We're in the midst of our British Isles issue, and when we think of that part of the world, we picture miles of coastline and cool, ocean-inspired blues. Here are several of our favorites (plus a few recommendations from members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory):
Above: Top row, left to right: Valspar Sea Salt Blue; Benjamin Moore Buxton Blue; and Valspar Royal Gray. Bottom row: Benjamin Moore Blue Nose; Farrow & Ball Skylight; and Benjamin Moore Horizon.
Above: Sea Salt Blue from Valspar is very similar to Farrow & Ball's Skylight, shown second to last (Sea Salt Blue is slightly greener).
Above: Benjamin Moore's Buxton Blue is part of the paint line's Historical Collection and is a favorite of New York City-based interior designers Joan and Jayne Michaels of 2Michaels.
Above: Valspar's Royal Gray is dark and gray enough to be serious, but blue enough to please color lovers. (It also has a beautiful chalky finish that photos can't convey.)
Above: Benjamin Moore's Blue Nose lives in the same cool, dark vein as Valspar's Royal Gray, but is bluer and lighter.
Above: Farrow & Ball Skylight is the pick of Portland, OR-based designer Carole Magness of Magness Interiors, who considers it the most beautiful and flexible blue she knows, and recommends it on an accent wall, ceiling, or trim.
Above: Benjamin Moore's Horizon comes recommended from the 2Michaels, who used the hue on the master bedroom walls of their Abingdon project.
Choosing paint colors can be daunting; browse the designer-vetted colors in our Palette & Paints series, which includes Happiness-Inducing Colors; Moody Paints Picks; Metallic Wall Paints; and the 10 Best Pink Paints and Celadon Greens. Go to Gardenista, for advice on Exterior Paints.