Bringing Back the Blues – An Interior Design Color Trend 

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, some color trends come and go, but there are timeless classics that never fade away. One such hue that continues to captivate designers and homeowners alike is blue. It’s no surprise that blue has emerged as a trending paint color. Once again, reaffirming its status as a favorite color in the world of design. In this article, blues dominate the Color of the Year for 2024.

With timeless appeal, blue has rooted historical significance in fashion and interiors and the versatility to adapt to modern design trends. Furthermore, blue’s connection to nature, often reminiscent of the sky and the sea, brings a sense of harmony to interior spaces. This connection to the natural planet adds to blue’s enduring popularity. It can create a soothing atmosphere in today’s ever increasing stressful world.

Additionally, blue’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of design styles. From traditional to modern, making it a popular choice among luxury interior designers. Its symbolic associations with peace, calmness, and stability further enhance its allure, as it can evoke a sense of serenity and balance in a space.  

Overall, blue’s renewal as a trending paint color in 2024 highlights its timeless appeal and its ability to create beautiful, harmonious spaces. In this article, I explore how as a high-end interior designer, I use this classic hue throughout my design work. 

Using Historical Blue Hues in Interiors

Historical blue tones offer a vast palette to explore. From the early days of the Egyptians to the British Royal Navy, to the interiors of Versailles and the French countryside, blue has a majestic history that spans cultures and time. For me, its association with regal themes and interiors always evokes elegance and sophistication. Equally, the versatility of historical blues allows for endless creative possibilities.

In the French countryside, particularly in Provence, soft blues reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea became popular in interior design, reflecting nature’s tranquility.  Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue seemed the fitting choice when designing Le Mas des Poiriers’ classic farmhouse kitchen.  Mixed with the warm tones of bleached Oak and copper, the color has a familiar, calm appeal.  Mercurial and complex, Light Blue changes with the path of the warm Provence sunlight.  

Blue Hues in Classic Spaces

To evoke the historic, layered look of millwork painted over time, I opted for a muted French blue for the strie-painted custom cabinetry we outfitted in our client’s home office. The paint color, Benjamin Moore Exhale is topped with an umber glaze. This was to create depth and a grounded look and make the new millwork appear to have been there for years.  The client, a lover of France and old-world interiors, asked for this steely blue color.  It seemed fitting to balance the rich brown wood antiques and leather we designed in the space with the client’s favorite color. 

Dating back to ancient Egypt, blue was a representation of the sky and the divine. These were used in art and tombs with a striking pigment extracted from precious lapis lazuli. It symbolized royalty and immortality. During King Louis XIV’s reign in Versailles, blue became synonymous with elegance and sophistication. It’s rich tones like royal blue adorning the palace walls. It’s fun to know the origins of color in interiors and it shapes my design choices. In a recent renovation project in Bluffview Dallas, I wanted to add a key color pop to the classic white kitchen. Therefore, I chose Farrow & Ball’s vibrant Drawing Room Blue in full gloss finish to be this defining feature and evoke that regal feeling. This Dallas renovation project is proof that even though blue is color trend in 2024, it suits a classic design perfectly.

Navy is one of my favorite colors. I use it often in interiors and love to wear it. In the 18th century, the British Royal Navy adopted navy blue for its uniforms. This was chosen for its smart appearance and ability to conceal dirt, a crucial feature for sailors. This practical choice also elevated navy blue to a color of authority and professionalism. For this well-used family mudroom, Benjamin Moore’s Kensington Blue seemed the right choice to me. Its classic English interiors vibe grounds this newly built home.  

Blue’s journey from ancient civilizations to modern design signifies its enduring appeal and universal beauty, transcending time and culture. 

There’s Comfort in Blue

In a previous blog article Paint Colors for a Happier 2022, I spoke about how color is closely connected to emotion. Blue is renowned for its ability to create a sense of calm and relaxation in interior spaces. Whether it’s a soft, powdery blue in a cozy bedroom retreat or a rich navy accent adding depth to a living room, blue has a knack for creating a sense of tranquility wherever it’s used. I definitely believe this and regularly apply soft blue tones in areas like bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms, where the color’s serene qualities can be fully appreciated.

Beyond just a color, blue is a popular choice for those seeking to infuse a sense of peace into their surroundings. Even in small doses, like on this custom nickel and Benjamin Moore Whipple Blue painted bathroom vanity. This color has the power to evoke feelings of serenity, transforming any space into a peaceful retreat. The client asked for her primary bathroom to feel like the beach at sunset. With glass tiles, soft peach wall hues, and rich blue accents, my Dallas interior design firm managed to manifest this very feeling in this space.

Similarly, I love using blue in a bedroom. I seized the opportunity to introduce soft blue tones to the tray ceiling in this spacious primary suite. Against a backdrop of mostly white walls, this subtle addition of Benjamin Moore’s Breath of Fresh Air is a standout design statement. It perfectly complements the soft blue fabrics and custom bedding in the room. A recent article in House Beautiful talks about the current trend of soothing blues. Our innate connection to the natural world draws us to shades of blue, evoking feelings of calmness and stability. From endless blue skies to tranquil bodies of water, this color palette resonates deeply with our sense of peace.

Moreover, research has highlighted the calming effects of blue hues on the human body, demonstrating their ability to alleviate stress and foster relaxation. In this primary bedroom sitting room, my goal was to create just that effect. By incorporating blue accents into the furnishings and strategically opting to paint the backs of the bookshelves Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue, the otherwise white room takes on a more moody and comforting feeling.  

Modern Traditional: Blue’s Contemporary Twist

The evolution of blue in modern interior design trends reflects a shift towards a more versatile and expressive use of color. While traditionally associated with classic and conservative styles, blue has undergone a transformation in recent years. It has become a staple in contemporary and eclectic interiors. I love using blue to modernize my spaces. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of incorporating blue into contemporary settings, whether it’s through statement furniture pieces, bold accent walls, or subtle decorative touches.

 

As a luxury interior designer, I’ve observed a notable shift towards exploring a wider spectrum of blue shades beyond the traditional navy and royal blues. Soft pastel blues, vibrant aqua infused hues have emerged as popular choices for their cheerful nature. At this Preston Hollow, Texas home’s newly designed wet bar off the pool patio, I added Benjamin Moore Blue Stream to tie to the modern aqua blue water of the swimming pool just outside. Paired with a pristine white Cambria stone counter and an array of colorful pastel accessories, this color adds a splash of fun to this well-used poolside beverage center.

Using the same color, Blue Stream is applied differently in our Highland Park. Texas wood paneled dining room. This space needed a little extra kick to make a statement and make it more modern. I chose to add interest and lightness to the dark room by wallpapering the ceiling and painting the interior of the shelves this fresh blue in a gloss paint finish. The added color compliments the rich silk Clarence House fabric dining chairs and highlights the client’s china collection.

Additionally, I’ve seen a resurgence of interest in traditional blue and white color schemes. This is particularly in the context of modern farmhouse and coastal-inspired interiors. It’s a color scheme I’ve always loved and I use it in my interiors often as discussed in My Timeless Go-To Color Palette . I’m always reinterpreting this timeless combination in new and exciting ways. As an example, in this classic interior above, I switched things up and added Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue paint on the large interior window frame as an unexpected color accent within the room. 

Similarly, in this modern mudroom, the Benjamin Moore Schooner blue paint color is an intentional strong statement meant to be a bit of a surprise upon entry. Paired with the graphic striped floor, the millwork defines this richly appointed classic home, designed with a modern traditional sensibility. Blue continues to be a popular choice for me to add color and personality to my modern traditional spaces.

Blue: A Timeless Essential in My Design Palette

While it may currently be an interior design color trend of 2024, blue has been a consistent cornerstone throughout my design career. Given my experience designing stores for Ralph Lauren and my affinity for classic interiors and my design work on the French farmhouse interiors at Le Mas des Poiriers, blue feels like a natural, go-to hue for me. The unmatched versatility and timelessness of blue paint colors continue to solidify its place in my design palette. 

For more paint colors I love, check out my article about My all-time favorite paint colors.  

I’m also beginning to share curated product selections here on the blog. The items below celebrate the many wonderful shades of blue.

Some of these links are affiliate links, which support the work behind S. B. Long Interiors and allow me to continue sharing design insights and resources. As always, every piece is chosen for its quality, craftsmanship, and relevance to the design story.

Have a colorful day!