Decorating With Green & Blue
If you follow me on social media you will know green is my ultimate favourite colour, well it has been for about four years, thankfully I think that means I will always love green. Just like when a friend is in your circle for sometime, there comes a point of no turning back. That’s where I am with green. However, recently I’ve been crushing over blue. There was a point, about five years ago, when anyone renovating and documenting their project on Instagram was either choosing a neutral or blue kitchen. For some reason I was not loving blue during this phase, but now it’s officially my second favourite colour. Perhaps that has a lot to do with living by the sea and being immersed in so many hues of this majestic colour; azure, cobalt, sapphire, aegean, teal, cerulean, slate, inky and many more.
I’ve had the conversation green vs blue in my head over and over again, and it was on a coastal path walk, admiring the hills drifting into the sea that I realised I don’t have to pick one. They work beautifully together because mother nature made them that way! What floats my boat the most is when these two colours come together, dive into this blog and get some tips on using the two beautiful colours.
Before that I’ll quickly explain the colour psychology. Blue is often thought to be cool and calming, (it doesn’t have to be cold but more on that later) and is scientifically proven to be relaxing. Green, as expected, is grounding, brings balance and represents growth. Whilst in decorating terms green isn’t considered a neutral, it is nature's neutral, so in my eyes I always consider green as a timeless neutral colour. Carefully combining the two is set to be a success if you want to create a tranquil yet motivating space. Let’s take a look at how to do it.
Paint
It wouldn't be my recommendation to paint both of these colours on the walls of the same room, so there is a tricky decision to make. Something to consider is the aspect of the room; north facing rooms tend to be darker and cooler so may be warmed with an earthy khaki green, in south facing rooms you can use either but be mindful that any pale blues will be lightened by the sun. If bringing in one of these colours is a super bold move for you, you can always paint panelling on the lower half/two thirds of the wall alongside a softer neutral above. In a previous project, a windowless bathroom, I used Farrow & Ball Cardroom Green on the upper half of the walls and ceiling but neutral tiles on bottom half and floor. So if you're brave you might choose to paint the fifth wall too (the ceiling).
Four favourite greens from left to right:
Four favourite blues from left to right:
If you’re really torn you could have the perfect pair in adjoining rooms!
Wallpaper
There are thousands of wallpaper designs that play with blue and green, from florals, abstract patterns, botanicals, stripes and patterns. Bobbi Beck, a Cornwall based wallpaper design studio that I visited recently will tailor their designs to suit your chosen colour scheme and I had so much fun adapting ‘Fleece’ their sketchy geometric pattern to reflect the sand, sea and hills I admire on my walks.
Four favourite wallpapers from left to right:
Bobbi Beck, Fleece (pictured colour way is modified)
Fabrics
Fabric designers also got the memo that blue and green are a match made in heaven and often produce their designs in several colour ways and collections that use a cohesive colour palette, allowing you to mix and match designs. Late last year I discovered Nichola Taylorson Textiles and fell head over heels for the embroidered, printed fabrics in soft green and slate blue. These fabrics would make beautiful cushions and lampshades. Zoe Glencross, fabric designer, and Bee Osborne, interior designer, have collaborated to create a capsule collection of nature inspired fabrics and of course, green and blue work majestically. Mottram Meadow designed by Zoe is a firm favourite on my moodboard for my own project too. All of these fabrics can be used to scatter colour around a room of otherwise neutral furniture, so may already work with your existing scheme.
Five favourite fabrics (I couldn't pick just four), from left to right:
Furniture
Finding furniture, aside from upholstered pieces, in both green and blue is a challenge. Sofas, chairs and beds in all hues are easily available and scattered with contrasting pillows are very inviting. I recently admired the velvet Whitford sofa in Jo and Co Home, I went away and the sofa was still in my mind so I went back for a second look. A plain sofa like this is easy to accessorise with cushions in floral, botanical, abstract prints or simple stripes (favourites above). This is also an opportunity to invite an accent colour like mustard or burnt orange.
With regards to storage there are lots of painted furniture options that have caught my eye recently. John Lewis have launched a new range influenced by 17th century design which is available in a dark olive green, the bobbin detail is a popular trend in 2022, one which is adorable and I hope it stays! The John Lewis Anyday range also includes a gorgeous green chest with scalloped edged detail which adds some fun. Graham and Green have taken playfulness to a new level with their exquisite Jupiter Star Chest of Drawers which would make a lasting impression and be the star of the show in a living room, hallway or bedroom. They offer a few similar mosaic pieces. Made.com have been making coloured furniture and design some unique storage solutions, the Bourbon range is a sophisticated option with good reviews.
Accessories
Using accessories in a mix of beautiful blues and gracious greens is my final tip, and fortunately they are available in abundance and often use patterns. So, if you’re concerned you might change your mind on something bold, this is a less costly way to have fun and experiment. I purchased a great sized pot created with green, blue and pattern (above, centre) it's currently sitting in the office on my ‘when we’re finished’ shelf, it motivates me to keep the vision in mind. The day I get to pop a plant in that pot will be a victorious one! A further simple technique is to use a mirror opposite a window, if the garden is in bloom you’ll benefit from extra green views and if the sky is clear those blues will brighten your day too.
A few accessories from left to right:
I've loved sharing some of my favourite green and blue treasures and I think blogs on my appreciation for green sofas and green kitchens lie ahead, in the meantime if you'd like any help designing a room in your home and share my love of natures colour palette it would be a joy to work with you on your project.
All links correct and working 23/04/2022
