feature image via Design Sponge
Yves Klein is one of my favorite artists. Like Picasso, he had a “blue period” and the color he used is now known as “Klein blue”. It’s the most beautiful shade of brilliant royal blue. I had the pleasure of seeing his work in MOMA and I just wanted to stare at it forever. So, today, I’m sharing my everyday obsession with you: Klein blue.
Before I show you how Klein blue is showing up in home decor, let me give you some context. Below, you’ll find a cool picture of him with his hand painted Klein blue. Yves (pronounced “Eve”) was an interesting character. He was one of those “life fast, die young” characters who passed away at age 33 after suffering multiple heart attacks. But lucky for us, he made a big impact and his legacy lives on!
via Ranker
Below, you’ll find one of his most popular works, entitled “Anthropométrie”. Sure, it’s a really cool piece of art, BUT! The story of how he created this is spectacular. He painted people’s bodies and instructed them on to the canvas. So, these paintings were literally crated with bodies instead of brushes. Amazing, right?
“Anthropométrie” via Yves Klein
via Yves Klein
via Yves Klein
Here they are in action! Klein was a visionary. Kendall Jenner even recreated this art using his famed Klein blue. Other artists have tried to recreate this as well. This style of painting is more like performance art that yields a physical painting. Yves Klein’s creativity and ingenuity just floors me. That is why he is a favorite artist of mine; also, Klein blue is my favorite color ever.
Everyday Obsession: Klein Blue
So, now that you know why Yves Klein is so special to me, let’s jump into how Klein blue has made its way into interiors! In the image below, you’ll find my dream coffee table, by the way. Yves Klein got into the furniture game for a spell and the result is this $21,000 coffee table. It comes in gold as well (of course it does).
via Architectural Digest
via Coco Kelley
If you want to have a more neutral space with pops of color, this is the way to go. Chinese ginger jars are a classic way to bring in some bright blue without it being too much. If you go to any antique store, you will probably find an entire section of porcelain goods in the blue and white palette. It’s a timeless color scheme that can also be added to modern spaces. Klein blue, in my opinion, is the MVP of color.
via Brian Patrick Flynn
Here’s a behind the scenes install of a custom Klein blue sofa, designed by my favorite Brian Patrick Flynn. If you follow Brian, he does some really great spaces that tend towards “transitional”. Traditional spaces made modern is how I would describe his work. I am always delighted when he uses bright colors, and this awesome channel back sofa doesn’t disappoint.
via Traditional Home
via Pure Wow
via Song of Style
Style blogger (and interior designer), Aimee Song, has a gorgeous velvet Klein blue sofa. This sofa was custom made and has a great seat depth so she can sit on it and write her blog posts. She pairs it with some mid century styled items as well as lots of warmth (and a fantastic abstract art piece).
via Brian Patrick Flynn
One of the reasons I love Klein blue is because of its vibrancy. But, as you can see above, it also can be paired flawlessly with neutrals and pattern. For those who are afraid of color, I think you would even enjoy a space like this. Subtle furniture, a white canvas, and some statement furniture and you’re in business with a space that still reads “neutral”.
I love interiors with pops of color; I find them to be so happy and inviting. When I look at a bright space in a magazine or online, I want to know who lives there. I can only imagine the owner to be someone who is creative, fun, cool, and casual. Color makes interiors less “stuffy” and much more friendly.
How do you feel about Klein blue? I am currently in my living room, which has 6 Klein blue decor items; so you could say I am a fan. Think about adding some Klein blue moments in your decor!
-Kristen
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