Blue-on-blue for spring looks
Last year's 'blue blocking' trend continues to be popular and is perfect for decorating in coastal style or simply for giving a home a fresh, new look.
Get more details on this sophisticated yet joyful look at the Build Bar at Decorex Joburg, which takes place from 5 to 9 August at Gallagher Convention Centre. The Build Bar showcases great ideas for teaming blocks of blue with natural wood for contrast and impact.
Big on blue
Add dimensional interest to a space with layered hues of beguiling blue. Choose hues from the same warm or cool spectrum of the palette. Warm blues, like indigo, denim or slate contain hints of red and, as such, they advance or come toward you, making a room feel cosier. Cool blues like cobalt, turquoise and ice blue, have yellow in them and tend to recede, which can help make a small space appear bigger.
Big on blocks
Use paint for a quick and cost-effective way of introducing blue blocking into your colour scheme to make a standout statement without the need to hang expensive pieces of wall art. The trick to getting the blue-blocking look right is to "think geometric" – a square of brilliant cobalt here, a triangle of electric indigo there. Cover a feature wall in a single blue hue, keeping the accompanying scheme neutral and unfussy so as not to overwhelm the eye.
Big on impact
Resplendent in a deep blue or, alternately, in a soothing powder blue, a feature becomes the automatic focal point when inserted into a neutral or white scheme or offset by a backdrop of warm, complementary wood.
Big blue one
A single block of beautiful blue is perfect for those afraid to jump in at the deep end. Pick a single stand-out feature and splash on the blue for high impact colour and a beautiful, bold statement.
Big on contrast
Harness the energy of intense blues in all its hues. Use blue-blocking to create a statement. Bold and compelling, yet restful at the same time, blue hues work well in generous swathes over walls and furnishings, with just a hint of balancing white and metallic silver as a counterfoil.
