![TRUE BLUE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387255367/1720074562/articles/fNAfLJS4H1721304743925/TRUE-BLUE.jpg)
For all its ubiquity - the sea, the sky! native blue in the UK is quite rare. There are, however, salviasa s and delphiniums in cottage gardens, the Common Blue butterfly, blue tit and jay - the latter, with its flash of brilliant blue plumage, always a precious sighting.
Natural blue dyes are extracted from a number of plant sources, with indigo producing the renowned deep and inky blue. But blue has also traditionally been derived from woad, iris, cornflower and hyacinth.
The blue lapis lazuli stone was first found in Afghanistan in 6BC, and reserved for ceremonial jewellery. And sapphires, discovered in Ancient Persia around 800BC, have long been associated with royalty there are 17 sapphires in the Imperial State Crown worn by King Charles.
But blue is a resolutely democratic colour, consistently polled as the nation's favourite hue. We're drawn instinctively to its hypnotic wellbeing benefits it has been proven to reduce heart rates and temperatures. And, of course, blue creates a relaxed feel in country decorating schemes.
HOW TO USE BLUE
Pastoral tones Blue partners well with purple, especially in the petal pairings of cottage garden borders. In decorating, using this combination warms up a cooler blue and makes a room scheme feel summery and inviting. Mirror the scenery seen outside with flowery patterns and repeats on wallpapers and fabric. These designs are particularly pretty in a bedroom on linens and cushions.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/aUGxaxLGD1721306249387/SOWING-THE-SEEDS-FOR-A-LIFE-OF-ABUNDANCE.jpg)
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
![Cabin fever](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/Qe6X9He1D1721305941079/CABIN-FEVER.jpg)
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
!['Building boats has become my passion'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/MSzfEzVd61721305617555/BUILDING-BOATS-HAS-BECOME-MY-PASSION.jpg)
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
![Cover-up job](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/nWz5PClth1721305374805/COVERUP-JOB.jpg)
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
![Flights of fancy](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/IxeRm2iin1721305214040/FLIGHTS-OF-FANCY.jpg)
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
![TRUE BLUE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/fNAfLJS4H1721304743925/TRUE-BLUE.jpg)
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
![COUNTER INTELLIGENCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/ce_pDUdLU1721304450208/COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE.jpg)
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
![A GARDEN GLOW-UP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/QwSMYyaxN1721304105444/A-GARDEN-GLOWUP.jpg)
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
![TRÈS BELLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/9ZON-tSnH1721303584828/TRS-BELLE.jpg)
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
![HOME AT LAST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/10EhUucXJ1721302984931/HOME-AT-LAST.jpg)
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family