Blue is a hero colour of the year so save your space with tranquil touches or get courageous with dark tones

Add depth to any room with simple accessories or lifelong pieces in various blue hues

Blue is a hero colour this year so add depth and tranquility by using simple accessories or lifelong pieces in various hues. Graphic: Paula Dallaghan

Plush velvet pillow back sofa, €1,429, DFS

Tealight holder, €4, JYSK

Nested-table, €189.99, very.ie

Blue Chinese Table Lamp, €46.99, from a selection at Homesense

Blue Chenille Throw, €14, Penneys/Primark

thumbnail: Blue is a hero colour this year so add depth and tranquility by using simple accessories or lifelong pieces in various hues. Graphic: Paula Dallaghan
thumbnail: Plush velvet pillow back sofa, €1,429, DFS
thumbnail: Tealight holder, €4, JYSK
thumbnail: Nested-table, €189.99, very.ie
thumbnail: Blue Chinese Table Lamp, €46.99, from a selection at Homesense
thumbnail: Blue Chenille Throw, €14, Penneys/Primark
Darren Kennedy

Peach Fuzz might be the Pantone colour of the year but blue has emerged as one of the hero colours for 2024. From soft pastels to deep, cosmic indigos, this versatile colour is often associated with the calm of the ocean and the vastness of the sky, carrying a sense of tranquillity and depth — two qualities we’re all seeking in a tumultuous world — and spanning from the softest baby blues to the deepest navies.

Whether used as a pop inside a minimalist space or a highlight of a more traditional setting, blue can work with many styles. For those seeking a bold transformation, consider painting an accent wall in a shade of blue that complements your furniture and decor. This not only adds a pop of colour but also creates a focal point in the room.

Tealight holder, €4, JYSK

I painted the inside of my front door a deep cobalt blue and I have to say, I just love looking at it. It feels like it absorbs light and then bounces right back at you, in all its blue glory. A simple change that packs a punch!

For a more subtle approach, try incorporating blue accents through textiles like blankets, pillows and rugs or decorative pieces such as vases and lamps. These smaller elements can easily be switched out or updated to refresh the look of a room without a major commitment. Even a hint of blue in your curtains or bed linens can make a significant difference.

Blue Chinese Table Lamp, €46.99, from a selection at Homesense

For a drastic change, consider investing in blue furniture pieces. A blue velvet sofa, for instance, could become the star of your living room. If you’re aiming for a modern vibe, pair blue with metallic finishes. Gold and brass accents against a blue backdrop create a chic and contemporary look. On the other hand, for a more traditional feel, combine blue with wooden elements.

Consider adding blue elements to your kitchen or bathroom, such as blue cabinets, tiles, or counter-tops. Remember to balance the use of blue with other colours and textures to create a harmonious space. Pairing blue with neutrals like white, beige or grey can create a sophisticated and timeless look, while combining it with warmer tones like mustard or coral can add vibrancy and warmth.

Nested-table, €189.99, very.ie

And don’t forget about your outdoor spaces — blue planters or patio furniture can extend the calming influence of this hero colour to your garden or balcony.