Before we head off for our summer break – we are bringing a taste of the Mediterranean with our brand new Colour of the Month: Maya Blue.
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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND
FACTS & PSYCHOLOGY
Have you heard of Maya Blue before?
Maya Blue (Spanish: azul maya) is a unique bright blue pigment manufactured by cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, such as the Maya and Aztec.
In Pre-Industrial Europe, Blue Pigments were exceedingly rare. But an ocean away, the Maya had their own, widely available blue. Maya Blue was used for centuries in present-day Mexico. In Europe, before the Industrial Revolution and the invention of synthetic blue paints, artists used pigment – which was at the time even more expensive than gold.
The high cost of the semi-precious lapis lazuli stones imported from far-off Afghanistan – blue was precious and scarce. However across the ocean, it was a different story. Evidence suggests that the Mayans were using their very own blue – Maya Blue – possibly as early as 600 BC, and it can be found in the ancient city of Chichén Itzá – a thriving city in its heyday.
Chichén Itzá – Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) via
The composition of Maya Blue – almost impervious to age, acid, weather and even modern solvents, remained a mystery until the 1960s, when scientists deciphered the components. Prior to this Art historians and scientists alike were baffled by the origins of this vibrant blue seen in Maya art. This brilliantly hued pigment was finally identified: it was made by mixing a rare natural clay called palygorskite with dye from the indigo plant.
This Baltasar de Echave Ibia work is practically soaked in blue – a luxury European painters of the 1600s couldn’t have afforded (Credit: Museo Nacional de Arte de Mexico) source
Maya Blue was still used in the 16th century in several Convents of Colonial Mexico, notably in the paintings of Juan Gerson in Tecamachalco. These paintings are a clear example of the combination of Indian and European techniques sometimes known as Arte Indocristiano.
Juan Gerson’s religious paintings in the Franciscan church of Tecamachalco, Puebla, 1562 via
Maya blue retains its vibrant colour for centuries. This figurine from Jaina Island dates from the Maya Late Classic period from 600 to 900. Field Museum source
Maya Blue proves to be an extremely resistant pigment. Despite time and harsh weathering conditions, paintings coloured by Maya Blue have not faded over time. Maya Blue, a vibrant light blue, characterizes the civilisation that flourished across Mesoamerica between the 3rd and 10th century. The colour can be seen on pottery, murals and other artifacts produced by the Maya people of Central America centuries ago, and the durable pigment remains vibrant today long after colours have faded away.
Maya Blue, Warrior, body paint Via / Source
Maya Blue played a large role in ancient Maya ritual. The vibrant sky colour is associated with Chaak, the rain god and of human sacrifice. The Maya associated the colour blue with their rain deities. When skies were reminiscent of Maya Blue, cloudless and dry the Maya sometimes selected an unlucky victim to be painted this sacred colour and they were thrown down a well “cenote” as a sacrifice to the rain god – in hope that rain would follow and make the corn grow. By analyzing the famous blue pigment found in the bottom of a well, has enabled scientists to solve the mystery of how to make the ancient super Maya Blue.
Blue represents both the sky and the sea and is the favourite colour of all people.
The colour blue is associated with open spaces, freedom, expansiveness and inspiration – so let your imagination run free. Blue is nature’s colour for water and sky and is known to have positive effects on the mind and the body.
The colour blue reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness and relaxation – lie back and look into a bright blue cloudless sky and no doubt feel a sense of calm. It slows the metabolism down. While blue conjures images of sky and sea, it’s also the colour of bravery and dedication.
Via / Urban Outfitters / Vogue Cover source / via / via / David Hockney The SPLASH, 1966
Blue-Green Swimming Pool Murals David Hockney source
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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND
INTERIORS & DESIGN
Colours of nature are proving popular; as are warm sun-kissed colours and calm colours to soothe the soul and create a restful environment. The trend for earthy and harmonious colours as well as calming and comforting.
From Maya blue, we think straight about Mediterranean atmospheres and interiors- hence, about the New Mediterrean interior style trend, a modernist take on the Mediterranean aesthetics.
A new movement in interior design that embraces sumptuous minimalism through warm, earthy tones, and natural materials. Modern Mediterrean homes are simple and elegant. They celebrate open-plan living, rustic finishes and embrace minimalism through natural materials. Raw finishes suggestive of primitive hand carved feel.
Rooted in slow living and built upon the Italian, Spanish and Moroccan traditions. From handmade ceramics to woven baskets, geometry to ethnic patterns and tiles. Think simple, yet sumptuous, with an ode to the wabi-sabi philosophy. There is an appreciation for irregular, organic and sculptural shapes. Key architectural-inspired objects include spheres, arches and columns.
Finished off with focus placed on balance – the idea that it is not just about one single item in isolation but consideration of the feeling of the entire space. Each element of design working together to clear the mind of unnecessary distractions to enable calm and mindfulness.
The New Mediterrean gestalten
The Greek Villas Via
Via @marrakechdesign / via
Maya blue is a bright and sunny colour. Many of us associate the colour blue with sunny days of summer. Blue and yellow reminiscent of blue sky and sunshine. As we head into summer we seek; laid back living and those mediterrean vibes that remind us of holidays. The blue shades that are most often associated with the Mediterrean water are often found in the areas around cities with a high concentration of tourists. Mayan Blue has that warm yet calming feeling to it and a great way to add a little colour flair to interiors. The colour can add a cool pop of colour while also giving your room some subtle warmth.
It is the most popular colour among photographers and graphic designers who prefer the cool and calming atmosphere of this colour. Inspired by the soothing blue tone of the sea, this color scheme evokes thoughts of relaxation and tranquility. It’s one of our favourite colour schemes because it’s both soothing and yet eye-catching.
Source / via / via / Shutterstock / source / by @scorpio.muse via @ihavethisthingwithfloors
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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND
COLOR CODES AND PAINT SPECIFICATIONS
Benjamin Moore pairs this blue hue with an inherently sophisticated and endlessly versatile off-white from their collection offering soft nuances of whites. Also the greys – an understated and elegant mid-tone grey with a hint of cool blue and softer grey in silver cloud. For something darker suggesting – In the Midnight Hour.
Via Planète Déco
NCS Colours via / British Colour Standard via
A fresh mid blue. Farrow & Ball Lulworth Blue. Despite its brightness, it can promote deep and peaceful sleep when used in low lit rooms.
The blues – Designers Guild
Blue skies and endless oceans: lots of people claim blue as their favourite colour than any other. Either way – blue is a wonderful colour to decorate with and used with white it’s a timeless classic. Of course each of our shades has a different personality and make sure you are using the right tone to compliment your particular room and the light within.
Designers Guild
Cornish Ware No. 48 , Clear Sky No. 49 & Cloudless No. 47 – offering an endless cloudless spring sky, nature’s neutral.
Tricia Guild’s Italian garden designed in collaboration with Arne Maynard. Images from
‘I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the colour blue – I love the expansive feeling of hope and calm it evokes in me. It also strikes a note of modernity in the courtyard and gives a sense of the colours that follow through the rest of the house.’
Designers Guild – Tricia Guild
Graham & Brown Lhasa paint, Little boy blue
Following in the footsteps of the former Colour of the Year 2020 Classic Blue – is Sky Blue, the new Pantone 2021 colour. Light sky blue is associated with peace, serenity, infinity; the origin of these meanings is the intangible aspects of the sky. Pale blue inspired creativity and the freedom to break free – the paler the blue the more freedom we feel. Previously we looked at light and airy Baby Blue.
PANTONE Swatches
Pantone Cerulean – The color of the sky on a serene, crystal clear day, from Pantone: Fashion Color Trend Report: New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021
Pantone Clear Sky – Redolent of the cool blue of a cloudless day. , from Pantone: Fashion Color Trend Report: London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021/2022
Troviscal House / M2. senos arquitectos Images by Do mal o menos source Archdaily
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MAYA BLUE COLOR TREND
HOW TO USE IT IN INTERIORS
Maya blue can add a splash of colour to interior and outdoor spaces… anything from tiles to artwork and soft furnishings.
As a paint colour it can make a bold impact, but if you don’t fancy it as bright – use a tone for a more “dusty blue” or go for a shade darker for a “moodier blue.” For a lighter wash of colour – a tint can provide a soft airy blue. Lighter shades of the colour instil a feeling of calm and tranquility at home which makes a good choice for bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces where you want to relax.
A palette of blues and greens (sea tones) convey colours of the coast and there is the classic combination of blue and white. Also consider pairing with neutrals to bring you the beautiful warmth of the mediterrean. Now that’s a perfect note to finish on.
Be inspired by Maya blue.
Via – A modern Mediterranean-style beach house in Ibiza / Dash & Herbert via / via / Bert & May
Via /@couleurlocaleconceptstore / via / via
Via / via / gestalten / via @mallorcahideway, @couleurlocaleconceptstore
Via Archilovers
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