Pantone just revealed its 2020 Color Of The Year as Classic Blue (19-4052) , a rich indigo shade reminiscent of an evening sky. “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Classic blue is a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.”
Scroll down to discover 20 ways to decorate with this saturated shade, then let us know what you think of it in the comments below!
There’s a reason its called Classic Blue — this royal color has staying power, so don’t be afraid to take a risk. In Holt Renfrew president Mario Grauso’s London flat, back-to-back sofas are just begging to be lounged on.
Photographer: Chris Tubbs
Source: House & Home September 2019
Maximalists, rejoice! Society columnist Amoryn Engel ‘s tone-on-tone den is the epitome of more is more, where everything from the custom lacquered walls and tufted couch are dripping in cobalt blue.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home February 2018
Designer: J Gibson
Turn a staircase landing into a design moment by painting the walls a deep cobalt. To keep the statement-making shade from feeling too moody, choose lighter tones for the trim, flooring and artwork.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home June 2016
Designer: Cameron MacNeil
This farmhouse exudes relaxed elegance thanks to the plush bed dressed with rich indigo linens. Bedding is a great way to test drive a color trend because of its low-commitment — switching up your look is as easy as changing the sheets.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Angela Wheeler
Designer Anne Hepfer makes a merry first impression with her festive front door. “I ran around like a crazy designer with my paint chips in London, looking for the perfect high-gloss blue for my front door,” she says.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Anne Hepfer
Homeowners Andraya Frith and Graham Kechnie took the plunge and swathed their English farmhouse kitchen cabinetry in bold blue paint. Unfinished brass handles pop against the moody background.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home March 2019
Designer: Jack Creasy, Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry
If you love the idea of colored cabinetry, but want a more subtle approach, try painting one side of the island instead. You get a similar look, while also livening up an all-white kitchen.
Photographer: Nelson Costa, AyA Kitchens
Source: AyA Kitchens
There is something so sumptuous about blue velvet — a set of armchairs in the sitting room are fit for royalty. Add silk pillows to complete the luxurious vibe.
Photographer: Phil Crozier
Source: House & Home February 2019
Designer: Nyla Free
A kid’s bedroom is a no-brainer when it comes to this primary color. Framed artwork feels whimsical paired with animal print bed sheets and a classic Hudson’s Bay blanket.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Tod and Kristen McMillan
Sapphire blue upholstery takes this elegant dining room from safe to stunning. The chairs pop against the all-white envelope, encouraging guests to pull up a seat.
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home July 2018
Designer: Brittaney Elgner, Olly + Em
For a completely different look, this New England-inspired dining room feels stylishly layered with a mix of seating. Striped blue chairs play off the two leather chairs for an eclectic aesthetic.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home September 2019
Designer: Luke Havekes
In this Cape Cod-inspired cottage, a nautical palette feels right at home on a supersized sectional, covered in hard-wearing Sunbrella fabric. Dirty paws and wet bathing suits are no issue here.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home June 2015
Designer: Cameron MacNeil
Two trundle beds — painted in a handsome blue hue — maximize space, storage and style in this boys’ bedroom.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home July 2016
Designer: Margot Bell, Peaks & Rafters
Classic Blue can be both haute couture and hardworking — just look to this bold bench as proof. The wood panelling feels extra special thanks to the vibrant color.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2019
Designer: Kyla Bidgood, Bidgood + Co
What’s so great about Pantone’s Classic Blue is its seasonal versatility — it works equally well on a holiday door as it does in a pool house (above). Rolled striped towels and a colorful door prove that blue is the hue for summer.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home May 2018
Designer: Sarah Richardson
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with adding a colorful throw pillow. In this Victorian farmhouse bedroom , a navy pillow in a nubby fabric adds to the cozy feeling. You might have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: Susan Burns
A vintage chair was given a new lease on life with playful chevron upholstery, making this home office a stylish space to answer emails.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home August 2019
Designer: Robyn Rider
In this charming covered porch, a blue and white rug and throw pillows draw inspiration from the lush outdoors, creating a covetable spot to kick-back into the fall.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home October 2018
Designer: Mazen El-Abdallah, Mazen Studio
This rich indigo hue — covering a custom velvet curved sofa — pairs perfectly with hits of coral, cream and light blue, as seen in this colorful new-build living room .
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Erin Feasby & Cindy Bleeks, Feasby & Bleeks Design
If you want to celebrate the on-trend hue without investing in a saturated sofa, opt for a painterly vase to brighten up an understated nook. Sometimes, less is more.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home March 2019
Designer: Patti Rosati