1. Turquoise Dragon Pot 2. Pillow 3. Hickory Stick Candles 4. KitchenAid Mixer
5. Splashed Glazed Barrel Canister 6. Dash and Albert Rug 7. The Kitchn
I’ve been feeling a little blue around the house lately.
Actually, maybe more than a little — my home has been gravitating toward various shades of blue.
Don’t worry, I’m not talking about mood — I mean blue as the color. Over time I’ve learned that creating inspiration boards, whether on Pinterest or a physical mood board, makes it much easier to see the color palettes that truly speak to you.
You might ask: why would a fall-loving decorator choose blues and grays? It’s a fair question.
In my case the warmth of the wood floors, layered textures and varied patterns balance the coolness of blue and gray. Instead of feeling cold or stark, those colors feel cozy, calm and restful — like a snug beach house on the Pacific Northwest coast. The right mix of natural materials and layered accents brings warmth and comfort.
Once I settled on a foundational color scheme and applied it to key elements like paint and larger furnishings (I’ll share exact paint choices in upcoming posts), decorating became simpler and more satisfying. With a clear palette as a baseline, I make fewer purchasing mistakes and avoid cluttering the space with items that don’t belong.
My rule is straightforward: if a new piece complements the established palette, it stays; if it competes or distracts, it goes. I still enjoy introducing accent colors — I love many hues — but the foundational blues and grays act as the unifying backdrop that ties everything together.
Establishing a foundational color scheme may seem basic, but it’s been a game-changer for my decorating process.
In upcoming posts I’ll highlight some fresh blue additions to the home as I continue my seasonal nesting and share styling tips that work with these tones.
Do you have a foundational color palette in your home?
Which colors are inspiring you right now?
I write for My Colortopia, a Glidden initiative, where color inspiration and practical paint advice come together. Glidden’s #MyColorfulLife project encourages people to share colorful photos that inspire them; contributors’ images are compiled into a large mosaic celebrating everyday color. It’s a fun way to connect with other color lovers and discover fresh ideas for home decor.
I have partnered with Glidden/AkzoNobel Paints on the My Colortopia program. As always, my opinions are my own.