Decorate with Blue

There are many shades of blue that are perfect for dining rooms. This shade of blue with a hint of gray pairs well with the formal setting.

If you do want all-over color, paint the walls and ceilings the same hue to bring everything together in the room.

Paint: Covington Blue (HC-138, semitransparent stain) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Walls and ceilings splashed in similar soft shades of blue in this kitchen create a cohesive, balanced look.

Wall Paint: Covington Blue (HC-138, semitransparent stain) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Ceiling Paint: Nantucket Gray (HC-111, semitransparent stain) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Match dark wood with a light hue, such as this shade of blue, to balance the weight of the furniture in the room.

Wall paint: Fantasy Blue (716) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Trim paint: Super White (02) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Three shades of blue from the same color card drench the floor, cabinets, and walls of this coastal kitchen.

Paint: Tear Drop 2060-70, Cayman Blue 2060-50, and Toronto Blue 2060-40 by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

The calming shade of blue in this bath painted only on the ceiling enlarges the room.

Paint: Rain (SW6219) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.

Mix a strong shade of blue with bold fabric to enliven a room.

Paint: Stratton Blue (HC-142) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Curtain and bench fabric: Venice in chocolate by Michael Devine Hand Printed Fabrics; michaeldevinehome.com.

The light shade of blue in this bath pairs well with the black trim and white tile to make the room look light and airy.

• Paint: Fantasy Blue (716) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
• Trim paint: Super White (02) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
• Tiles: custom installation by American Restoration Tile; restorationtile.com.

Blue and gray tones tie together the mix of metals and natural wood in this kitchen.

Paint: Eider White (SW7014) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.
Cabinetry and blue wall paint: Stratton Blue (HC-142) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Get creative by using a seagrass wallcovering to incorporate both texture and rich color.

Paint: Wallcovering: 77-TR-109 by Sonia's Place, available through Design Professionals; 212/759-5408.

A coat of paint on the remaining built-in, in the same color as the walls, better unifies the area with the room. Choose a magnetic chalkboard paint, such as this rich blue shade, for the back wall, which adds color and functionality.

Chalkboard paint: Chalkboard paint in Deep Ocean (#24) by Hudson Paint; hudsonpaint.com.
Magnetic paint: Specialty Magnetic Latex Primer (115535) by Rust-Oleum, available from Lowe's; lowes.com.

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The graphic black-and-white bedding on simple pencil post beds makes a bold statement against the muted blue in this tranquil room. Prints of coral above the beds help add a beachy feel.

Muted hues of blue and green give the room a serene and beachy feel.

Simple details like the finish of your linens help set the tone of your dining space. Pair a nuetral-tone linen with a dark blue wall paint for an elegant finish.

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Color can add cottage charm and set a laid-back vibe that's perfect for beach or lake houses. This refreshing hue transformed a once rustic space, keeping the room fresh and light.

Paint: Wythe Blue (HC-143) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Vivid hues add richness to small spaces. If you shy away from darker colors, try them out in a bath or laundry room.

Paint: Waterscape (SW6470) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.

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A shade of light blue adds a modern edge to the rustic wood panels in this entryway.

A geometric flat weave is more casual and youthful than a heavy Oriental or wool rug. Balance it out with a large piece of modern art framed in a simple white gallery frame. Finish with blue glass lamps or a pretty bowl to add sparkle and dimension.