Decorating With Blue

Blue has always been one of the most popular colors in home décor, and it\'s not hard to see why. Bright and bold but surprisingly neutral, it goes with everything from vintage country to contemporary chic. It\'s also the kind of color that goes with the seasons. This year, when warm colors are all the rage, try breaking out of the mold with a blue color scheme. It\'s easier than you think-here\'s a simple guide to help you out.

It always helps to start small, especially if you\'re not in a creative mood. Choose blue for small, non-permanent items such as pillows, covers, throws and curtains. That way, if you don\'t like how it looks, it\'s just a matter of taking them down and putting in something else. It also helps you experiment with different shades and see how they all work together.

If you\'re not up to painting your walls, there are other ways to add some blue without a new paint job. For starters, try painting a blue stripe down one wall, using a shade that contrasts nicely with your current wall color. Even such a small detail can have a major effect on your décor, especially if you make it your focal point. You can also use blue wall art, frames, and other small accessories.

Area rugs are another great way to add color to your space. Blue area rugs come in virtually every shade, pattern and design, so you shouldn\'t have any trouble finding the right piece. Use a light blue rug to brighten up a kid\'s room, or a royal blue one to give your living room a classic, elegant feel. Try looking for patterns that incorporate other colors to give it some variety.

When working with one color, it\'s always important to keep it in check and make sure you don\'t go overboard. Too much blue can make a room seem overdone and tacky. Before picking up a new item, try to picture how it will look with the rest of your home. Avoid overdoing the blue by introducing contrasting hues like yellow, red or orange to really set off the color.

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