENT OF STYLE

blue gray bedroom in benjamin moore nickel Photo: Julie Soefer

Nina Magon

Nina Magon Studio, Houston

Nickel by Benjamin Moore 

“The lightness of the grayish blue color produces a calming and peaceful aesthetic, which is nice when work gets stressful. The blue hues stimulate the mind, leading to more productivity; they are ideal for staying focused!”


COLOR CRUSH

blue seating area in benjamin moore newburg green

Photo: Matthew Millman

Jay Jeffers

Jay Jeffers, San Francisco

Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore 

“We used this calming blue in a traditional San Francisco home. It gave the room some edge without compromising its original charm.”


NAUTICAL NODS

blue bedroom in Sherwin Williams Whirlpool

Photo: Cam Richards Photography

Cheryl Luckett

Dwell by Cheryl Interiors, Charlotte

Whirlpool by Sherwin Williams

“When we think calming, we often think light, but this deep blue with a touch of green feels like the bottom of the ocean and creates a soothing and enveloping look and feel.”


SATURATED STATEMENT

masculine blue green jewel box study in farrow and ball hague blue

Photo: Gordon Gregory

Janie Molster

Janie Molster Designs, Richmond

Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball

“The pigments are always consistent, staying true to tone regardless of exposure. The saturation makes it a fabulous foil for a dynamic contrast, say lemon yellow or petal pink. Paired with caramel leather and a Persian rug, it sings as the backdrop for this gentleman’s study.”


AIRY ALTERNATIVE

blue home office with desk featuring skylight by farrow and ball

Photo: Tim Street Porter

Jeff Andrews

Jeff Andrews Design, Los Angeles

Skylight by Farrow & Ball

“This blue is more bright than gray. It looks perfect in a bedroom with bright, natural light.”


METROPOLITAN PALETTE

bright blue bathroom in benjamin moore new york state of mind

Photo: Brie Williams

Cathy Austin

Catherine M. Austin Interior Design, Charlotte

New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore

“Using a vibrant color found in a painting as the background is a favorite design trick of mine. For this scullery, Benjamin Moore’s New York State of Mind was the perfect hue to highlight blue chip contemporary art by Bridget Riley, Lee Ufan and Tom LaDuke—and the lacquer adds another wow factor!”


UNDERSTATED GLAM

window seat banquette farrow and ball light bluePhoto: Tim Lenz

Heide Hendricks

Hendricks Churchill, Connecticut

Light Blue by Farrow & Ball

“We knew this color, with its serene properties and silvery gray tones, would lend depth of character to this space. The room has a wall of windows facing a river, so it offers the gentlest nod to the natural surroundings.”