Electric Blue: Color of the Year 2025
- Zeynep Çağla Baki
- Dec 27, 2024
- 5 min read
Electric Blue: Teenager Brother of Unexpected Red
You have probably heard about Unexpected Red Theory on social media platforms. Taylor Migliazzo Simon explained Unexpected Red Theory, ‘adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all — and it automatically looks better.’ The color red evokes emotions as anger, passion and excitement; apart from its psychological effect, it also affects human experience by stimulating the senses and increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Here are some implementation of red, striking the traditional architecture scenes from all around Europe.
Anna designed by Batiik Studio in Paris, France.
Casa Santoni designed by Patricia Aurquiola in Milan, Italy.
Red Circulation Tunnel designed by Daab Design in London, England.
In a similar vein, the Unexpected Electric Blue Theory takes inspiration from the concept of adding a bold, unexpected color to create a visual impact. Unexpected Electric Blue involves incorporating a vibrant blue hue into spaces where it traditionally wouldn’t be expected — like in minimalist or neutral-toned interiors.
This color evokes different feelings depending on the context. For example, Electric Blue tone can offer innovative, dynamic and striking effect whilst it can also stimulate a provocative feeling with sophistication into traditional spaces.
Perry Rise - The Design House designed by 2LG Studio in London, England.
Where did Electric Blue Come From?
Rediscovery of electric blue lets us experience the vibrant spark of color in modern and contemporary projects, blazing through the design scene from all around the world while drawing its roots from a rich historical endeavor.
Ultramarine Blue, symbolized purity and sophistication with its deep and intense blue hue; has been derived from the Lapis Lazuli stone since 6th century. Historically, ultramarine was a prized pigment used in ancient art and was as costly as gold. However, its most prominent use dates back to the European Renaissance, in between 14th and 17th century.
During this period, Ultramarine was considered the finest and most expensive blue pigment, due to its challenging production process. This pigment was reserved only for sacred and prestigious artworks, such as The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne in 1424 by Masaccio, or Girl with a Pearl Earring in 1665 by Vermeer.
What about Yves Klein Blue?
Legally, colors cannot be patented yet Yves Klein invented a matte version of Ultramarine called IKB (International Klein Blue), with the help of Chemist Edouard Adam in 1960 by discovering a specific binder.
Ground breaking artworks of Yves Klein, presented in Apollinaire Gallery in Milan showcases his excelent representation of IKB, explained by him as 'Blue has no dimensions. It is beyond the dimensions of which other colors partake.'
UK based interior design studio YesColours manifactures sustainable paints, offering eclectic colors with background stories. Yves Klein inspired Electric Blue has matte and masonry options that you can purchase from their website: YesColours.com
How to Incorporate Electric Blue Into Your Space
Electric Blue can be complimented with contrasting tones and hues; yet the most striking combination of this tone is surely with Plain White. The lack of color on the background enriches the striking nature of Electric Blue. Here are some tips to incorporate Electric Blue into your space:
Built-in Furnitures: One of the most striking ways to blend Electric Blue into your space is to catch the eye with big mass geometries such as cabinetry, standing like a bold statement.
Statement Pieces: Apart from showcasing your Electric Blue magic in accent walls or built-in furnitures, you can incorporate this dynamic color in your space through a statement chair, inspiring decor elements or lighting fixtures.
Stairs: One of the most sculptural element of a space, staircases, can be prominenced with Electric Blue, offer a playful and dynamic sense into the space.
Electric Blue Pops Up in Kitchens
Since Electric Blue pairs well with various materials and finishes, it enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of kitchens. Electric blue adds a bold and vibrant touch, making kitchen spaces feel stylish and eye-catching when combined with complementary features: neutral tones or contrasting colors, such as terracotta tiles or white oak cabinets.
Mirów Studio Apartment designed by Katarzyna Sosinska Interiors in Warsaw, Poland.
Montecito Heights Kitchen, residential renovation project of Another Human in California, USA in 2020.
Electric Blue Kitchen of Inama 20 Project of Chromatudio in Milan, Italy.
'Setting the tone for the apartment’s aesthetic right off the bat is the vibrant kitchen with a royal blue island made by Cesar Cucine and supplied by Mo1950.
Iroko wood floors were removed and a similar shade of blue cement material was laid by Innovative Surface to delineate the kitchen’s footprint.'
Kitchen of Élise Chalmin Flat designed by her very own in Paris, France.
'At first, we wanted a blue wall from floor to ceiling. In the end, we felt that would be too much, but we're delighted with what we’ve gone for here!'
Colors that Go Well With Electric Blue
Electric Blue has a statement by itself, yet complimentary colors uncover the brave and dynamic character of this shade. We can see Electric Blue mostly combined with contrast colors such as red and pink while in my perspective, the most striking combination of Electric Blue is with Plain White which lets Electric Blue to recieve all the spotlights.
Terracotta Red
Baby Pink
Orange
Chrome
IKEA Color of the Year 2025: Electric Blue
We are almost reaching the new year and IKEA announced Color of the Year for the first time as Pantone reveals their Color of the Year which navigates design world in architecture, interior and furniture design, fashion design, graphic and digital design industries.
IKEA chose Electric Blue as the first Color of the Year for 2025, which proves the impact of this blue tone is also taking over the affordable and accesible design scene. They suggest pairing this vibrant color with contrasting colors as sunny yellows, oranges, lavenders and hot pinks. IKEA encourages you to incorporate this dynamic and brave tone of blue in your every day spaces with accent elements.
Check out Electric Blue color products you can purchase from IKEA right now:
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