Black remains a staple in home decor. It blends well with other colors and can add elegance to a space. The same can also be said of blue, especially indigo. Yes, blue is the new black.

Deep blue has become a favorite for designers, especially those looking to use a dark, rich color without the harshness black can provide. For many homeowners and those in the design community, blue is a preferred choice to black, and it’s gaining popularity.

When it comes to using deep blue or indigo, here are some tips to keep in mind:

— DO mix deep blue with soft neutrals such as white and taupe. The blue can help make these colors stand out.

— DO mix rich shades of blue with sharp contrast colors such as yellow or chartreuse.

— DO map your pops of blue throughout a space. Color mapping is a technique in which one can repeat a color throughout a room. For example, introduce a blue piece of art and then use a rug with blue accents, then add a blue toss pillow.

— DON’T be afraid to mix blue with black. Once considered to be taboo, from fashion to home decor realms, dark blue and black are colors that are being displayed together.

— DON’T paint a wall a deep blue unless it is an accent wall. Deep blue will likely overly darken a room if used as an overall color.

— DON’T dismiss opportunities to introduce blue into your space in interesting ways, such as ocean- or water-inspired art or photography.

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Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com .

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