"Painting a feature wall in a strong
blue is an easy way to create a calm
and elegant space, but if you don't
want to make such a strong
statement, upholster a chair in a
blue fabric, or use decorative
accessories and flowers."
These shades are ideal for
creating a seaside-inspired look,
points out Fionnuala Johnston,
design manager for B&Q."A fresh
mix of blues, whitewashed woods
and some textured stripes and
checks is an easy way to conjure a
bright, airy feel," she adds.
"We've got paints and home
accessories in our Med range for a
classic blue and white `by the sea'-
inspired look."
So bring on the blues, and enjoy a
bright outlook whatever the
weather.
POWER OF BLUE
Dark blue and white is a
traditional combination, but using
softer shades can be equally as
effective.
Graham & Brown picks up on
blues in the Monsoon and Basso &
Brooke wallpaper collections, �30
a roll. My favourite's the soft blue
patterned,Amelie from the
Monsoon collection.
Louise Smith, Dulux colour and
design manager, says blues are
enjoying increasing popularity in
modern interiors.
"The trend is to echo
LimitedEditionEssex63
SPLASHTHE BLUES
Play with blues by using
accessories.This is a great way to
give a room an instant update,
and experimenting with colour is
particularly easy if you're nervous
after years of neutrals.
Nina Campbell celebrates all
things blue in a collection of
tableware, including Oriental
glassware.
Alternatively, take a retro route
and lay a table with pretty
porcelain Spray Flowers china by
Cath Kidston.
Her dining collection is
decorated with delicate sprigs of
blue, pink and yellow blooms and
key pieces have a pale blue
background.
Oka's blue and white Chinese
style Kraakware � a copy of Ming
period china � is a winner.The
china is hand painted with
intricate scenes in a Toile de Jouy
style.A mug is �10, teapot �39;
and cup and saucer �16.
Individual plates could look
stunning on a wall or shelves.
Don't bring on the blues by
overspending, simply pick up
bargains from Sainsbury's Tu
range. Duck egg vase, �3.99, and
bowl, �4.99.
Cath Kidston Spray Flowers teapot �15, cup and saucer
�6, butter dish �10, dinner plate, jug and bowl �5 each
Left, Nina Campbell
Oriental range including
glass plate �25.50, carafe
�29.50, small stem glass �23,
Blue dinner cutlery from
�10.50 per item, and Stitch
linen placemat �12.50
64

Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 8Page 9Page 10Page 11Page 12Page 13Page 14Page 15Page 16Page 17Page 18Page 19Page 20Page 21Page 22Page 23Page 24Page 25Page 26Page 27Page 28Page 29Page 30Page 31Page 32Page 33Page 34Page 35Page 36Page 37Page 38Page 39Page 40Page 41Page 42Page 43Page 44Page 45Page 46Page 47Page 48Page 49Page 50Page 51Page 52Page 53Page 54Page 55Page 56Page 57Page 58Page 59Page 60Page 61Page 62Page 63Page 64Page 65Page 66Page 67Page 68Page 69Page 70Page 71Page 72Page 73Page 74Page 75Page 76Page 77Page 78Page 79Page 80Page 81Page 82Page 83Page 84Page 85Page 86Page 87Page 88Page 89Page 90Page 91Page 92Page 93Page 94Page 95Page 96Page 97Page 98Page 99Page 100 Produced by PageSuite