Outfitting a small room in white and reflective surfaces is a common designer strategy to lend the illusion of more space. But in this tight family bath designer Hannah Dee of Hannah Dee Interiors used a splash of soft blue tile in another clever technique. "The accent wall brings your eye to the back of the room, broadening and lengthening the space—visually—making it feel much bigger than it really is."

In the master bedroom of a California mid-century modern home, designers Diego Monchamp and Ryan Brown of Brown Design Group took a bold approach to the asymmetrical architecture, emphasizing it with the contrasting colors of the walls and ceiling. "We used a spectrum of grays and blues, including a steel-blue wallcovering, throughout the room to make it feel sophisticated and neutral," says Monchamp. "Wood elements always complement these muted tones."

To create a relaxed yet sophisticated feel in a coastal home, designer Kara Smith of SFA design began with a palette of soft sand tones and dusty blues. "Organic accents and custom furnishings with clean lines and soft textures provide a calming atmosphere that highlights the modern and minimal design of the space," she says.

Whether you have a water view or just wish you did, bathing your bedroom in shades of soft blue can create a soothing coastal ambiance. In this luxurious master bedroom designer Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs chose a darker blue wall covering for the walls and added hints of brighter blue on the bed. The natural wood light fixture and leather-seated chair lends just enough warmth for comfort.