Beloved for its tranquil and restorative qualities, the colour blue is endlessly versatile in the home. Bestselling author Fifi O’Neill reveals 12 homes that explore the full spectrum of shades.

Blues are right at home in any room, whether your style skews country or urban, modern or classic, bold or understated. Every colour has an anthology of hues, but finding a soothing red or an energizing grey can be challenging. Blue, however, is a colour without limits: from azure to cerulean and from turquoise to ultramarine, there are countless possibilities. It also pairs well with other hues. With white it evokes the laidback charm of a coastal cottage. In a chalky pastel scheme it brings a soft and dreamy feel. And it provides the perfect contrast for bright green, mustard yellow or a pop of red.

In the first section of the book, Inspirations, Fifi considers the essential elements of a blue-toned scheme: fabrics and furniture, lighting, accessories and more. The second section, The Homes, features 12 real homes from Rhode Island to California, arranged in four chapters: Heavenly Blues, Moody Blues, True Blues and Atmospheric Blues. Each one offers an inspiring take on decorating with this much-loved colour.