When I think of summer holidays the colour blue always comes to mind, probably because it reminds me of summer skies and the sea. Apparently, blue is the world’s favourite colour. I can understand why, as it really does invoke a sense of calm and serenity. Here are some ideas for using different shades of blue to give your home a tranquil feel.

A seaside vibe
Summery blue and white stripes scream beach hut style; a cornflower blue striped tablecloth (available from Late Afternoon) will create an instant mood boost for your outside table. Mix with brightly coloured glassware – check out the reasonably priced Faraji range from La Redoute.

Add soft washed-out denim blue cushions to create a chic American Hamptons look and, for those cooler evenings, an Avoca mohair throw in gorgeous Sky or Ocean blue will keep you cosy.

Mediterranean blues
Terence Conran’s favourite cobalt blue will give your home an instant Mediterranean summer vibe. Invest in blue-and-white artisanal pottery or a Moroccan style rug. Dunelm’s indoor/outdoor Moretti rug is great value – pair with earthy hues of terracotta or yellow ochre.

If you’ve ever been to Greece and were inspired by the azure blue paintwork, why not decorate a single piece of furniture in Annie Sloan’s Greek Blue chalk paint to add a bright pop of colour to an otherwise neutral colour scheme?

A dash of French nautical chic
Choose classic navy and white for a sophisticated nautical feel; perfect for a coastal retreat, but just as effective for any stylish bedroom or bathroom. Think crisp white sheets with a French navy trim. Cologne and Cotton’s Monaco bedlinen will transport you to the French riviera. In the bathroom, simple white tiles look chic accessorised with plain navy or navy-and-white striped towels. Check out Zara Home’s bathroom range for more ideas.

Asian influences
If you love pattern, look to Asia for inspiration. I was inspired to write this piece on holiday in Bali; I loved the Indonesian Ikat fabric designs in deep indigo blue, particularly effective on cushions and table linen.

China has long been an inspiration for English Country House décor. Little Greene have produced a range of beautiful wallpapers with a contemporary take – the China Rose pattern in Blue Lustre would look stunning on a feature wall.

Calm aqua
Aqua is probably my favourite shade of blue. I find the combination of green and blue instantly relaxing, so much so that it’s in most rooms in my house. Turquoise images of the Great Barrier Reef in the bathroom, soft blue-green colour drenched walls in my study, and the teal kitchen island unit (I used Dix Blue from Farrow and Ball).

I love the large contemporary seascape in my sitting room, and I’m currently lusting after a hand painted ‘Aquafina’ vase from Anthropologie.

So, why not ditch the grey and dip a toe into blue this summer? You won’t regret it!