Trends: 5 Blue-Blocking Tips From Decorex

Last year’s popular colour-blocking trend is reincarnated in 2016 as ‘blue blocking’ – the strategic overlapping of solid blocks of blue in all the shades of this soothing spectrum.

From a solid aqua feature wall to a row of scatters in a range of watery hues, here are five ways to “block” with blue in all its tantalising shades.

1. PAINT

Paint is a quick and cost-effective way of introducing blue blocking into your scheme and makes a standout statement without the need to hang elaborate pieces of wall art. The key to getting the blue-blocking look right is to “think geometric” – a square of brilliant cobalt here, a triangle of electric indigo there. Blanket a whole feature wall in a single blue hue or highlight just, say, the rectangle of a door, keeping the accompanying scheme neutral and unfussy so as not to overwhelm the eye.

2. BLUE ON BLUE

Layered blocks of beguiling blue add dimensional interest to a space, especially when the chosen hues are kept to the same warm or cool spectrum of the palette. Warm blues, like indigo, denim or slate contain hints of red and, as such, they advance or come toward you, making a room feel cosier. On the other hand, cool blues, like cobalt, turquoise and ice blue, have yellow in them and tend to recede, which can help make a small space appear bigger.

3. STATEMENT FURNITURE

Resplendent in a deep, rich sapphire or, alternately, in a soothing powder blue, a large-scale furnishing item, such as a sofa, becomes the automatic focal point when inserted into a monochromatic scheme or offset by a backdrop of warm, complementary wood. Add a thin line of defining black or a geometric swatch of inky charcoal to make the colour truly sing, but keep these to a minimum so as not to detract from the impact of your big-ticket item. 

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE

A single block of a beautiful hue is the commitment-phobe’s answer to decorating with blue. Forgo having to splash out on the whole sofa and, instead, opt for an inexpensive piece of wall art or a blue-fronted sideboard that can be changed as inclination dictates. Against a neutral backdrop of bleached wood floors or expansive white walls, a solitary pop of shimmering blue is as much a scene-stealer as a whole scheme curated around the colour. 

5. ADD A TOUCH OF TURQUOISE

Harness the electric energy of intense aquamarine, where blue meets green, by using it in blocks – big or small. Bold and compelling, yet restful at the same time, it is a hue that works well in generous swathes over walls and furnishings, with just a hint of balancing white as a counterfoil. Alternatively, insert into a monochromatic scheme small pops of neon-bright turquoise – think a pair of identical scatters.

This sophisticated yet joyful look will play itself out in the new Build Bar at Decorex Cape Town, which takes place from 29 April to 2 May 2016 at the CTICC. A showcase of great ideas for teaming blocks of blue with natural wood for contrast and impact, the Build Bar will also star Plascon’s Colour of the Year for 2016 – Atlantic Blue.

Decorex Cape Town will be open from 10am to 7pm daily (6pm Monday). Tickets cost R85 for adults; R75 for trade, pensioners and students and R20 for kids under 12. For more information, e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za or visit decorex.co.za.