Thursday, October 15, 2009

Color 101: Blue Interiors

Different colors, when used in interior design, can have effects on us psychologically, sometimes in ways we're not aware of. Here are some interesting facts about the color blue and the different ways it can effect us, depending on the shade of blue:

  • Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color."
  • Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.
  • As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.
  • Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
  • How the color blue affects us physically and mentally: Calming and sedate; Cooling; Aids intuition.
  • Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.














How do you feel about the color blue? Do you prefer wearing the color rather than using it in your home? What's your favorite shade of blue? (that is, if you like the color at all)!

Posted by Jules at Thursday, October 15, 2009
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27 comments:

  1. Those are some great facts. Over the past few years I’ve noticed that blue has become my favorite color. All my blue’s started adding up…clothing, accessories and even my dark blue granite in my kitchen. Great post!
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  2. There's a photo up there near the top with a blue chair on some soft wooden floors and a front door open! I want that to be my house!
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  3. This is such a pretty post, I absolutely love blue.
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  4. I just painted my kitchen blue, and loved it. very calming and soothing. However, I had to laugh when I noticed that 3 other rooms in my house are shades of blue as well. Guess you hit it right on the money!

    www.twinkletoes-golddangles.blogspot.com
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  5. this post makes me happy! blue is my favorite color; in the home and wearing it.
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  6. I prefer blue accents in rooms.

    http://cupcaketrash.blogspot.com
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  7. Never thought I was a blue girl until I painted my bedroom in Restoration's Atmosphere Blue ... it's a beautiful peaceful, and even warm shade.
    Love your posts !! XOL
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  8. Ooooh Love this post! So much eye-candy! And I appreciated the great facts about my favorite color too!
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  9. I've also read that blue can be an appetite suppressant. There's been studies that show that people eat smaller portions off of blue plates, or have less of an appetite in a blue room. I guess this sort of makes sense because the only blue foods out there, aside from candy, are blue berries, so one doesn't associate the color with food (like you wood with green or red.) Nonetheless, these are some stunningly beautiful blue rooms!
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  10. Yes! I looooove blue walls and interiors. Check out my blue room - http://chasingdavies.blogspot.com/2009/09/house-progress.html

    An updated picture of my bedroom is coming soon!
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  11. The rooms are awesome!!! I love blue!
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  12. Lovely rooms. I am not a fan of decorating in blue throughout my home because I have 3 boys and we have blue overload in their rooms! However, I do love a blue-grey colour.
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  13. blue is such a magical color...so many possibilities. love your pictures. gorgeous.
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  14. Turquoise, for you always gotta love some turquoise;) then cerrulean blue and may be... dark blue too. In fact, ANY tint/shade of blue:)
    But, you can overdose on blue. Accents of blue against a white background sounds way better.
    Thanks for this post!
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  15. Love all the blues, especially the kitchen tiles!
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  16. WOW!! Amazing! I think blue is the best color for bedroom...So relaxing. I Also loved the wallpaper with birds on it xo
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  17. AWESOME AWESOME images! Going to use some while I think about re-doing my apartment!
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  19. robins egg blue. accented with some royal blue and yellow-gold. i want to redo my bedroom like that. thanks for the inspiration photos.
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  20. Lovely. I bought that issue of House Beautiful for the lovely blue and taupe cover. Thank you for the other inspiring blue themed shots!
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  21. Are you sure that blue is known as "the collective color of the spirit?" I'd heard that purple was a very spiritual color and that, often as children (when we're more receptive to the unknown/supernatural), people often proclaim purple to be their favorite color. I don't know about other religions, but I know that purple is significant in Christianity because one sees crosses swathed with purple cloth outside of churches at Easter time. Lastly, I wonder if designers of all sorts perceive purple to have some kind of otherwordly vibe because it is so rarely used in fashion or decor. For example, I think lilac is a wonderfully feminine color, but it's constantly usurped by pink.

    Despite all my ramblings about purple, blue is my favorite color. I can't think of a shade of blue that I don't like; I even have a teal kitchen knife. Blue is so accessible--it can be masculine or feminine, cheery or melancholic, bold or neutral. Navy is such an under-utilized neutral--it's warmer than black, bolder than beige, and classier than drab. That reminds me: that taupe room with the blue accents is such a surprise. You have a good eye. I love so many of these rooms.
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  22. Such a great post - blue's my favorite color :)
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  23. it's settled... I'm bookmarking your site ;) LOVE your taste and sense of style!

    Those blue backsplash tiles?? I must have them.
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  24. I love blue and all it's softer companions on either side of the color wheel. My kitchen is currently blue...which might explain why I hate to cook, I feel tired and lethargic when I'm in there :)
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  25. Love, love, love all of these pictures and all of these shades a blue. I never thought of myself as a 'blue' person but I'm changing my mind... i'm definatly now a 'blue' person!! Thanks for sharing the great pics.
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  26. I love the colors of the interiors. Very beautiful.
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  27. Ah I love all the blue its so European meets fairytale!!
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