As you might have read from my previous post about Decorating Trends for 2020, Classic Blue is Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year.  Pantone states, “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”  Blue has always been popular in decorating, but this year, I’ve seen it more than ever!  There are so may beautiful examples of this current trend that I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you and perhaps inspire you.

pantone's 2020 color of the year classic blue

When you think about decorating with blue, you might find that you have some stereotypes.  You might automatically think nautical.  Or maybe you associate blue with a country look.   Maybe something like this?

French country kitchen with classic blue checkered curtains and toile wallpaper

While yes, that is one style of decorating with blue, the current trend has a much different look!  Decorating with blue can work whether your style is traditional, contemporary, nautical, french, and more.

What’s different about the current trend is that it:

  1. Utilizes prints are bigger and bolder

  2. Uses deep shades of blue

  3. Incorporates a lot of solid blue

In the Kitchen

If you’re feeling bold, why not some gorgeous blue cabinets to liven up the space!

Contemporary kitchen with classic blue cabinets gold hardware and white countertop
Via Michael Kaskel

I am completely in love with the pop of blue in this kitchen.  Notice that only the refrigerator, window, and oven range are blue, while the remainder of the kitchen are a crisp white.

Traditional kitchen with white cabinets and blue built in refrigerator with mirrored doors
via Traditional Home

Below, a blue island is complemented by solid blue chairs and a bold print on the windows.  Lots of woods and wicker add a lot of dimension and warmth to this otherwise, cool color palette.

Kitchen with blue cabinets and butcher block countertop and blue chairs
via Amy Neusinger

There is no missing these cabinets!  They make quite a statement and what’s interesting to me, is that the ceiling and trim are painted to match.  The cabinets are painted Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball

Farrow and Ball glossy blue cabinets in butlers pantry with white dishes
via Veranda

In the Living/Family Room

Blue and white stripes are often associated with a nautical feel, but that’s not always the case!  Below, stripes and geometrics help to liven up this otherwise neutral space.  The overall result is light and airy.  Note the juxtaposition of the rustic blue coffee table with the otherwise refined and traditional space.

White and blue living room with stripes and green flower centerpiece
via J. SAVAGE GIBSON

Below is another take on blue and white stripes to create a fresh feel.  I love how the family room ties in with the kitchen through the use of the gorgeous blue bistro  barstools in the kitchen.

Great room with white sofa and blue stripe rug and white walls
Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

Dramatic sofas helps to balance out the white walls and ceilings in this room

Blue velvet sofa and chair with white and gold coffee table and ikat rug
via Williams Sonoma

Since my personal decorating style leans toward French, I couldn’t help but be drawn to this living room.  It’s the addition of that eye-catching wallpaper that really puts a contemporary spin on the traditional French blue decorating style.

french living room with solid blue grasscloth wallpaper and gold mirror
via Traditional Home

In the Bedroom

In this bedroom, it’s not just the blue that makes a bold statement.  The mixing of patterns and the eclectic artwork all play off one another to create a sophisticated space.

white tufted daybed with blue strip wallpaper and red blue pillows
via One Kings Lane

In the Dining Room

Blue velvet walls and high-gloss trim add sophistication and drama to this dining room.  A silver ceiling helps bounce the light around and keep the room from feeling too dark and heavy.

classic blue traditional dining room with blue walls and chairs
via Lesley Unruh

These bold blue walls really set off the crisp white in this dining room.  The silver metalics and gray furniture keep the entire room in the cool tones.

dining room with wainscoting and blue wallpaper and silver lighting

In the Bathroom

This bathroom takes traditional finishes such as marble floors, bombay furniture and gold accents, and pairs it with a bold geometic wallpaer for a modern twist on traditonal!

Bathroom with pedestal sink and blue and white wallpaper
Photo by Michael Nangreaves. Art direction/styling by Andrea McCrindle.

Outdoors

Painting your front door is a quick and easy update.  Below, a traditional entryway is given a bold makeover with the addition of a beautiful, blue door!

Classic blue front door with light blue beadboard ceiling
via Southern Living

I’ve been using blue in my home for years, but am SUPER excited about some new digital artwork that I purchased.  The artist created a second complementary piece for me that fingers crossed, will be perfect for my living room.  I sent the art off to be printed…

Modern blue abstract downloadable artwork above a blue tufted sofa
via Inspiration Abstracts on Etsy

Ideas for Decorating with Classic Blue Pantone color of the year 2020

Personally, I love using blue in my home and often mix it up between a classic blue, and a more gray, French blue (you can take my Home Tour HERE}.  Regardless of the shade, I always think that blue has a very tranquil and calming property.

So what do you think?  Are you a fan of blue?

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6 Comments

  1. Love the blues and white, classic and makes me feel happy! What color is the paint on the door in the kitchen photo? I am looking for a blue that will be somewhat timeless for a kitchen island. Rest of cabinets are white. Thanks

    1. I’ve had this love affair going with the color blue since 4th grade. Seriously! I used my art scissors to cut strips of blue construction paper, in two shades of blue, and wove them into a basket design. And I’ve stayed true to blue since then. For instance, in my current home I’ve used shades of blue in my living room, bedroom, master bath, family room, and kitchen. Just touches of blue here and there, nothing overwhelming. My favorite shade of blue is periwinkle, sometimes called French blue or cornflower. It mixes well with navy. Everyone loves my blue decorating, even my husband who really is otherwise not too interested in our decor. I enjoyed your story and photos!

  2. Love the 2020 color of the year, Classic Blue and want it for my island in new home. I can’t find the color name or number anywhere.do I just go into a paint store and request the 2020color of the yr? I have tried to find it but can’t. Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks,
    M. Kahn

  3. Marlene Stephenson says:

    I enjoyed these examples of all the blue but, i do like it better when there isn’t quite so much. I have a lot of blue in my home, thanks and have a great day.

  4. I pass by a small cottage style home frequently on my way to shop. It has recently been renovated with a new silvery gray tin roof, Classic blue paint with bright white trim. The front door is red! It’s a show stopper and cute as can be. I was reminded of it when I saw this post. So pretty!

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