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From the deepest indigo to the palest patch of sky, blue truly conjures every emotion on the spectrum. “For decorating, it is especially useful because it has so much range,” explains interior designer Mark D. Sikes, who is known for using blue to great effect.
“Some tones are more formal; a robin’s egg blue or a china blue can dress up a room, while others, like navy, are more casual.” At the recently opened Halcyon House, on Australia’s eastern coast, interior designer Anna Spiro made blue the property’s signature color.
“I used a number of shades throughout the hotel, similar to the layered blues one would find if the ocean were a color palette—navy, turquoise, and aqua in the guest rooms, as well as bold cobalt and azure in the bathroom tiling,” she says. “The combination is extremely calming and refreshing.”
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Dreamy color moments to surround yourself in.
Hotel Bachaumont, Paris, France This Parisian hotel has 49 rooms, each decked out in various shades of blue. Antique furniture and classic architectural elements raise the bar of sophistication in this space.
Hotel Henriette, Paris, France
Maybe blue is a trending color in French hospitality? Hotel Henriette implements the relaxing hue in a fresh and modern way, using it in everything from geometric wallpapers to mix-and-match throw pillows.
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, Australia
This gorgeous beachside property encapsulates all the best things about a summer getaway: It offers tons of water activities, fresh cuisine, and a nautical-themed blue color palette.
Places to Visit
Museo Frida Kahlo, Mexico City, Mexico
Given that this building is also called “The Blue House,” it’s definitely a must-see for any blue-themed travel. This cobalt-colored space was the birthplace and home of Kahlo herself, and today is dedicated to celebrating and displaying the artist’s work.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
This Moroccan city is the ultimate blue destination, chiefly because it’s literally coated entirely in blue. Blue buildings in varying shades and every direction provide plenty of Instagram fodder and wanderlust inspiration.
Viviane, California, US
Located in Beverly Hills’ Avalon Hotel, Viviane is a 50s-inspired eatery that blends retro decor with modern California cuisine. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the space is a nod to the past with mid-century modern decor.
Casa da Música, Porto, Portugal
There are two reasons to visit this Portuguese concert hall: One, for the music. Two, for the intricately-designed blue and white azulejo panels covering the walls and ceilings.
Belle Maison, Paris, France
This Parisian eatery blends a traditional French seafood menu with traditional French bistro decor.
Bar Palladio Jaipur, Jaipur, India
Bar Palladio Jaipur is less a restaurant and more a full-on culinary destination. This Italian restaurant got its decor inspiration from Venetian architecture, so the old-school charm and plethora of color is no surprise.
Need more of this calming hue? Hit follow on blue-themed Instagrams such as @corinanika, @ihavethisthingwithblue, and @ihavethisthingwithblueandwhite. And check out blue-inspired tunes including George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, Weezer’s The Blue Album, John Coltrane’s “Blue Train”, Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, and Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”.
Originally published February 2017. Updated October 28, 2017.
Get more color inspiration:
Pink Places to Visit Across the Globe Seeking Shades of Citron in the Most Unexpected Places Going Green: This Is How You Bring the Outdoors In