Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' blue-painted living space makes the statement we never knew we needed
The couple's upstate home plays with color in the most unexpected of ways – and paint experts say they're right on trend
New York is home to many celebrities, but not all choose to live upstate – though not all are like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
Despite gaining fame on the west coast, Hollywood's power couple reside with their four children in rural Pound Ridge – a leafy town in Westchester County, around one hour from Manhattan. Their home, sometimes seen via Instagram, pays homage to its country-style setting with its rustic design features – including an abundance of stripped-back wood, often seen in the backdrop of their photos. However, there is one exception to their natural scheme – and it comes in the shape of the trendiest hue of the moment.
The color in question is azure – the vibrant hue that isn't for the faint of heart. However, experts say decorating with blue is worth the risk – if we dare.
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'This is my dog, Boots. She had her hair washed and her lips done, hoping to be photographed by the one and only Guy Aroch. He took this shot. His inspiration was pure pity,' Ryan says. Of course, we're a little bit distracted by his dog, but his use of this vivid blue tone demands most of our attention in this image.
The allure of the all-over blue color is no surprise to expert Dominic Myland, the CEO of Mylands House of Color, who has observed an increase in demand for blue hues in the last year.
'Blue has an enduring appeal and is very versatile. Light blue can be very soothing while more saturated blues can be stimulating,' he says. All shades of blue tap into the color trend; however, brighter tones like Blake and Ryan's are described by Dominic as 'the star of the show.'
We love how the couple opted for a vibrant azure-style shade (like the one we've color matched below), but you can recreate the look with similar tones, such as cobalt.
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Barbie Dreamhouse Blue | From $49 on Backdrop
If you think this turquoise blue looks familiar, you're probably right. Paint company Backdrop paired up with Barbie to bring the identical color of the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse pool to life. We also think that Blake and Ryan would approve of this contemporary coastal color.
'For those wanting a bolder look, cobalt and royal blue are guaranteed to create a statement. The eclectic tones will have a striking effect on the room's ambiance, bringing vibrance and energy,' Dominic says. And he is not alone in his observations.
'Working with shades of blue is endlessly interesting – and playing with tones and textures can change it from subtle and serene to a vibrant jewel box, 'says Samantha Todhunter, the founder of Samantha Todhunter Design.
The designer says that there are no 'hard and fast rules about blue'; however, like always, it is important to consider lighting levels – as this will impact the color's shade. 'Don’t fight the lack of natural light in a room and choose a more intense color in those with north-facing aspects,' she says.
And, if you're looking to play with this paint idea without a commitment as big as Blake and Ryan's, Dominic recommends experimenting with a smaller area – such as a mirror or statement window frame – so you can flirt with its style without overpowering your entire room.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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