Blue could easily be called 'the other neutral.' The cool, tranquil shade pairs easily with brighter colors. It's grounding, calming, and stylish. The color truly shines in Ina Garten's home.
The Barefoot Contessa's living room celebrates the hue in a casual, cozy way. White walls, white sofas, and a silver, modern lamp create a backdrop for three abstract blue paintings and blue throws over the chairs. Together, the blue, gray, and white form an inviting space in the cookbook author's home.
Interior designers love the scheme that Garten has chosen for her cozy living room idea. Mina Lisanin, NYC-based designer tells Homes & Gardens: 'Gray is a neutral color known for its calming effect, while blue evokes feelings of serenity and tranquility. Together, these colors create a harmonious and soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a long day.'
Furthermore, the grays and whites in the space provide the perfect backdrop for her blue living room color scheme. Lisanin states, 'Gray serves as an excellent base color, providing a neutral backdrop that allows blue accents to pop. This versatility allows for easy incorporation of various textures, patterns, and decorative elements, ensuring a visually dynamic and inviting space.'
Mina is an award-living interior designer with over 6 years of experience. Her work has been featured in design publications from Architectural Digest to House Beautiful. She has a BFA in interior design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
She continues, 'Gray acts as a grounding element, balancing out the vibrancy of blue. This creates a sense of harmony and cohesion in the room, making it visually pleasing and inviting for both residents and guests.'
The shades also serve as mood-boosting decor. Lisanin states: 'Studies have shown that colors can have a significant impact on mood and emotions. Blue is often associated with productivity and concentration, while pink can evoke feelings of warmth, love, and compassion. Combining these colors with the calming properties of gray can help create a space that uplifts the mood and promotes overall well-being.'
It's also a rising interior design trend. 'Pastel shades have been gaining popularity in interior design in recent years, with many homeowners embracing softer hues to create tranquil and inviting spaces. The combination of gray and blue offers a modern twist on traditional pastel palettes, making it a potential choice for those looking to update their living room decor with a fresh and contemporary look,' says Lisanin.
'However, trends in interior design can vary regionally and over time, so it's essential to consider personal preferences and the overall aesthetic of the space when choosing a color scheme.'
Shop the Blue Living Room Edit
Blue and gray is the perfect combination, and it looks even more beautiful in Ina Garten's space.
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