Is Blue the New Neutral? How to Add it to Your Home

In recent years, blue has eclipsed gray as the #1 choice for decorating, which once reigned supreme in the world of home decor.

neutral upholstered bed in front of a blue patterned wallpapered wall

West Trade Interiors via Houzz

Is blue the new neutral? There’s certainly good reason to think so:

It’s a color that easily blends with various styles without overpowering them.
Blue pairs beautifully with warm tones (like orange and yellow) as well as with cool hues (like silver and green).
It is universally recognized as a soothing color, which helps to create a welcoming atmosphere in homes.

Here are several places in homes where blue is replacing gray as the home decor color of choice.

But wait – I’m not advocating that you get rid of everything gray in your home. What a waste that would be. The great thing about gray is that it blends beautifully with blue!

Walls and Ceilings

When gray was at the height of its popularity, it was the natural choice for painting walls and ceilings. It provided a neutral backdrop that suited any style.

Today, as trends are shifting toward a more colorful palette, blue has stepped in as an equally versatile but more vibrant alternative.

When you want to leave no doubt that blue is your “new neutral”, paint the walls in a room in the shade of your choice.

living room with blue walls, blue accessories and a pair of neutral sofas facing one another

Last Detail Interior Design via Houzz

Looking to add a little texture and elegance to a room? Blue grasscloth wallpaper will bring a textural depth and luxurious feel to a space.

one end of a dining room with blue grasscloth wallpaper and traditional furnishings and accessories

A little less subtle way to embrace blue in a room is by only adding it to the ceiling in a room. In addition to it being viewed as a neutral, it will give the illusion of height and space while giving off a calm, airy feel.

pair of blue armchairs in front of a fireplace in a living room with white furnishings

Crisp Architects via Houzz

If you’re ready to go all in, give color drenching a try. Color drenching is when every surface, walls, ceiling, and millwork (including trim and cabinetry), are all painted the same color. It’s usually done with a gloss, semi-gloss, or lacquer paint finish.

grayish blue dining room with traditional furniture and a crystal chandelier

Lisa Hilderbrand via Houzz

Cabinetry

Gray is being replaced in kitchens and bathrooms as more and more people turn to blue as a stylish choice with classic appeal.

kitchen with farmhouse sink surrounded by blue cabinets

New Creations Custom Kitchens and Bath via Houzz

Depending upon the shade used, blue cabinetry can either serve as a bold statement or a subtle hint of color.

blue bathroom vanity in front of blue and white geometric wallpaper

Debra Zinn Interiors via Houzz

Avoid overwhelming the space by balancing the blue with neutral countertops and backsplash.

large kitchen with white upper cabinets and blue lower cabinets

Shelton Design via Houzz

Tile Work

Whether it’s through classic solid blue tile or hand painted ceramics, a blue backsplash can transform a kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

mottled blue ceramic tile backsplash in a kitchen

Rockwood Cabinetry via Houzz

It’s a color that works beautifully with both light and dark cabinetry.

stove wall of a kitchen with white cabinets and a blue and white geometric backsplash

Grace Hill Design via Houzz

As a bath surround, blue tile can brighten the space and create an eye-catching focal point.

ING Construction via Houzz

Textiles

A less permanent way to embrace blue in your home is with the use of textiles, such as upholstery and draperies.

The versatility of blue allows a pair of matching sofas to anchor a room without overwhelming the space with color.

open floor plan living room with matching dark blue sofas

Kathy Ann Abell via Houzz

Even smaller accents such as throw pillows and pieces of accent furniture can be enough.

large great room with vaulted ceiling, neutral furniture and blue accents

McLean via Houzz

Blending Blue and Gray

Gray and blue are two colors that work well together, but you do need to be mindful of which shades of the two complement one another.

open plan great room with dark blue rug and neutral furnishings

Angela Arnone-Orel via Houzz

Light gray pairs best with soft blues like sky or powder blue. It’s a combination that is ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms where you want a calm and soothing atmosphere.

Blend charcoal gray with navy blue for a more dramatic and sophisticated look. This combo is perfect for creating a bold statement in living areas or dining rooms, where it can make spaces feel more luxurious.

Pair medium shades of gray with vibrant blues such as cobalt or cerulean for a lively pop of color that it best suited to kids’ rooms or creative spaces.

Dove gray, which is a lighter, warmer gray, pairs best with teal, which has a touch of green. It’s a refreshing color combination that’s great for contemporary kitchens or bathrooms.

Slate gray often has blue undertones and matches well with a pale, almost white ice blue. This subtle pairing is ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors.

Whether you’re ready to fully embrace this trend or just want to explore the possibilities, blue is a fresh and stylish alternative that complements a wide range of decorating styles.

So, try bringing blue into your next decorating project and discover how this timeless color can redefine the concept of neutral in your living space.