If there's one hue that's dominating 2024's color trends, it's cool blues. This year, we're ready to wave goodbye to long-enduring greens in favor of a perkier, brighter, more playful tone, and if you're looking to dip your brush into the trend a little more, we've found the perfect shade for you.
When it comes to the hottest color trends of the year, the cool tones have taken over by a landslide. After scouring the virtual aisles we found Farrow & Ball's stunning 'Sardine' shade to be one of the more trendy blue hues of the season so, curious to pinpoint the exact reason behind its popularity, we spoke to a couple of experts. Here, they tell us why the shade is increasingly popular among the most chic homes, as well as their top tips for styling the shade.
What color is 'sardine'?
At first glance, Farrow & Ball's 'Sardine' appears to simply be a pretty blue hue but if you give it a little bit of attention, you'll notice that this color is dimensionally attractive. The muter silvery tones give the shade a touch of luxury and the mid-toned blue is a pleasant shade to get lost in.
While speaking to Charlotte Crosby, the creative director of Farrow & Ball, she tells us that Sardine is the perfect shade to rely on if you're interested in creating a relaxing living space. 'Sardine achieves a fresh, optimistic look and is a great way to add color without being too overpowering,' says Charlotte.
Launched as a member of the Carte Blanche collection in collaboration with fashion designer Christopher John Rogers, this silver-blue shade is a bold stroke of color that works perfectly as an accent tone in a contemporary home. Infused with a sense of nostalgia, Christopher took inspiration from one of his grandfather's favorite snacks while creating the shade, thereby giving rise to the title of 'Sardine'.
The designer recommends pairing the mid-toned blue with shades like the cheerful pink 'Shallot' or the rich black 'Liquorice' for a clever contrast. If you're striking out on paint ideas, this muted blue shade might be a great option to consider as it isn't too loud for color-drenching but it's also vibrant enough for small accents of color.
How to decorate with Farrow & Ball's shade 'Sardine'
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein tells us that 'Sardine' offers rich undertones making it a sophisticated shade that provides endless possibilities for modern interiors. For too long, many of us have shied away from this cooler tone in our homes, but with so many colors that go with blue, it's actually much easier to decorate with the shade than you might think.
For a harmonious backdrop, Nina suggests pairing 'Sardine' with neutrals like soft grays and creamy whites. While this is a great option for minimalistic homes that require a touch of color, she also suggests combining deep blues and forest greens to bring out the depth of the muted hue. Since lighting can truly make or break the beauty of a color, it's important to take careful consideration when perusing light options. Nina recommends opting for ambient lighting with warm undertones for a calming ambiance. 'Soft, golden-hued lighting fixtures or vintage-style lamps can create a cozy atmosphere that complements the richness of the color,' she says.
We love the idea of decorating around the shade with earthy textures or striking accents and so does Nina. 'Using the color as a feature wall or for accent pieces such as furniture, cushions, or artwork is a great way to bring a room to life,' she says. 'You can also incorporate natural materials like wood and brass to add textural warmth.'
Nina also recommends choosing soft textiles in complementary tones to create a cozy blue living room with an inviting feel or, use it to drench small spaces like powder rooms or bathrooms in need of a dramatic touch.
The versatility of this silvery blue hue makes it a great contender for vivid home colors that are on trend for the year. So the next time you're planning out your color scheme and you're interested in injecting your home with a layer of sumptuous blue, we sincerely suggest giving 'Sardine' a swatch.
