Color of the Year

Let’s Make it Blue, for all the Right Reasons

By Vincenzo Avanzato

February 2020

As we start a New Year and a new decade, how appropriate to start this new column in a new Home and Garden section.

As an element, I have decided to use this year’s predicted color “Classic Blue,” and although the fashion industry predicts a variety own of colors for the coming seasons, Classic Blue is top on their list. With their predictions they’ve also interjected more vibrant colors such as Flame Scarlet and Saffron to name a few, which alone can create wonderful interiors. And for those fashion-conscious individuals, I will share with you in the future how to use these colors in your interiors.

As we know, color affects our moods. Classic Blue is supposed to offer reassurance, loyalty and confidence to name a few; it has also been classified as Regal and has been used to symbolize piety and keep negativity away, and for you hipsters out there to be – wait for it – edgy.

Designing with Blue

If you are from Belgium you would use blue for a baby girl and if you were having a boy, yes, you would use pink. The color ranks high as a favorite but it can be overused, so finding the right combination and balance with its complementary color and materials will give you a creative edge. Another tip: If you are trying to create depth in a space, our eyes will perceive blue areas as receding, smaller and more distant.

Blue comes in a variety of tones, materials and prints, and it works well for outdoor environments – albeit if you live by the ocean this color can work anywhere. It offers an immensity of complementary colors that can create a sustained interior that won’t go out of fashion. It has longevity and stands up to its name, Classic. 

Vincenzo Avanzato is the creative force behind Avanzato Design (on Douglas Road), which works on luxury residential projects worldwide, including homes in Cocoplum and Gables Estates