We’re Calling It: Blue Is the Official 2024 Color of the Year—Here’s How to Use It in Your Home

Whether you’re tackling a big painting project or just giving your front door a refresh, selecting a paint color can be daunting. Not only are there so many shades to choose from, but paint trends seem to change quickly—from grounding neutrals one year to dark, moody hues the next.

To help you stay ahead of the trends, many major paint brands announce the colors they think are up and coming each year. For 2023, we saw a range of selections—daring magentas, saturated reds, and true neutrals—that didn’t point to a specific overarching trend. But as more and more 2024 color-of-the-year selections roll in, it’s clear there is one color that paint experts predict will be huge: blue.

Reputable brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards, Valspar, and C2 have selected various shades of blue as 2024’s standout color. From coastal-inspired hues and cool blues with green undertones to vivid, saturated shades, you can’t go wrong when choosing blue as your home’s next defining paint color.

To help you get inspired, we’re sharing beautiful, interior-designer-approved ways to incorporate blue paint into your space.

Under the Kitchen Island 

If you prefer a neutral home color palette, consider using blue in discreet yet impactful ways. In this kitchen, a delicate blue was used under the kitchen island for a subtle pop of color. “Incorporating a soft blue hue to the kitchen island brings a refreshing and harmonious contrast to the brushed gold pendants and rustic charm of distressed leather bar stools, elevating this kitchen design with a timeless elegance,” says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab.

Add Light Blue to the Bathroom 

Within the blue color wheel, one shade that is expected to be particularly popular in 2024 is light blue. The coastal hue makes spaces feel more relaxing, which is ideal in rooms like the bathroom. The serene soft blue in this bathroom transforms the space into a tranquil yet sophisticated retreat, says Kelly.

Use Blue From Head to Toe 

Create a cohesive look by using blue from head to toe on all four walls, like Elizabeth Mollen, CEO and lead designer of Stone Textile Studio did in this space. “We chose to go all out in this room with a beautiful, saturated blue for maximum impact,” she says. “The room had a lot of original millwork so painting all of it created a more finished look. We painted the window trim and sills, baseboards, moldings, bookshelves, and radiator covers.”

Choose the Right Shade of Blue 

The shade of blue you choose is essential when it comes to creating a space you’re happy with. For example, if you want to evoke a relaxing vibe, a highly saturated blue is likely not the right choice. The paint color in this space was inspired by a spa, so Mollen went with a lighter, calming shade of blue. “One thing I will recommend is to get a quart of paint and put it up on the wall in your space,” she says. “The lighting will change throughout the day and the color will shift. It’s really important to love the color in all the different lights throughout the day and night.”

Use Blue in Your Entryway 

If you’re not ready to paint your entire living room or bedroom blue, introduce the color into your home by painting an interior hallway or entryway, says Mollen. “A bright blue could really enhance the space making it feel more special,” she adds. In this entryway, Mollen used a canary blue to add color to the trim.

Paint Your Cabinets Blue 

Breathe new life into your kitchen by painting your cabinets a fresh color. While white and gray are timeless shades for kitchen cabinets, if you want the heart of your home to feel more eclectic, go with blue. In this space, Mollen paired traditional details, like marble backsplash and gold hardware, with a rich blue hue that brought the entire space together.

Make an Accent Wall 

An accent wall is a thoughtful way to bring more personality into your home without venturing too far out of your comfort zone. Blue is a foolproof option when it comes to choosing a color for an accent wall, as evidenced by this eye-catching nook by Mollen. She used a geometric wallpaper in various shades of blue, ranging from light to navy, which was tied together with a built-in bench painted a complementary shade.

Paint Your Dining Room Light Blue 

Brighten up your dining room by painting it a sea-inspired shade of blue. In this room, principal designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design played up the space’s natural light by choosing a delicate blue with subtle green undertones. The modern color was contrasted with gold vintage accents and boldly-printed china.

Play With Saturated Blues 

The color-of-the-year trend predictions for 2024 go beyond lighter blues—some brands anticipate that more saturated shades of the color will be popular. “I love working a more saturated blue into a palette—it adds an unexpected element and pairs well with brass finishes and black and white,” says Mollen.

Incorporate Dark Blue Accents 

Create a moodier feel in your home by opting for darker shades of blue paint. Introducing a rich, dark blue shade into the kitchen creates a captivating balance when paired with brighter details, which is what Kelly did in this kitchen. “This thoughtful contrast infuses the space with a touch of sophistication while maintaining a bright, welcoming atmosphere,” says Kelly.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart