Blue Aesthetic

Blue is always considered to be a primary colour, meaning it can tie into a lot of aesthetics as well as its own. Despite this, most commonly-used blues will contain a slight mix of other colours, such as hints of green, red, or violet. I love using blue aesthetics for both nature heavy and nature light spreads as it can be hugely versatile, especially for anything sky related, and of course blue florals always pop beautifully against a green-heavy backing.

“I spend a lot of my time looking at blue; the colour of my room and my mood.”

Kate Bush

From the prominent use of lapis lazuli in ancient times to the rich pigments of the Renaissance and beyond, blue has always had a major cultural importance around the world. Eighth century Chinese artists created it to use in fine porcelain, while European artists in the Middle Ages used it to adorn church windows, and, in earlier times, to adorn themselves in body paint made of blue woad. The pigment ultramarine, also made using lapis lazuli, was the most expensive type ever made, making blue garments synonymous with wealth and privilege, often partnered with noble red, until the emergence of cheaper synthetic dyes in the 19th century. Often considered a calming colour, in modern times blue is so closely associated with harmony that it is even the colour of the flags of both the European Union and the United Nations political blocs. Most western cultures consider blue to be highly professional, hence its prevalence in business, and also associate it with masculinity, confidence, coldness, and melancholy.

Blue Themes & Meanings

• sea (and water in general, often blended with green)
• sky
• wisdom
• confidence and professionalism
• cold
• sadness or melancholy; hence the term “the blues” (not the same as the jazz music!)
• calmness, soothing, serenity, tranquility
• freedom and open spaces
• intuition
• trust, loyalty, sincerity, and commitment
• faith
• intelligence
• open spaces
• strong associations with business
• magic and mysticism
• medical, including veterinary
• conventional masculinity (yes, even in this day and age…!)
• often used in military or policing uniform colours

Example Blue Aesthetic Journal Ideas

Blue Aesthetic Examples in Nature

More Blue Aesthetic Examples

Example Shades & Variations of Blue

Example Complementary & Combination Colours