If you are looking for a versatile colour that feels right in any space, consider a shade of blue. The colour of both the sky and the sea, blue is known to bring a sense of depth and stability to any space. Due to its naturally soothing nature, it’s a welcome colour for walls and never feels too overwhelming or too trendy.

Blue paint colours are both traditional and classic, which means it will hold up to time, and it’s the kind of colour that’s ready to compliment pretty much any space. A coat of blue on the walls will most likely meld with just about any style of furniture or window dressing.

If you’re curious as to how to add a bit of blue, read on to find ways to incorporate it into your next interior update.

Why blue is such a popular paint choice for interior rooms

Blue in any shade is a crowd favourite due to its generally calming nature and its ability to compliment neutral shades like browns and creams. Blue also compliments hardwood floors beautifully and has proven itself to be a versatile colour even in the face of trends.

The colour blue works well in any room. While it may be used to hint at nautical or water-related themes in bathrooms, blue in a living room makes the space feel clean and lively and shades of blues brought into the kitchen can give it a Grecian or Mediterranean feel.

Blue paint colours also work in both dark or light shades due to its calming nature. Dramatic navies accentuate dark woods and light sky blues can give your space a light and airy feeling. If you want to experiment with blue, but aren’t sure how reach out to a local professional designer or painter who may have a portfolio of options to show you in order to get your creative juices flowing.

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What the experts have to say on blue paint colours

According to paint retailer Tully Hatswell, blue is very big right now for people looking to give their homes a more Mediterranean feel, particularly combining deep blues and crisp whites.

“People don’t tend to go for the really pale blues, as they may as well choose off-white, but the stronger blues are popular,” says Tully. “There is a Wattyl blue-coloured paint called ‘Seashell Lagoon’, which is very fresh and clean and works particularly well in beachside houses.

“Although Tully says that blue is not as common in urban homes and not many people use it over broad areas, it is quite popular for trims and accents. “Used as a highlight, blue can work really well to give a room a bit of character,” he says.

Another blue paint that Tully says is consistently favoured is ‘Waterway’ by Dulux. “This is a strong, deep blue that has a lot of character for interior spaces,” he says. “For exteriors, the ‘Royal Blue’ is a very traditional, strong colour that is pretty well known.

“But to really get the colour you want, Tully suggests bringing in a sample to have it colour matched. “A lot of people bring in something they want matched, like a beach towel with a particular blue that matches a colour theme they already have in the home,” he says. “They use this as a reference point to get exactly what they want for their trims or their walls.

“Even without colour matching, Tully says there should be no problem finding the right hue of blue, as there is a wide selection of blue paints on the market. “There’s so much to choose from, and so many brands to draw from, that it is quite likely that the colour you want is already available,” he says.

What you need to know when working with paint

While painting your walls is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to update any room, there are a few things you need to know.

Firstly, there are two types of paint: water-based (latex) and oil-based (alkyd). Each have their own pros and cons:

Water-based (latex)

• Cleans up with soap and water
• Contains fewer VOCs and is environmentally friendly
• Prevents mildew and moisture
• Fast drying

Oil-based (alkyd)

• Typically more expensive
• Odour-intensive when drying
• Better for areas with heavy wear and tear
• Doesn’t show brush strokes as much

Before choosing your paint, consider the type of finish you’d like as well. There are four basic sheens: flat, eggshell or satin, semi-gloss and gloss. While flat has the least amount of sheen, eggshell has just enough to hide imperfections. Semi-gloss offers high washability and gloss is perfect for details like trim, doors and cabinets. If you aren’t sure what type of finish will work best for your product, don’t be afraid to consult a professional.