31 Days of French-Inspired Style Day 2 : What is French Blue?
The color, French blue, is used a lot in French-style design.
But what exactly is French blue?
Is it this?
or this?
this?
or even this?
Will the real French blue please step forward?
In actuality, if you search the internet for “French blue”, these (and many others) are all given as examples.
Here’s an example of a beautiful French country kitchen where both the main cabinets and the island could be considered French blue.
Or how about this paler, grayer blue.
These doors could be called French blue but they lean a little bit greener than the other examples.
This French blue mirror is lovely.
If you haven’t guessed already, I do really like this color (in all of its variations).
I painted the chairs in my kitchen with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Aubusson Blue.
And my armoire (read here for more information on armoires) is painted in Annie Sloan Paris Gray, which is definitely gray but “reads” a little bit blue.
Maybe you like a French blue that is bright and crisp….or one that is grayer and more muted….or one that is quite pale….or maybe one that leans a little more blue-green. I think the point is to use the version(s) that you like.
Look around your home. Do you already have some things that are French blue? If you don’t have anything in this very French-inspired hue (and if you like the color), why not grab a paintbrush and give it a try.
See you tomorrow.
I love these colors. They are so relaxing and welcoming.
That’s a great way to describe French blue…relaxing and welcoming!
My favorite color! I have been working more French blue and cream/ivory into our decorating scheme. Love it 🙂
I love it, too. You really can’t go wrong with a little French blue!
How fun is this blog! I’m SO glad to be participating in The Nester’s 31-Day challenge, because I get to hop around and find gems like this! Love the “blues” lead in. Question: What exactly was the process for painting your dining room chairs. We have a similar set and I would LOVE to do something along the same lines.
Hi Robin, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog! I used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Aubusson Blue to paint my chairs. They weren’t glossy to begin with and I didn’t even sand them. That’s one of the beauties of chalk paint…there’s usually not much prep that is necessary. I painted two coats, drying between each. I usually apply the Annie Sloan or Miss Mustard Seed wax after I paint, but waxing chairs is not fun! So, I used a satin finish, water-based polyurethane as a top coat instead of the wax. Hope this helps!
-Carrie
Did you also have a link to the dining room chairs (as opposed to the kitchen chairs)? I thought she was referring to the lovely light-colored chairs with the caned back and covered seat.
Hi Julianne, I did write a tutorial for those chairs as well:) Here it is: dining room chairs. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
French blue, in all its variations, is such a beautiful color and versatile. Love all the pictures so pretty!