Through the process of researching our September Color of the Month and compiling inspiring interiors and decor in this shade, I came across some pretty interesting online debates that verged on hostile. Apparently, defining this color can stir up some heat. Surprising for such a peaceful color. (You’d think we’d picked fire engine red.) Is it possible that a greater internal struggle surfaces not when asking “To be or not to be” but rather…
…what is the difference between “indigo” and “navy”? And which blue is a true indigo blue? Various shelter magazines and home decor stores have called all of these blues…indigo…
(clockwise) House Beautiful, Ralph Lauren Home, Real Simple, Elle Decor
Since indigo is such a contemplative color, here are a few quotes from members of our color team followed by our favorite indigo-infused designs…all for you to ponder.
Indigo is an intriguing alternative to black; this inky color calls forth fall and has a soothing, global style. — Kelley Walters, Executive Editor
Diesel Home Collection by Moroso
Indigo is nautical navy’s sexy, mysterious cousin. — Liz Gray, Senior Editor
Designer Paola Navone’s Milan apartment via Interieurs
There is a spiritual quality to indigo that makes it so enticing. — Anna Millman, Online Manager
French by Design via Style Files
From Me To You :: Hudson Merchant House, NY
Indigo reminds me of brand new blue jeans on the first day of school, when the weather just starts to turn cooler. — Marianne Canada, HGTV Home Studio
This shade of blue is so fresh that it makes me want to redo everything I have (even my wish-list items) in this color. Indigo feels very organic. I think of the natural dyes used all over the world and am nostalgic for ink-stained hands. I want more, more, more. — Lili Zarghami, Managing Editor
Anthropologie (left) + John Robshaw Textiles (right)
After reflecting on these indigo designs, will you decorate with this inky, mysterious, organic color?
Tell us in the comments below.
Oh, yes! It's one of the most beautiful colors on the spectrum!
I love the chairs, pillows duvet covers, quilts…It plays well with other colors, too.
we just did the cabinets in our beach cottage indigo blue (with tan counters) and they look fab! I am not a blue person, but wanted it bacause of our proximity to the water. we love it!
Indigo. Hum! Such blues as those shown above are shades that can be so calming that they can become depressing if used in large quantities.
Never paint a dinning room or kitchen blue. It is the least appetizing color. People tend to hurry when eating in a blue room and do not want to stay and linger over their food. Notice that there are very few foods that are naturally blue such as blueberries and a variety of plums.
People need to study color before making such drastic color changes in their homes or work places. Blue is best used in an area where calm and quiet are desired, and where one wants to gain knowledge. Blue is great in a classroom, office, library or study. Even better when used on the ceiling.
There are many other shades of blue associated with the sea and sky that are more vibrant and uplifting than indigo. So. . . be careful.
Indigo is a great color! Like any plant based dye it ranges from very dark to very light, with many variations. It all depends on growing conditions, chemicals in and the temperature of the dye water, amount of time in the dye bath and number of wash baths after the dying process ( most of these also apply to man made dye) . The great thing is no matter how many shades of the color, they all blend together and look GREAT!
I just love Blues, My birthstone is Aquamarine & I also love Lilac… I need some suggestions in combining these two color together.. I'm kind off stuck cause I live in a studio apt so the living space is connected with the kitchen.. The carpet is a light chocolate almost throwing Beige (I can't change).. Cabinets in Kitchen are Brown-yellow.. My new furniture are mix, (Day bed frame is like a dark brown with Gold, Futon & Computer chair Black, TV stand Black Glass, My computer desk a like Water Blue in Glass… Colors on walls & ceiling are right now Flat Beige (which I want more shinier), Doors & frame all Flat white & this color is on all space off my Studio..( Living, Kitchen & Bathroom…) Plus the space is not big but a lot off light come in.. Any advice will be welcome…
"Inky" is such a great way to describe it. Good choice!
We painted our new house a tropical blue with lots and lots of white accents, large shaped windows trimmed in white, white quartz for porch walls. It's stunning, makes us feel happy and also makes us feel like we are on vacation every time we pull up to our home. We have a few more months of work to do before we move in, but we know we took a huge risk painting the hardy board a tropical blue color, but we are so thrilled with the results. We are now going to do our master bathroom a cool Blue glass tile. Can't wait to get into our new home. Blue is an awesome color. So many strangers drive by or walk by our house and comment how much they love the color, its not something you see in Nesconset, New York on Long Island.
Candice, your work is incredible, please come help us with new home.
As we have our house up for sale and our kitchen counter tops are navy blue we have been told by our realtor that we must change our counter tops that buyers would not like blue so much for that
So glad to see beige and blue together! I am true lover of blues of all shades, and have been thinking about adding some beige into my living room walls to off set the blue trim and accents I already have.. I wasn't sure how it'd look, but now that I see it in Tom's living room shots, I am sold! Looks like I'm heading to the paint store…
So glad to see beige and blue together! I am true lover of blues of all shades, and have been thinking about adding some beige into my living room walls to off set the blue trim and accents I already have.. I wasn't sure how it'd look, but now that I see it in Tom's living room shots, I am sold! Looks like I'm heading to the paint store…
Love, love love this blue! I have it in my bedroom.
My favorite colors are blue, blue and blue. Any and all shades of blue are great……
[...] you catch Anna’s Color of the Month post for September? Your response to indigo was really positive. Readers called it calming, pretty, [...]
[...] you catch Anna’s Color of the Month post for September? Your response to indigo was really positive. Readers called it calming, pretty, [...]
[...] Month, complete with entertaining ideas, home decor recommendations and so much more. This month indigo is in the spotlight, and readers are calling it “calming,” “pretty,” [...]
I did a small bathroom in a relaxing blue and used some leftover paint on 3 sides of my galley kitchen with the 'end' being a bright yellow. Never thought of blue in a kitchen but it worked well and my river bed looking, sandy swirly gray granite counters look great with the blue.
Love blue and yellow together!