How to Decorate with Dark, Inky Blue

How do you decorate with inky blue? What colours go with ink blue? And can you use dark blue in a small room?

Dark features walls, particularly those in blue, dark grey and almost black have become very popular this season. Mix them with some of the big trends like copper and metallics  or some marble, and you have a very striking scheme.

But how do we make these colours work in our home?

What if we’re feeling a little wary of something so dramatic?

Here are some of my thoughts on decorating with inky blue and how to make this look work for you.

How to Decorate with Dark Inky Blue

1. Be Bold

Ok, so if you like this colour it’s probably best to go for it. Be bold and daring in your choices. Make a moodboard before you begin so you know what you’re aiming for and can visualise the end result.

Decide if you want to use paint or wallpaper for your walls, both are available in this stunning shade, and then think about the kind of feel you want the room to have.

Many people think blue can be cold, and rightly so, but inky blue is rich and warm and very moody, it’s perfect for bedrooms and dining areas I think.

2. Add Contrast

Definitely think about a contrasting colour like yellow, orange or bright pink to liven up the space. Painting alcoves, bookshelves and even door frames in a different colour can really lift this inky blue into another sphere.

Don’t be afraid of trying out a mixture of brighter shades too. Of course adding them in via your soft furnishings is perfect. 

3. Add Pattern and Print

A colour this dramatic and intense can seem a little overpowering so as well as thinking about using pops of colour, think about how to add in pattern and print too. The detailing will help break up the flatness of the colour and give the room a more playful, less serious feel.

Image: Mind the Gap

4. Add Wall Art

Another way to eliminate the flat, intensity of this hue is to break up the wall with wall art. Hang anything you like, maybe picking out a unifying colour or metallic in an eclectic format, using plates, family photos or kid’s art.

Creating wall collages like this is such an enjoyable way to inject your personality into your home too.

5. Personalise the wall

Adding colour and personality to your dark blue walls is easy if you’re feeling creative. 

Why not add a stencil to your dark wall, to add colour and lightness as a good contrast to the heavy tone? It’s a great way to bring in some of your own personality and you could even get the family to help.

Image: Annie Sloan

6. Add greenery

Adding a shelf of greenery, or hanging plants on your dark blue walls is a beautiful way to bring it to life. 

We all know green plants add energy and vitality to a room, whether real or faux, and help showcase nature within the space. The green works really well with the dark intensity of an inky blue wall. 

Image: Hyperion Tiles

Can you use dark blue in a bathroom?

Many of us shy away from dark colours in the bathroom, thinking they’ll make the room feel small and dark. In actual fact, a resplendent deep shade of blue can make a room feel regal. Add in some metallic touches, and if you’re feeling adventurous, use an opposite colour like pink or orange to give the room further interest.

Image: Waters Baths

Where can you buy inky blue paint?

• Farrow and Ball – Hague Blue, Stiffkey Blue
• Homebase – Aegean Bathroom Paint
• Little Greene Company – Hick’s Blue
• Dulux – Night Seas 
• Valspar – Some Starry Night

 

What do you think of dark, inky blue? Would you use it in your home?

If you love this post then do check out How to Use the New Farrow and Ball Collection and How to Use Dulux Colour of the Year.

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Images: Farrow and Ball || House and Garden