If you grew up believing that you should never mix blue and green together, you are not alone. The source of the adage of never mixing these two contrasting colors has murky roots. Scratch beneath the surface and its origins are hard to fathom. One of the most likely theories, given that so much idiom in the English language derives from maritime vernacular and superstitions, is that sailors were warned not to paint the hulls of their boats green lest they become invisible when capsized. But it’s tenuous.
These days, many designers and decorators are taking more risks with their chosen room color ideas, and thankfully we've seen more exciting color trends as a result.
Actress Anne Hathaway's living room, designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, throws the rulebook out of the window and manages to get the dubious pairing oh so right.
‘It simply doesn’t occur to me to work with a rule book when it comes to color,’ agrees decorator and textile expert Susan Deliss. 'It’s about what feels right for the room, its light, and its surrounding environment. It’s a question of tone and judgment. In a sunny climate, similar to this Californian chalet, you can get away with pairing mid-tone greens and cobalt blues. This snug room is the perfect example of why you should follow suit when it comes to color combinations for rooms.
Designer Sarah Vanrenen is another fan of blending blue with green. ‘To warm it up, add a splash of pink or orange in the cushions.’ She also chose to use this combination for the walls of her garden room to create a seamless link to the grass beyond the open sides. ‘I always find green an incredibly uplifting and mood-enhancing color; it feeds my soul.' While the blue feels like a soothing sky or deep blue ocean.
It has simply never occurred to me – at least as I've become older and wiser – to not mix these two nature-inspired hues. They work beautifully. Anne Hathaway's snug is a testament to that theory.
Shop the look
This gorgeous green velvet throw pillow cover is just what you need to add a touch of rich earthiness to your living room this season. Changing pillow covers is one of the oldest tricks in the book to make your room look fresh in an instant.
If you want to add interest to a home with a statement focal point, a colorful coffee table is the way to go. This popular design is currently on sale now, and I predict this exact color blue will be huge in 2025.
Calm, cool, and collected, the color blue is a decorating win-win: not only does it make a beautiful base for your home, but it’s scientifically proven to be a subconsciously calming shade, making you relax without even realizing it.
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These are my favorite anti-trend, timeless, vintage-inspired pieces to pick up online for under $100Obsessed with vintage shopping? Me too. These 12 finds offer old-world charm that are easily accessible and affordable
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Audrey Hepburn's beloved Swiss villa perfects European elegance – the historic property is on the market for $21 millionThe 18th-century estate served as Hepburn's home for over 30 years – her white rose bush (gifted from Givenchy) still grows in the garden
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Anne Hathaway's textured neutral bedding elevates her country-style bedroom – it's a masterclass in choosing fabrics and colors for a restful sleepLinen, wool, and block-printed patterns combine on Hathaway's bed – for an Indian-inspired twist on her historic California cottage home
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Anne Hathaway’s unexpected kitchen cabinet color will take over our homes in 2025, say expertsLike a gentle summer breeze, this alluring pale green hue is refreshing and uplifting...
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Anne Hathaway's living room furniture is a masterclass in 'conversational seating' – her method could transform how you socialize, say designersThe right furniture arrangement is central to a space that's ideal for entertaining – Hathaway's living space masters this perfectly
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Anne Hathaway's bedroom uses simple, farmhouse furniture as a grounding backdrop for bold accents – I will never think about furnishing in the same wayThe actress's bedroom proves that furniture doesn't need to be the accent in a room, I plan to use the same technique in my future home
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Anne Hathaway's unorthodox kitchen lighting brings new life to a classic style – I was over the modern farmhouse look until I saw it
Recessed lighting gets a makeover in Anne Hathaway's modern farmhouse kitchen – her unique and whimsical take has renewed my interest in the aesthetic
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Anne Hathaway's inviting kitchen countertop material is replacing white surfaces – experts swear by the durable and welcoming stoneAnne Hathway's warm and cozy kitchen is defined by her dark countertop material – it transforms her space with a functional, natural twist
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Anne Hathaway's good-looking kitchen storage is stylish, practical and one-of-a-kind – it's the most important thing in a cooking spaceKitchen storage should never be an afterthought. Make the most of this essential element by putting pretty objects on display, and hiding anything less so...
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Anne Hathaway uses this task lighting trick to bring a boutique hotel ambiance to her bedroom – experts explain its powerDesigned by Studio Shamshiri, Hathaway's bedroom is a rose-tinted haven – but there's more to this space than its color, as designers explain
