Create Compelling Blue Accent Walls with Art

While the neutral palette still reigns in minimalist interior design, we’re seeing a fierce navy blue becoming the feature in many interior spaces and we're loving blue accent walls. 

As one of the Pantone colors in the 2017 Spring Fashion Report, Lapis Blue is calling to designers. “Strong and confident, this intense blue shade is imbued with an inner radiance.” – Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute.  The color is not new to interior design as hues of blue have been everywhere from cabinets to velvet sofas over the years. Where we love to see the color highlighted is on prominent blue accent walls as the backdrop to a piece of artwork.

“Navy is an elegant and serious color, and it evokes serious things like tradition, solidity, and strength. It is definitely a masculine color. But it doesn't have to be somber. Pair it with crisp white and you get a brisk maritime feel — think yachting with the Kennedys. Put it with bright colors — lime green, bright pink and sunny yellow look great with navy — and you get something modern and vivacious.” - Houzz

We have five great examples of how artwork paired with the right dark blue can make an accent wall a true statement in any space.

Blue Accent Walls in Bedroom Décor

With monochromatic artworks like Shelly Hanan’s photograph select a deep navy for a high contrast design scheme. The white in the room stands out to provide a crisp, fresh environment.

 Shelly Hanan

More artwork for this design:

While the above design is minimalist contemporary inspired, a dark blue wall with a warm gray tint will create a softer atmosphere for a baby’s room.  Rajvi Dedhia Unadkat’s creamy tones and textured canvas compliment and play well with the patterns throughout the room. Using a more mature color and furnishings in a baby’s room takes minimal effort when transforming it into a big kid room.

More artwork for this design:

Decorate with Blues and Browns in the Living Room

Like the room above, a softer dark blue wall compliments warm-toned accents like cream and brown.  Blue and brown are perceived as masculine colors, so soften them up with feminine features.  Incorporate flora and fauna into the design, and plush fabrics to balance the room.

Design tip: Repeat shapes throughout the room for a well-thought-out design.  See how the photograph on the left extends the circular motif found in the couch buttons and side tables to the wall.

More artwork for this design:

Entryway Design Highlight

Entryways are traditionally small spaces and usually not painted a dark color because it can make the space seem even smaller. Break this belief by using blue in moderation. Paint the wall that has the best focal point to create ultimate impact. Artwork in the entryway is a great way to greet guests and set the tone for the rest of your space.  Blue accent walls create a dramatic backdrop to showcase artwork from recent travels and invites conversation from guests.

More artwork for this design:

Artwork in the entryway is a great way to greet guests and set the tone for the rest of your space.  Blue accent walls create a dramatic backdrop to showcase artwork from recent travels and invites conversation from guests.

More artwork we love with this room:

Blue Accent Walls Recap

Dark blue is a versatile color that adapts to a variety of design styles and adorns everything from bedroom walls to entryways. There are thousands of shades of dark blue and you don’t have to be a color expert to select the perfect one for your accent wall.