By Annette K. Sullivan
Color is the spice of life. No one knows that better than the folks at Pantone color institute. They’ve chosen Classic Blue as their 2020 color of the year. It’s the perfect color for your home decor—you can incorporate “calm, confidence and connection” into your design scheme. Long Island has its share of unique shops and boutiques, or you can take a short jaunt to the big city for a wider selection of showpieces.
Splash of Color
Highlight your home’s basic fabrics with Classic Blue upholstery, rugs, pillows and draperies. White and ivory are perfect, but you can check out Pantone’s color guide for various shades within the blue palette. Feeling artistic and adventurous? Paint patterns on end tables, bookshelves, vases and whatever strikes your fancy.
Kitchen
It may not be practical to tear out shelves and cupboards, but you can spruce up your kitchen with blue appliances and ceramic cookware. Blenders, toasters, coffee makers and fryers come in all kinds of colors, and you can find dishes and glassware in blue, as well. Kitchen stores have blue hand towels, aprons, potholders, canisters, trivets and all the trimmings.
Bath
Blue accents in the bathroom can brighten up your morning routine. Shower curtains, hand and bath towels, floor mats, soaps, soap dishes and a bright blue comb and brush are inexpensive ways to update the bathroom decor.
Bedroom
Blue lighting brings a sexy mood to the bedroom, complete with lampshades and light fixtures. Scented candles, a blue and white bedspread and blue throw pillows dress up the room. Paint the walls blue and add a wallpaper border around the top.
Living Space
When was the last time you updated the family room or home office? Add some Classic Blue to the layout with crocheted throws, or bookends, to spice up the space. Blue staplers, paper clips and some sticky notes are simple ways to decorate the office. Wall hangings and artwork, decorative lamps, clocks and various knickknacks are easy to find online.
Outdoors
Classic Blue would be a cool way to greet visitors, especially when you paint the front door. The hue adds to your home’s curb appeal, and you can always change it when the time comes for a do-over. Paint the shutters, window boxes, handrails and mailbox to match. Consider a Classic Blue porch swing.
Landscaping
Native plants and flowers are best for your landscape. You won’t find a Classic Blue flower in nature, but you can come close with shades of light blue or purple. Violas are winter blooms that flower in blue and white, among other shades. Hydrangeas, irises, cornflowers, delphiniums and gladiolas will all add a blue tint to your garden. While shopping, check out snapdragons, morning glory, columbine and desert bluebells.
Garage
Wouldn’t you just love to have a new car? Blue is a perfect color choice, and you’re bound to find it in your favorite brand. Not in this year’s budget? Spice up the old jalopy with some homemade seat covers and decals.
Even a few of these trendy changes can turn your friends green with envy, and have them singing the blues.
Annette K. Sullivan is a real estate writer and home stager who spends her free time in her garden that she has filled with native blooming plants. She is trying to break her Labrador retriever of a bad bee-eating habit.
