'What you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.' Few lines from The Devil Wears Prada have endured quite like this one, turning a lesser-known shade of blue into a cultural touchstone. But beyond its pop culture status, it deserves a closer look because this sophisticated hue is also a powerful tool in interiors.
With the hotly anticipated sequel in cinemas now, attention returns to some of the original's most iconic moments – and if there's one scene for the ages, it's what has come to be known as the 'cerulean sweater monologue'. In it, Miranda Priestly, in her signature icy style, calls out Andy Sachs for thinking she stands above fashion.
'That blue,' she says in the 2006 film, 'represents millions of dollars of countless jobs, and it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room… from a pile of "stuff".'
This poignant piece of writing – referenced by Meryl Streep wearing a cerulean knit during the press tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2 – resonates not just because it's the kind of retort most of us would only think of long after the moment has passed (if at all), but because it sharply highlights a broader truth: clothing is a language no one can opt out of, and taste is never formed in isolation.
Thanks to that scene, cerulean is discussed almost exclusively through the lens of fashion and The Devil Wears Prada. Yet, this bright blue, with subtle green undertones, is just as compelling in interiors. David Turner, head of product at Leader Online, a specialist online home improvement retailer, describes it as a versatile, uplifting shade that can give your home an instant refresh – and one that works in any space.
'Because of its balance between blue and green, cerulean works well in both warm and cool colour palettes,' he says. 'If your home feels a bit flat or your neutral colour palette has zapped the personality out of your living space, cerulean blue could inject the energy your room is missing.'
How to make cerulean pop in your home
Cerulean works across a wide range of interiors because of its ability to seamlessly blend with both warm and cool schemes. It's a striking shade that offers gentle contrast when paired, for example, with shades of orange and yellow as well as natural wood furniture.
Choose the right colour palette
'Orange and blue are on opposite ends of the colour wheel, which automatically makes them complementary shades,' says David. 'The pairing feels vibrant and lively because of this contrast. Warm wood tones in your furniture, flooring and doors layer well, creating a comforting warmth. True browns like walnut and golden oak tones pair especially well.'
But it also works in cool-toned palettes, paired with dusty rose or blush pink and taupe, accentuated by brass hardware. 'The softness of blush tones makes a space feel more relaxed and refined against the power of cerulean,' David explains. 'The warmth of taupe keeps everything earthy and grounded, while touches of brass or gold, like door handles and hardware, add just enough glow to make the room feel polished without trying too hard.'
The best way to style
Upholstery is one of the easiest ways to introduce cerulean into a home. A sofa or an armchair in this shade makes an effective focal point as it's softer and less overpowering than deeper blues, David notes. 'It’s especially effective in neutral rooms that need a lift,' he adds. For a lower-commitment option, try layer cerulean in cushions, throws, rugs and artwork.
In the kitchen or bathroom, consider tiles, splashbacks or painted cabinetry. Paired with white, marble or light wood, cerulean brings a crisp, fresh quality that feels both clean and contemporary.
If you're after a statement as memorable as Miranda's cutting speech, cerulean is a shade worth embracing – and yes, quoting her lines comes with the territory.
