Summer is in full swing, and the only thing better than taking a dip in the blue sea is surrounding yourself with decor in shades of navy, teal, aqua and ice blue. Today we spotlight the elegant side of blue decor–we’ll call it azure chic! From deep shades to light and refreshing tones, the colors featured in the interiors below will conjure images of rippling waves and summer skies.
Blue is a calming, serene hue. Not only will your rooms look fabulous when you deck them out in this powerful color, you’ll feel better too! Chill out and enjoy the season’s best decor:
Navy Blue
We begin with an upscale living room that incorporates distinct navy walls with other shades of blue, such as aqua. This interior by RSVP Design Services is refined yet comfortable. [from Design Shuffle]
A touch of cobalt blue can be seen in our next navy room, designed by Ashley Putnam. Instead of contrasting the walls with grey and beige tones, as shown in the room above, this space gains power from white trim and accents. [from Lonny]
In fact, when it comes to navy and white, uniting these colors in a striped pattern creates a nautical effect. The room below plays up the crisp maritime theme with tailored details like upholstered headboards with nail head trim. [from Better Homes and Gardens]
Once again we see the striking contrast of navy and white, this time with striking molding on the lower portion of the walls. [from Better Homes and Gardens]
When navy veers into midnight blue territory, the results are luxurious, as shown in a deep blue bathroom by designer Jamie Drake. This stunning room was was featured in a previous Decoist article on dazzling jewel-toned decor. [from DIY Network]
Teal Blue
Teal blue brings an element of the unexpected to a space. Take the living room below, designed by Celerie Kemble. Rather than fight this unique color with competing shades, the interior designer selected a primarily black and white palette for the floor, sofa and window treatments. A pair of fire red art pieces both contrasts and calls attention to the vivid walls. [from Lonny]
There’s always room for teal in the kitchen, especially when Zac Posen is your interior designer! In fact, teal cabinetry sets the stage for an elegant kitchen with fine flourishes like draperies, wall-mounted plates, and flowers in rich jewel tones. [from COCOCOZY]
Bring on the glam! In the bright teal blue bedroom below, an upholstered tufted headboard, plush bedding and mirrored furniture create the perfect Hollywood Regency vibe. The lucky inhabitants of this space must feel like they’re on vacation at a 5-star hotel each night of the week! [from Color Sizzle]
An adventurous color, teal works well in the powder room, especially for homeowners who want a blast of color but aren’t willing to cover an entire room in this quirky shade of blue! Check out the teal bathroom tile in this next image! [from House to Home]
White trim heightens the richness of the teal blue bathroom below, designed by Hilary Thomas. A marble sink and fine art on the walls take this space to the next level. [from Lonny]
Teal also conjures the feel of a resort-style swimming pool! Summer is a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Many travel during this season, leaving their homes for weeks at a time. With decor this beautiful, don’t forget the importance of protecting your home and the lovely furnishings inside.
Aqua Blue
Speaking of summer travels, nothing recreates the magic of a seaside vacation like aqua decor. Not to mention, aqua has a retro effect on a space, in part because many vintage decor items are in fact aqua! Check out the display of pottery in the living room below. [from Better Homes and Gardens]
In this next living area designed by Eric Piasecki, aqua walls are cooled by darker blue accents like curtain stripes and lamp shades. [from Elle Decor via theLENNOXX.com]
A tropical swimming pool may as well be the highlight of the bedroom designed by Angéle Parlange. Aqua walls, sea-themed bedding and a palm frond pillow complete the look. Don’t forget the vivid lighting! [from Lonny]
Luxury reigns in this next bedroom by Anton Valiev. Could fine touches like billowing window treatments and silky bedding have anything to do with the majestic feel? We think so! [from Be Interior Decorator]
Aqua takes a modern turn in the bathroom below. The pool-blue tile is refreshing, while white paneling adds warmth. [from Better Homes and Gardens]
Ice Blue
It’s time to chill out with our next set of interiors in the cool shade of ice blue. This light color may have grey or green undertones, but it’s always perfectly refined. Check out the next featured space, a living room designed by Michele Bonan. Icy walls are nicely complemented by an ornate mirror and classical accents. [from Lonny]
In this next light blue living room, cream and gold are warm counterpart hues to the icy rug, furniture and wall paint. [from theLENNOXX.com]
Vibrant powder blue chairs bring out the color in the ice blue rear wall in the space below, designed by Fawn Galli. The color makes a big statement, but it’s not so overpowering that it can’t share the spotlight with decor like a prickly light fixture and lime green glassware. [from Vintage Luxe]
Once again, gold and cream are ideal complements to ice blue walls. Add some silky draperies and an iridescent chandelier, and the bedroom comes alive with texture and shine. [photo by Laurey W. Glenn, from My Home Ideas]
We end by exploring the magic of patterns, set against an ice blue backdrop. Layered prints in soft shades create a three-dimensional bedroom, complete with an elegant upholstered screen headboard! [from House to Home]
As the images above have shown, different shades of blue have remarkably different effects, all the while evoking a sense of peace and calm. For example, navy is a regal color that brings elegance to a room. Aqua can have a retro effect and is the perfect backdrop to Mid-Century modern pieces. From crisp and fresh to rich and refined, there are many shades to blue! Take a vacation at home this summer as you surround yourself with blue decor!
