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, is one that throws the rulebook out of the window.
‘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, you can certainly 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 never 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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Designers are choosing this really specific shade of brown to warm up rooms but keep them neutralConsidered the new luxurious neutral, this chestnut hue can be both sophisticated and down-to-earth
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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 itRecessed 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
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Anne Hathaway combines rich browns and earthy greens to bring sophistication to her living room corner – designers say it has 'transportive' qualitiesStudio Shamshiri brought Swiss chalet-style luxury to California – it all begins with the unwavering power of this warming color scheme
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Anne Hathaway's vertical living room shelving is the smartest and most unique storage solution I've ever seen
I look at beautiful celebrity homes for a living, but Hathaway's living room is something special – her vertical storage is so innovative
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Anne Hathaway's garden features the perfect option for shade and privacy – 'it's a beautiful addition that will never date'An easy choice for bringing privacy and romance to your garden, Anne Hathaway's outdoor living room includes my favorite addition
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Anne Hathaway uses this material to bring 'complexity and character' to her kitchen – it's set to continue shaping trends in 2025'It's a classic that has instant longevity': This kitchen movement will impress for years to come – and Hathaway's kitchen is our first point of inspiration
