Blues rule this summer and with good reason as they're bright, breezy and help to bring some of the outside warmth in.
They are a must-have-shade for a seasonal wardrobe, and should be a top choice for rooms too.
Yet for too long blues have been described as too "cold" for use in our homes, particularly as the temperature keeps on rising.
But that mistaken assumption completely overlooks the fantastic variation of blues that can suit every room and mood.
Take your pick from deep rich shades such as cobalt, brilliant blues turquoise and aquamarine, the jewel tone of sapphire, through to the softer and fashionable hues – duck egg and pastel blue.
Celebrated interior designer, Nina Campbell is a fan of all shades of blue.
"One of the best things about summer is a beautiful blue sky, which is something I like to mirror in interiors by using shades of blue," she says.
"Blues are particularly on trend this season, with the colour palette ranging from azure to glossy dark blues.
"Painting a feature wall in a strong blue is an easy way to create a calm and elegant space, but if you don't want to make such a strong statement upholster a chair in a blue fabric, or feature the shade in decorative accessories and flowers."
UAE home stores are awash with all shades of blue and have something to suit every mood.
So bring on the blues, and you'll enjoy a bright outlook without the intense outdoor heat.
Power of blue
Dark blue and white are a traditionally successful combination, but using softer shades can be equally effective. Try creating a feature wall with either paint or patterned wallpaper. Department stores such as Debenhams or DIY giant Ace sell wallpaper.
Louise Smith, colour and design manager at Dulux, whose paints are available in the UAE through Al Gurg, says blues are enjoying increasing popularity in modern interiors.
"The trend is to echo nature in our rooms and blues are associated with air and water," she says."Softer shades are ideal for creating soothing and relaxing spaces, and brighter ultramarines can revitalise and refresh a room and provide energy without overpowering a space."
Smith's favourites are warm tones, such as Velvet Touch 2, or Liberty Blue 1, which when paired with neutrals, she believes, can add to the feeling of space in generous sized rooms. For smaller, darker rooms she recommends shades such as Azure Sky 3 with Javan Dawn 4.
All shades from Dulux's Tailor Made Colour range, can be matched to furnishings or homeware.
Moody blues
Bright blues have long been favoured for bathrooms and work well there, but let other rooms benefit from them too.
In a living room, sultry blue tones add warmth, and teal or duck egg shades pair beautifully with chocolate shades and complement wooden furniture.
Laura Ashley has embraced teal and duck egg shades, which feature in a comprehensive collection of homeware from rugs and cushions to fabrics.
Go moody blue in a bedroom by upholstering a headboard in one of its fabrics such as Dalton Teal, and matching it with Trentham stripe curtains in teal, Dh180 a metre.
Complete the picture with bedding, such as the Finley collection in soft duck egg, which starts from £17 (Dh102). A luxurious Kayleigh bedspread in duck egg blue costs from £150.
Next also has a broad range of teal and white and teal and cream bedding with toning vases, cushions and pictures, providing a one-stop shop for all bedroom soft furnishings. Team them with neutral walls for a classic rather than over-done look.
For a sharp, contemporary feel in a living room, navy and cream make a good team. Marks & Spencer uses this combination for a Zig Zag rug, Dh298 and matching cushion, Dh150.
Cool blue colour combinations can also be found at Debenhams, where its own brand and designer ranges provide a wide choice. BoConcept has a navy sofa bed, Dh1,716, which folds neatly away in between visitors, while Q Home Décor based in the Oasis Centre has the Canterbury Armchair for Dh2,950.
Splash the blues
Play with blues by incorporating sapphire accessories into the home. It's a great way of giving it an instant update and experimenting with colour if you are nervous after years of neutrals.
Nina Campbell celebrates all things blue in a tableware collection, including Oriental glassware, a plate (Dh154), stem glass (Dh138), as well as blue cutlery (Dh63 a piece).
BoConcept also has a range of accent products. Choose from the navy cushion with black floral design (Dh329) or tea light holders (Dh79), which will add a cool atmosphere to any room once the sun goes down.
Alternatively, lay a table with porcelain Spray Flowers china by Cath Kidston finished off with fresh flowers in BoConcept's blue glass vase (Dh189) for a true blue centrepiece. Kidston's dining collection is decorated with delicate sprigs of blue, pink and yellow blooms and key pieces have a pale blue background.
Visit The One for blue tumblers, Dh12, or mugs, which have moody trees on a sky blue background, Dh12. Individual plates could look stunning displayed on a wall or on shelves for an alternative to ornaments and pictures.
Royally retro
For those who rent and therefore don't want to spend the time or money painting walls, add a splash of colour with a picture or wall hanging. The Rug Company sells designer Paul Smith's "Too Love" hanging Dh10,890, which mixes his British heritage with retro influences.
The company also stocks Lulu Guiness's blue Glamour Girl rug Dh15,293, which will brighten up any room and the Squiggle rug by Vivienne Westwood, Dh43,809 UK expats can have a permanent reminder of home with Westwood's distressed Flag Cushion Dh2,221.
Blue sources
- Al Gurg Paints
06 534 3919
www.aglpuae.com
- BoConcept
04 341 4144
- Cath Kidston
08450 262 440
www.cathkidston.com
- Debenhams
04 340 7575
- Laura Ashley
+44 871 230 2301
www.lauraashley.com
- Nina Campbell
+44 20 7225 1011
www.ninacampbell.com
- Marks and Spencer
04 339 8890
- Next: 04 340 3898
- The One: 04 345 6687
- The Rug Company
04 323 11616
www.therugcompany.info
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