The colour experts at Pantone have proclaimed that Classic Blue – which seems to live somewhere between navy and royal blue – is 2020’s Colour of the Year:
“Suggestive of the sky at dusk….Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
In other words, this blue is easy to love. It’s that trusted companion who you can rely on for their loyalty, practicality, and sense of composure. Deeply good natured, it plays nicely with so many other colours that it’s difficult not to invite it into your home.
Without a doubt, blue is besties with white, where the two take on different characters. They can be classically beautiful and elegant; whimsical; or get beachy and nautical together. But this blue hue also works well with neutrals (grey, beige, saddle, blush) and brights (orange, gold, violet, fushia, green).
Classic Blue, we see you for what you are, and we really like what we see! Here’s a roundup of our 10 picks on how to incorporate Pantone’s Classic Blue into your home.
1. Plenty of Paint
Wall-to-wall blue. You’re going all-in with this glorious colour, which is outstanding on the walls of absolutely any room in the house. And particularly on painted wainscotting. Can you imagine this feel-good hue surrounding you in your bedroom?
2. Breathtaking Blue Wallpaper
Far from being shy, a bold blue wallpaper can really transform a room. For more wow power, choose a smaller space such as a half-bathroom, and pick a high-impact blue pattern. If you’re unsure about living with patterned wallpaper long term, choose a removable one. We like Chasing Paper, Hygge & West, and Tempaper to name just a few.
3. Kitchen Commitment
We’ve already been enjoying deep blue in our kitchens for some time, but this is about embracing Classic Blue on all your cabinetry (uppers and lowers), and possibly including a blue backsplash too.
4. Blue Tile Potential
The options are unlimited here, there are so many beautiful blue tiles to choose from in different sizes, shapes, solid colours and patterns.
Imagine a Classic Blue large hexagon-tiled floor in your laundry room, or a Morroccan-inspired mosaic in the master bathroom. Go small by tiling only the shower niche in blue, or go big by tiling the entire kitchen backsplash.
5. Comforting Bedding
Deep blue bedding is an obvious choice because of its restful quality. Cocooning in this colour in your bedroom would make you feel so tranquil, protected, and cozy!
Combining Classic Blue with white delivers a different vibe that’s more fresh and crisp. It’s a beloved combination that will stick around for years to come.
6. Blue Velvet
Give your living space a dramatic refresh by incorporating a punch of luscious blue velvet in a statement piece of furniture. Classic Blue looks gorgeous as a velvet sofa, armchair, accent cushions, or floor-to-ceiling curtains.
7. Blue Beneath Furniture
Persian-style or distressed rugs can look surprisingly rich in Classic Blue, and truly anchor the room.
8. Blue Print
When the overall colour palette for a home is monochromatic, it’s easy to inject a little—or a lot of blue. Swapping out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to change up your space. Try a mix of blue prints and solid blue textures. Then add small decor items like blue and white porcelain, a thick throw blanket, and high-impact blue artwork.
9. Paint a Piece
Breathe new life into a tired or unloved piece of furniture. A worn-out wood sideboard, desk, or dresser would be completely transformed in this hue of blue. We found plenty of examples of this on Pinterest, above is one of our favourites by MegMade.
Highlighting bookcases and other millwork with Classic Blue paint makes a stunning focal point in a room too.
10. Violets Are Blue…
Since this blue is inspired by the natural world, it makes perfect sense to take it outside. Try a mass planting of deep blue flowers or choose a bush with large globes of colour (think: hydrangea).
Classic Blue on a house with white trim is, well, classic. It’s a timeless, elegant colour combination. Does your front door need a colour update? A deep blue door would be very welcoming.