Colour Focus: Tranquil, tropical, true BLUE!

It's that time of winter, dear readers, when I must confess, the joy of this 'winter wonderland' is unequivocally over for me. Begone snow shovels, dark cold mornings, clunky boots, and thick woolly apparel! I am itching to trade these winter blues for the blue seas of the tropics! After a tough winter and a hectic work schedule, I'll soon be taking in the turquoise tranquility of the caribbean, which brings to mind thoughts of the 2010 colour trend: BLUE.

Pantone's colour for 2010 is TURQUOISE 15-5519, a refreshing hue that combines the serenity of blue with the healing properties of green. Turquoise inspires a comforting, soothing escape from everyday stresses and restores our sense of wellbeing.

Turquoise is believed in some cultures to have protective powers. It is a color of truth, tranquility and healing, inspired by water and sky. Turquoise represents an escape, taking us to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if it is not reality.

The psychology of colour suggests blue promotes rest and encourages the body to produce chemicals that are calming. Not all blues have this quality: electric or bright blue becomes dynamic and dramatic, and this variation of the hue stimulates exhilaration and excitement.

 Photo via Westcoast sea glass.

In Feng Shui, blue is considered an element of Water, although it symbolizes both the clear sky and the healing, refreshing waters. A buzzword for the soft watery blue hue we associate with relaxation and rejuvenation is 'spa blue'.

Interior by Jamie Drake, photo by Adam Chinitz

Light blue is a colour of harmony and gentle growth, while darker blue evokes the Feng Shui energy of deep calm and serenity. You may consider introducing deep blue elements into your bedroom to promote better sleep or a gentle playful aqua in the living room of a big, busy family. One of the most calming feng shui combinations is blue and white, as this combination is said to bring the energy of unlimited sky and happiness to one's space.

 Blue is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Photos via Elle Decor, lower photo by Pieter Estersohn

Designer Brian Gluckstein's favourite blue paint colour, Benjamin Moore 2123-40 (above) Michael Kors one shoulder zipper dress from Neiman Marcus.

Frank Roop Design from Elle Decor, photo by Eric Roth

 

Blue doors in a living room via Plaisirsimples

A simple punch of blue art and small table accessories add terrific impact in this room. via Lulu Interiors

The opalescence of light in New York's Blue Fin Restaurant, photo by Evan Dion

           Blue toile on wall panels add interest and blue embellished fabric panels hung from the ceiling create a canopy bed, photo via Decorpad,  Bathroom above in navy and white by T.Keller Donovan.

Blue and taupe living room via Persian Tea

Bathroom via Southern Accents

Soft blue carrera marble bathroom by Sarah Richardson.

Chic baby's room wall via Decorpad.

Photo via House of Turquoise, where Erin has a beautiful collection of turquoise rooms! Above and below are photos of the winning combination of blue with acid green.

Hampton Home and Cottage photo via House of Turquoise

Serene symmetry in deep muted turquoise. Photo via Decorpad.

Design by Candice Olsen, via Pointclickhome.

Housewears uses turquoise capiz shell plates and beach glass in an outdoor tablescape for

the AGW Showhouse tour.

                        A stunning combination of blue and brown! Kitchen from Southeast Kitchens

So delicious...a sublime marriage of blue, taupe and silver gray. Photo via HGTV

Check out more BLUE ideas in House Beautiful March 2010!

modern blue kitchen via Perfect Kitchen Design.

Tone on tone turquoise is totally tranquil!Love the use of the photo hanging in the window. Photo via Decorpad.

Design from Sarah Richardson. The mirrored chest is strategic; it appears to take up less space than a wooden sideboard would.

classical blue and white by Laura Casey Interiors.

Kitchen via Blossom Interiors.

Nate Berkus likes blue, (photo above and below)and uses it so cleverly for vibrant punch. 

photo via Rebecca June.

Nate Berkus via Habitually Chic.

Soft blue and white scheme via Decorpad.

This amazing light blue bathroom pairing old with new is the work of talented design icon Vicente Wolf, see his blog at Vicentewolf.

Candice Olsen's design combines turquoise and magenta via Emily.A.Clark.

A collection of blue vases is chic and fresh! Photo via Martha Stewart.

Lovely turquoise accessory trends via Trilby Phoenix.

Trends for 2010 on the New York Runway...according to Miss Glitzy Monologue, blue is the new black!

A chic choice for spring and summer: Banana Republic's Dancing Charms earrings, under $50.

A light refreshing fragrance, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue is a
summer staple.

Sexy Summer sandal from Stuart Weitzman. 

And of course, there's always the timeless turquoise of Tiffany! Hopefully, this compilation inspires you to consider adding a bit of blue to your wardrobe or living space this year!

Truth be told, blue has never been a first choice for me, but I have a genuine fondness for various shades and tints of turquoise, am drawn to the crisp timelessness of navy and I am totally enamoured with the luxurious 40's appeal of a very muted gray blue. Blue is classic! Which blues are you into?
For other classics, visit "Timeless Tuesday" by clicking on Ms. Audrey Hepburn!