A quick glance at this season's hottest interior trends reveals one shade quietly making waves: dusky blue. Softer than navy yet a little more punch than pastel blue, it's the colour bringing a fresh, calming feel to everything from bedding to painted walls.
Argos's dusky blue quilt is one of the easiest ways to bring the trend home. With its blue and white motif, it's a low-commitment way to refresh your bedroom for the season or experiment with colour for the first time.
Habitat Quilted Motif Bedspread - White - 200x220cm
It's perhaps no surprise that blue has been dubbed the world's favourite colour. ‘Blue seems to get along with everyone. From the invigorating freshness of turquoise to the confidence and authority of darker blues, right through to the comfort of soft, soothing light blues, there's one to suit every personality, occasion and space’ says Karen Haller, the UK’s leading colour psychology expert and author of The Little Book of Colour.
With its close ties to nature, it conjures visions of gently rippling water, cloudless skies and all the calm that comes with them. Tranquil, timeless and best of all, versatile, blue is every bit as easy to live with as it is to love.
As Karen explains, ‘Throw in endless blue skies and sparkling seas, and it's easy to see why blue so often comes out as the world's favourite colour.’
The bedroom is the perfect place to embrace this colour, especially during the warmer months when cool, calming tones can bring a sense of airiness to a room. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, the quilt has a soft crinkled finish that gives it the relaxed charm of a handmade blanket. The texture is an artisan detail purposefully designed to prevent stitches between layers of fabric from shrinking and pulling once washed.
Measuring a generous 200 x 220cm, the quilt drapes beautifully over both double and king-size beds. On sunny days, it doubles as the perfect picnic blanket for afternoons in the park or by the beach. Better still, it's machine washable, so you needn't worry about spillages and all the other fun that comes with social gatherings.
The mood of a room can change in an instant depending on what you pair it with. Just look at Millie Middlebrook (@littlehertshouse), who switches up the look of her dusky blue quilt with either lively pink accents or calming neutrals. Whether you want to create a calm retreat or inject a little more energy, these three colour trios from author and director of interior design at Lick, Tash Bradley, reveal just how versatile the shade can be.
Blue's perfect pairings
The cosy trio
'Pairing dusky blue with White 05 and rich chocolate brown creates a wonderfully soulful, calming palette. The warm undertones of White 05 soften the blue, while the chocolate brown adds a natural depth and richness that makes a space feel comforting, cocooning and effortlessly timeless.'
Pictured: Chocolate brown cushion
The joyful trio
'Dusky blue teamed with Yellow 03 and butter yellow is full of gentle, warm energy. The softness of the blue calms the nervous system, while the buttery yellow brings optimism and light, creating a space that feels uplifting, welcoming and quietly joyful without ever feeling overpowering.'
Pictured: Yellow lamp
The confident trio
'Teal 05, dusky blue and red is a timeless combination with a beautiful 1970s influence. The tonal blues create harmony and depth, while that unexpected pop of red injects warmth, creativity and personality, giving the whole scheme an expressive, confident feel that's full of character.'
Pictured: Red photo frame
