Design

Monochromatic Monday :: London Blues

By Jenn Rose Smith
Rock and Roll Inspiration Board | Camille Styles

Rock and Roll Inspiration Board | Camille StylesThe thought entered my mind a few weeks ago and I can’t get it out: I want to paint my bedroom blue. Really, really dark blue. “You know, like a sort of England-in-the-sixties, rock-and-roll-hotel sort of blue,” I told a friend. “That could be… cool,” she said cautiously, then added, “you know dark colors make rooms feel smaller.” I know she’s right, so I haven’t picked up a can of Farrow & Ball yet (yes, they make “Drawing Room Blue”). But in the meantime I can’t stop searching Pinterest for images of rooms painted this decadently dark hue. I’ve come across some great ones of Mick and Marianne just hanging out being fabulous and it’s giving me the itch to throw caution to the wind and just go for it…after all, what’s more rock and roll than that?

image sources {row one} simple everyday glamour, blue is the colour of emma’s hair, gallery wall of york house via ladue news (photo by bjorn wallander), mickjagger.com {row two} photo of jean shrimpton by david bailey, top hat illustration found via pinterest, corn husk flowers by the house that lars built, british stamp featuring queen elizabeth II {row three} hotel saint cecilia photographed by michael a. muller, poppium wallpaper in french navy by house of hackney, mariannefaithfull.org, mick and marianne photographed by slim aarons

 

Comments (17)

  1. Luba Dimitrova (@vwlblog) says:

    I thinks it´s a great idea 🙂 Blue is also my favorite color !
    XX Luba

    How to dress for job interview, today on
    ?http://well-living-blog.com

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Thanks, Luba!

  2. diane smith says:

    I have loved my dark sky blue walls in my formal dining room. Not so
    sure about that dark midnight blue…might be a little claustrophobic, unless
    there are huge windows with lots of natural light???

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Definitely dark, D. Going to have to put some thought into this one.

  3. MirrorKate says:

    I LOVE the idea, Jennifer Rose! Another combo that fascinates me: a luxurious sofa in the decadent dark blue you write about–against a backdrop of cream walls. Maybe I’ll be brave enough to paint the whole room dark blue one day!

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      YES. Love your vision, Kate. There’s an image on pinterest I love that’s very similar to what you’ve described. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/244390717252903076/

      1. MirrorKate says:

        What a stunning image with retro-meets-modern flair! Thanks for sharing this–and I love the tufting on the sofa!

  4. Aileen says:

    Don’t believe this myth! Dark colors do not necessarily make rooms feel smaller. With lots of natural light and crisp white trim they can make a space feel larger. Midnight blue is rich and dramatic- I’ve used it in several clients bedrooms and dining rooms and it’s fabulous! Go bold and blue!

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Wonderful! Thanks so much for the advice, Aileen. It’s always great to get the opinion of a real professional!

  5. Katie Meyers / Meyers Styles says:

    I say go for it, girl!! It’s sets such a great cozy, moody vibe in each room. Plus- if you don’t like it, you can always paint it back. 😉

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Very true, Katie! Very true. I may just have to go for it.

  6. michelle says:

    i have been lusting over navy walls for the longest time. my landlord now will not let me paint the walls navy so i did a lighter blue (which looks amazing with my navy sofa). next place though i will have navy walls!

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      That sounds beautiful, Michelle! I grew up in a bedroom painted light blue and I love that color as well. Blue has so much range!

  7. Molly {Dreams in HD} says:

    i love the depth deep blue adds to a room! you definitely need a lot of light {and some bright white crown molding} to keep it from looking too dark….but done right it is just so elegant.

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Solid advice, Molly. Thanks for sharing!!!

  8. Malta Notebook says:

    Dark wall colours do not necessary make a room smaller… in the right circumstances they can actually add depth. I have both dark and light walls throughout my home and the dark ones are so much more interesting… Just do it! Xo

    1. Jennifer Rose Smith says:

      Y’all are seriously talking me into this. Thanks, Malta Notebook! xoxo

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