The rise of blue
Interior design is often influenced by the fashion world, with colour palettes, textures, fabrics, and design directions manifesting from apparel to the home.
One design direction where we’re currently observing this influence is the colour blue.
With its versatility and expansiveness, blue is deeply rooted in fashion and interior palettes.
And in 2025, much like butter yellows and whimsy pinks, blue is featuring more and more in both apparel and interiors.
Unexpected Blue Theory
As we witness the interplay of blue hues across interiors and apparel, we're seeing designers inject this colour into many unassuming spaces. This is what experts call ‘The Unexpected Blue Theory’, an adaptation of the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’.
First coined by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon in 2024, the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ argues that adding red to any room, big or small, where it doesn’t have to match at all, will instantly elevate a space.
While pops of red disrupt a neutral setting with a striking contrast, blue works beautifully in adding coolness, sophistication, and serenity, whether subtly woven into accessories or boldly splashed across walls or cabinetry.
Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana's "Blu Mediterraneo" collection and Kit Kemp x Christopher Farr’s Indigo Textile Series are two beautiful, design-forward collaborations that elevate blue into a statement feature.

The meaning of blue
Blue has a spectrum of symbolism across the globe. Often inferred as a peaceful, tranquil, and trusting colour, there are many positive connotations throughout Eastern and Western Cultures. Used to evoke the calmness of the sea and sky, blue is refreshing, with a familiar tone found in nature. Blues are also formal, mysterious, and powerful.

How to bring the Unexpected Blue Theory into your home
There are plenty of ways to employ this design direction in your home.
- Use as a base
Start with blue as your foundation. Deep navy or slate blue can replace traditional neutrals like grey or taupe. While light blues can bring airy elegance to beige. Painting entire walls or cabinetry works well as a base to build upon. - Add through accent furniture
An armchair, sideboard, or bed in cobalt, denim, or powder blue adds impact, lending itself well to fabrics such as boucle, linen, and velvet. - Incorporate art and décor
A great entry point for blue, art and décor interplay to create impact without committing to large-scale changes. Ceramics, vases, and frames act as subtle nods to this theory. - Highlight with soft furnishings
Scatter cushions, throws, or rugs with natural fibres, such as jute, timber, and rattan, to soften and balance the cool tones. A great way to subtly incorporate blues, and easy to switch. - Explore unexpected spaces
Injecting blue into bathrooms, pantries, or ceilings can completely shift the mood of a room, adding a refreshing surprise.
Pairing blue with hardware
The right hardware can enhance blue’s personality. Cooler tones like powder, steel, or navy blue pair elegantly with polished nickel or chrome, offering a sleek aesthetic.
Warmer or moodier blues like indigo or marine contrast beautifully with burnished brass, adding a hint of vintage and depth.
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