In the last few years, color has once again regained importance in the world of interior design and decoration. Today I want to talk about a color that is coming back: electric blue.
I had already planned this article for some time in my “editorial calendar” but coincidentally, Pantone announced its Color of the year 2020 just a few days ago: the PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. A more classic hue than electric blue but the fact is that all the shades of this color are definitely coming back (I had already talked about it in April after the Milan Design Week 2019 in this post).
Electric blue is not a novelty in the field of design and art. In fact, there are many references to which we can think: the Royal Blue (which is very similar to electric blue) was used by Picasso or Matisse in his series of Blue Nudes (this month is the 150 anniversary since his birth) or by Mondrian in his abstract compositions. We also find the electric blue in the Pop Art or in the murals of Keith Haring for example. As for design, we cannot forget to mention the famous Memphis Group, founded in Italy in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass.
Matisse
Mondrian
Keith Haring
Ashoka designed by Ettore Sottsass – Carlton desigend by Ettore Sottsass
Let’s see now how to use electric blue at home and what my favorite combinations are:
– Electric blue and terracotta color: one of the most trendy and beautiful combinations. Blue and orange are in fact complementary colors, which means that they enhance each other, appear balanced and therefore satisfy the eye. The electric blue, a cold and saturated hue, creates a beautiful contrast with the terracotta which is instead a warm color. Since electric blue is very bright, it is better to choose a fainter shade of orange in order to create a pleasant and non-chaotic effect.
Saba
Saba
– Electric blue and neutral colors: this is an easier combination to recreate in your own home. Adding a touch of a bright color to a neutral setting creates a contrast and a “surprise” effect that makes the final look more interesting. My advice is to add only one or two electric blue complements.
Note Design Studio
Saba
– Electric blue and primary colors: blue also goes well with the other two primary colors, yellow and red. This contrast between pure hues creates a vibrant and energetic environment. However, it is good to intersperse pure colors with neutral hues such as white to give space and air. As seen above, this combination is very inspired by the design of the 1980s and in particular by the projects carried out at that time by the Memphis Group in Italy.
Maquespacio
Maquespacio
Let me know if you like electric blue and which your favorite color palette is.
Leggi il post in ITALIANO – Lee la entrada en ESPANOL
What benjamin moore color would you use for an electric blue wall?
I would probably choose the Twilight Blue or the Big Country Blue. But I recommend you try some samples on the wall because the way you see the color depends a lot on the light of the room.