Decorators move back to the blues for 2014
HIGH POINT, N.C. — All indications point to indigo, cobalt and rich peacock hues popping up on the pages of shelter magazines, fashion runways and home furnishing retailers in 2014.
“Like a great blazer, dark blue makes its appearance on the popularity poll every 40 years. But like a blazer it never comes back exactly the same,” says Gale Steves, author of “Right-Sizing Your Home: How to Make Your House Fit Your Lifestyle.”
Richer, more complex and saturated shades of this all-time classic were coloring frames, upholstery and case goods once again at the Fall Furniture Market in High Point, N.C.
“From Ming Dynasty porcelain to Dutch delftware, cobalt blue has been fired into decor for centuries,” says Holly Blalock, owner of upholstery manufacturer CR Laine.
This time around, the darker end of the spectrum is being featured.
“Watch for brilliant blue to brighten home design, particularly when paired with saturated orange tones and tailored white accents,” Blalock says.
CR Laine showcased the look on chairs and sofas, while at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the Eve screen was upholstered in an intense blue trimmed in silver nail heads.
Thibaut outlined its navy blue chair with white piping, accenting the chair’s scallop back. Dark blue is a less severe alternative to black.
“Cobalt, like other dark blues, is mysterious and subtle,” says Steves. “They add a sense of class that pure black cannot muster.”
HGTV’s linen-wrapped three-drawer chest embellished with nail heads is at once exotic and familiar.
An accent pillow from the Althorp Collection by Theodore Alexander used the deepest navy blue velvet as a backdrop for its gold monogram. The same shade in lacquer was applied to a Worlds Away chest with gold hardware for a striking look.
The Keno Bros. collection employed blue as the contrast color on its Reveal slant-top desk. “We love to see the look on people’s faces when they open the lid and discover the blue lacquer-painted interior,” said Leslie Keno.
Luna Bella used an almost Victorian-looking dark blue velvet to cover its studded danger chic sofa, while Randall Tysinger used a peacock blue leather on the Calais bench with gold finish legs by E.J. Victor.
It’s one color that can’t look tired or out of style no matter the application, which explains its enduring popularity.
Sources:
www.althorplivinghistory.com
www.crlaine.com
www.ejvictor.com
www.hgtvhome.com
www.lunabella.com
www.mgbwhome.com
www.paladinfurniture.com
www.randalltysinger.com
www.theodorealexander.com