Originally published in Retford Times - 1st May 2014
Homes & Lifestyle
The big colour story
this season is Blue! Interior Designer
Jamie Hempsall explores the resurgence of a firm favourite.
This season we are seeing taupe being cast to the sidelines both
in design schemes and on the High Street.
Without a doubt the hot colour for Spring Summer 2014 is that old cool
customer – blue.
Designers have been looking for a new background colour to
join the ranks of the neutrals and blue is coming out a clear winner. Forget
the paler shades of blue we have previously encountered, the story for 2014 is
the richer pigmented shades now available.
The absolute joy of blue is that despite being a bold, primary colour in
its own right, it has an amazing capacity which allows it to blend into the background
where it impressively accentuates key tones.
Surveys frequently conclude that blue is most people’s
favourite colour, especially the male part of the population, so it is a wonder
that it does not constantly dominate the interiors world.
Importantly, it is seen as an emotionally powerful colour,
which registers very clearly with its observers. Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period” paintings are
perfect examples of this: he used only blue and green tones to enhance the
feeling of melancholy within his work. Picasso
recognised the power of the hue when eliminating other colours around it and is
reported as having turned to this palate as his mood darkened following the death
of his friend, Carlos Casagemas.
Blue also enhances feelings of calm and tranquillity, which
makes it perfect as the colour of choice for bathrooms and bedrooms where an
element of escape from the everyday world is often essential.
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| New Carlucci Fraction fabrics from JAB Anstoetz |
There is an element of decadence to the use of a confident
blue. This is hardly surprising given
that many rich shades of blue were first created using incredibly expensive
precious minerals. For instance, during
the Renaissance period ground lapis lazuli was used to create ultramarine,
whilst cobalt has been used to colour glass since 2000BC.
It is also interesting to note that, these strong associations
and emotions have led to the colour being associated with divinity,
particularly in the Renaissance period.
The shades we are encountering now are definitely major
statements. These richer tones have to be chosen
carefully, but the overall effects can be breath taking: ultimately, it is a question of having
confidence and sticking with it.
If you are looking to embrace the new blue, then rich paint shades
such as Little Greene’s Deep Space Blue 207 or Sanderson’s Indigo Blue will create
the perfect intimate environment in which to relax. At the same time, they are both wonderful at
creating the background for impressive entertaining spaces such as formal
dining rooms.
Despite the intensity of these colours you will need to pay
careful attention when painting to attain a perfect finish as every defect is
likely to be shown. We always recommend
using three coats of dark paint shades to ensure a more consistent end result.
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| A selection of the terrific blues from Designers Guild |
This season, opulent blue is very accessible in most
collections. One company who you can be
sure has the perfect range of blues is Designers Guild – a brand that truly
embraces bold colour. Their Surabaya
Wallcoverings and Savio Weaves boast a mass of beautiful blues in confident
finishes. In addition, their Savine
Range features a striking indigo carpet, which works perfectly with their
cobalt wallpaper.
If you consider a full room scheme might be a little
overpowering, then use key accent pieces (such as a chair or even just a few tea
light holders) to ensure your home feels relaxing, reassuring and above all “of
the moment”.
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| Set of Four Blue Tealight holders from www.annabeljames.co.uk £14.95 |
Jamie Hempsall is a multi-award winning interior
designer. For more inspiration, visit
him at www.jamiehempsall.com.
