{Colour Inspiration} Blue So Good ... It's "Royal"

 Images {from Top to Bottom} ~ Style at Home: living room // Greg Scheidemann: lacquer dresser // Jupiter images: table // Emily Henderson: living room

I love blue. In fact, blue is one of my favourite colours (especially to wear; it's one of the best colours against my pale complexion and dark-blonde locks). I've always wondered: what makes this shade of blue good enough to be royal? Maybe the dark, more "royal" shades represent fame, wealth and fortune? Whatever the case may be, incorporating a royal blue colour palette into your space is quite simple. Even if you don't want it to look as if a royal blue bomb has exploded in your home or apartment, you can add royal blue subtly (and it still makes a big impact). A royal blue feature wall would be divine, as depicted in the image by Greg Scheidemann which features a beautiful lacquer dresser. I love the combination of royal blue, green, white and mirror. Or how about painting the bottom of the kitchen table a royal blue tone? Top it off with royal blue accents and accessories on the table. It's definitely a conversation piece and will turn that ordinary table into something extraordinary. What are your thoughts on royal blue? Happy Wednesday, gang!

Colour Magic ~ Red, White & Blue

Why does the colour palette blue, red and white blend so beautifully together? Maybe it's because red and blue are such strong and complementary primary colours, that when balanced with a neutral and non-threatening white, they create magic. Have you noticed that across the globe, many of the country's colours are red white and blue? (Several countries immediately come to mind, such as USA, UK, Australia, France...) I wonder why that is. The blend of these three colours not only creates a feeling of being proud of one's country but also sparks a nautical feel which, frankly, who can resist? These rooms would be cozy in January yet classic in July. These images were photographed by Stacey Van Berkel-Haines and styled by Margot Austin. I love how the rooms also incorporate pale yellow hues, which aren't too overpowering and reminiscent of soft sunshine or blooming dandelions. Also, the key to this colour palette working so wonderfully in this space is using it in just the right doses. Splashes of blue and hints of red do the trick! What's your favourite thing about this colour palette and where have you used it before?

Colour + Object: Power Doors

Make a strong curbside statement with any of these colour + object pairings for the perfect door:

1. A classic look can be easily achieved with Gidden's Rich Navy (GLB25) paired with Restoration Hardware's Large Plate Door Knocker ($35-$50).

2. Pairing Valspar's Bright Parrot (6011-7) with Michael Healy's Pinecoon Door Knocker in Oiled Bronze ($120) makes for charming and eye-catching door with a little nature flare. 

3. For a door that screams look-at-me, Pratt & Lambert Paints' Patent Yellow (12-10) would look funky paired with Heath Ceramics' Eames House Numbers ($38 each).

Other Inspirational Doors:

(Below) This purple door makes a pop against the rather mellow (but beautiful) brickwork. The purple colour is a nice choice because it contrasts the door's rather antique style details and windowpanes. 

(Below) This pink door is fresh, fun and flirty. I chose this particular image because I liked the yellow pop from the windowpane directly above the door. The yellow and pink tones blend harmoniously together, almost as if the door is giving you a cheerful smile.

(Below) Wow! This door isn't just colourful -- it's a work of art! Plus the door looks as beautiful on the inside as it does on the outside. Check out the cubes of colour cascading down the entryway.

 (Above & Below). These doors painted two different hues of aqua really bring personality to an otherwise bland exterior. The blue is warm and inviting without distracting too much from the other elements around it. (Below) Check out that two-toned door. It's magnificent! I love how the colours blend together in a work of art (the aqua looking like the side and the green looking like fields and grass).

(Above) There's something about this blue weathered door that looks effortlessly chic. Even though the paint seems to be chipping away, it give it that extra j-ne-sais-quoi to the space.