Blue paint colors have a way of making a home feel calm, collected, and completely personal. Whether soft and airy or deep and dramatic, blue continues to be one of the most loved paint color families for creating spaces that feel timeless, comfortable, and full of character. We asked designer Sabrina Soto to share her thoughts on why blue remains such a favorite, how to choose the right shade, and simple ways to style blue paint colors throughout the home.
About Sabrina Soto
Sabrina Soto is an interior designer, TV host, podcast host, and author. She has appeared on TODAY, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Ryan, The View, and The Talk, and is best known for hosting and designing on HGTV series including The High Low Project, Design Star, and Get It Sold. Sabrina also hosts The Sabrina Soto Show and the Redesigning Life podcast, focused on health, wellness, and personal growth.
Why Blue Is A Popular Choice
Q: Blue paint colors remain popular among homeowners year after year. Why do you think blue continues to be such a timeless choice?
A: Honestly, blue just makes people feel good. There’s something about it that immediately calms a room down and I think people are drawn to that whether they realize it or not. It works whether you want something barely-there like Ice Sculpture or you want to go deep and moody with Very Navy. It’s never really been a trend because it never really goes away. It’s just a color people keep coming back to.
Why Blue Paint Works in Every Room
Q: What makes blue such a versatile color for the home? Are there certain rooms where blue tends to work particularly well?
A: Blue works in pretty much every room, which is kind of rare for a color. A bedroom in something like Adirondack Blue feels like a real escape. A kitchen or dining room in Midnight Blue feels elevated without being fussy. Even a bathroom in something quiet like Etched Glass will completely change how the space feels.
The bathroom is actually where I love to see people take a chance with blue. It’s a smaller room so the commitment feels lower, but the impact is huge. People always underestimate it.
How to Choose the Right Blue Paint Color
Q: When selecting a blue paint color, what factors should homeowners consider to ensure it works well in their space?
A: The first thing I tell everyone: pay attention to your light. Blue is so sensitive to light that the same color can look totally different depending on which direction your windows face. Don’t just test a small chip on the wall. Paint a big swatch and look at it throughout the day, morning, afternoon and lamp light at night. It’ll tell you everything.
From there, think about the vibe you want. Lighter blues like Ice Sculpture keep things feeling open and airy. Deeper ones like Very Navy make a room feel more grounded. And if you’re considering Midnight Blue….. I know people get nervous about dark, but it’s one of those colors where you see it finished and think, why did I wait so long.
How to Decorate with Blue Walls
Q: What are some of your favorite ways to style a room painted blue? Are there specific colors, materials, or decor elements that pair especially well with blue walls?
A. I always go back to natural wood. It warms blue up in a way nothing else does. Like, a wood coffee table, a rattan chair or even just a wooden tray on a shelf. It keeps blue from feeling cold or too beachy.
White trim is a given. It makes everything crisper.
For deeper blues like Very Navy or Midnight Blue, bring in some brass. A brass lamp, cabinet hardware, a little brass mirror. It’s such a good combination.
And plants. Genuinely, a plant in a room painted Adirondack Blue looks incredible no matter what your budget is!
Popular Blue Paint Trends
Q: Have you noticed any shifts in how homeowners are using blue paint colors today compared to a few years ago? Are there any emerging blue paint trends you’re particularly excited about?
A: People are finally willing to go dark. That’s the big one. For a long time everyone was scared of dark paint, and now I’m seeing whole rooms in Very Navy or Midnight Blue and it looks amazing. People are realizing that dark doesn’t make a room feel small…it makes it feel like you did it on purpose.
I’m also seeing people get more creative about mixing blues. A soft Etched Glass on the walls with a really deep navy on built-ins or a piece of furniture. It’s layered and interesting and honestly not that hard to pull off.
Sabrina Soto’s Favorite BEHR Blue Paint Colors
Q: If a homeowner is looking for a blue paint color, is there a particular shade or type of blue you find yourself recommending most often?
A: If you’re new to blue and you want something that’s going to work no matter what, Adirondack Blue is the one. It’s a true blue but it’s not overwhelming. It plays well with almost any furniture, and it shifts a little depending on your light, which I love because it keeps the room feeling alive.
But if someone tells me they’re ready to go for it, I say Midnight Blue every time. I’ve never seen someone paint a room that color and regret it!
From peaceful bedrooms to bold bathrooms and elevated dining spaces, blue offers endless ways to bring personality and balance into your home. Whether you are drawn to a soft shade like Ice Sculpture, a classic blue like Adirondack Blue, or a rich navy like Midnight Blue or Very Navy, the key is finding the color that feels right in your light, your space, and your style. As Sabrina reminds us, blue is more than a trend, it is a color homeowners continue to come back to year after year.
For more blue paint color inspiration, explore BEHR’s Blue Color Family to find shades ranging from soft, calming blues to deep, dramatic navies. To learn more about Sabrina’s design style, projects, and inspiration, visit SabrinaSoto.com.
Colorfully yours
Larayne
