indoors
C O LO R
blue
m agic
Sky blue, step aside. It’s
time fora bolder,
brighter shade to gain
the spotlight. “These
inky blues are extremely
lively and hot,” says L.A.-
based interior designer
Sasha Emerson.
wood is so gorgeous,”
N EW NEUTRAL “ I use
blue as a base color the
way some might use
brown or black,” says
Emerson. “ I’m blue-
obsessed!” For example,
she may paint a room
blue, then mix blue
upholstered pieces with
white or gray, and add
touches of yellow,
green, and orange.
PICKING FAVORITES
When choosing a blue,
consider how often
you’re in the room. “ I
wouldn’t choose a very
bold blue for a living
room— you might tire
of that,” says Emerson.
Save that for a den or
playroom and pick a
more serene tone for
central living spaces.
W O O D EN REPLY
Thankfully, blue goes
with almost any wood
trim. The paler the blue,
the more versatile, but
for a foolproof option,
“any blue with walnut
Emerson says.
Medium bowl set (4 pieces), $25; zak.com.
Blue vine and flower tablecloth (6o"x9o"),
' ; tenthousandvillages.com. Patience pillow,
5; blisslivinghome.com. Garden Treasures
blue wicker chair, $59; lowes.com. Reclaimed
indigo oriental rug (4'x6/), $49; vivaterra.com.
5 0 JULY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
I n k y B lu e s are truly captivating. Buried
deep in our national psyche— think blue jeans
and the “red, white, and blue”— these colors
suit nearly every style and every palette.
PHOTOS: (ROOM) EDMUND BARR; (PORTRAIT) PEDEN + MUNK
