If you’re planning to redecorate soon you might want to add a dark blue feature wall to the mix, as a new survey has revealed it’s the “world’s most relaxing colour”.
The international survey by paper company G.F Smith asked more than 26,000 people from 100 countries to choose their favourite colour. They were then asked to name the word they most associated with their colour of choice.
Calmness was most inspired by dark blues, turquoises and pinks, while notions of the future were most often associated with shades of green. Globally, people associated the colours of ‘strong’ with shades of blue, red and orange. While the colours of ‘luxury’ included purple, orange, and white.
With stress on the rise among Brits – three in four people have felt so stressed they felt unable to cope – and Brexit anxiety a very real issue, here are eight ways to add a touch of calm to your home.
Rhapsody Resistance Matt Emulsion Paint 2.5L, Graham & Brown, £44
This deep navy blue emulsion is perfect for that feature wall you’ve been holding off painting. Add a large landscape painting or gallery layout and you’ve got yourself a real talking point.
Buy it here.
Dark Blue Velvet Cushion Cover, H&M, £6.99
This deep blue velvet cover looks luxurious and expensive when, in reality, it’s a steal. The cotton cushion cover comes with a concealed zip. Will look 10/10 on your bed or sofa.
Buy it here.
Pom-Pom Throw, Oliver Bonas, £38
Add a splash of colour to your bed or sofa with this cool blue throw and its squishy pink pom-poms (aka the ultimate de-stress tool). A very worthy homeware addition.
But it here.
Dark Blue Double Duvet Colour, Urbanara, £65
For a little bit of luxury (and a good night’s snooze), why not treat yourself to a new duvet cover? Sateen bed linen in a navy blue comes with mother-of-pearl buttons. Pillow cases are extra, priced at £16 each.
Buy it here.
Navy And Brass Clock, John Lewis, £30
If you’re not up for spending loads of furniture then a fancy-pants wall clock might be the answer. The minimalist design of this one, combined with the brass finish and navy faces, gives it a sophisticated edge – without breaking the bank.
Buy it here.
Striped Mirror, Oliver Bonas, £49.50
Introduce a pop of colour to your walls with this ceramic wall mirror in a medium size. A circular mirror is encased in a square ceramic frame hand-painted with blue and white glazes in a striped pattern, that’s double relaxing. It comes with gold-toned detailing and a d-ring fixture at the back, making it easy to hang.
Buy it here.
Statement Armchair, Anthropologie, £478
This chair from Anthropologie is a real head-turner with its eye-catching blue and turquoise print, while the wooden legs give it a mid-century finish. Check out the side of the chair for another pleasant surprise: an entirely different yet equally beautiful print.
Buy it here.
The Great Wave Print, John Lewis, £125
A reproduction of probably the best-known woodblock print by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), with a snow-capped Mount Fuji appearing in the background. Stare at this for five minutes and be transported to your inner calm place.
Buy it here.
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