Understanding shades
Soft, muted light blues create a peaceful atmosphere that evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility and make a room feel more spacious. Medium blues offer a balance between energy and relaxation and add warmth and energy into your scheme, while dark blues add depth, glamour and a touch of of drama.

Consider natural light
Rooms with plenty of natural light can handle darker blues, which may look too intense in dimly lit spaces. North or east facing rooms lack warm daylight, so choosing a blue with warm undertones (hints of red, violet or turquoise) will keep it welcoming. A south or west facing room will receive warmer light so can afford to pick cooler tones (with green, black or grey undertones).

Colour mix
Incredibly versatile, blue works well with nearly all colours so is ideal as a base to add accents of red, orange and yellow that will warm up your scheme and make it pop! Combine blues with neutrals for a classic, clean look or with white for a fresh coastal vibe. If you are looking for something a little more glamorous, try pairing blue with emeralds and greens. The only colour to avoid is grey which can make a blue interior feel cold.

Layering
The key to decorating with blues is to ensure everything blends well together and creates visual interest. It doesn't mean that everything has to be an exact match but that you layer different shades of the same colour to give a room depth and character. You can then add contrasting colours for a bit of drama and to elevate the space. Use patterns to break up large areas of blue. Stripes, florals, or geometric patterns in blue can add interest and variety.

Use blue as an accent
If you are not sure how much blue to use, start with it as an accent colour on a feature wall that you wish to emphasise to create a focal point such as behind a bed or a fireplace.
Incorporate blue in textiles, soft furnishings and accessories to add pops of colour that will give your interior personality and tie the room together.

For ideas of how to go about styling your room, read our handy guide: HOW TO FIND YOUR OWN INTERIOR STYLE