People are drawn to certain colors. Green, for example, is often associated with the Earth and considered a calming hue. Yellow is playful and sunny. But experts say there is one clear favorite.

A 2004 report by The Global Market Bias Research Series indicated that for every country in the world, blue is the winner on the color scale.

“A lot of people either love, or hate, for example, pink and purple,” Sherri Taylor, Syracuse University Graphics Design professor says, “but it’s rare to find a blue hater.”

When the newspaper USA Today worked on creating its nameplate, “they researched what color had the fewest negative reactions from consumers,” Taylor says. The frontrunner: blue.

Taylor says blue is a powerful color, in part, because we associate it with Americana – deep navy is one of the colors in our beloved flag, and blue is featured in many American-related song lyrics.

“The darker shades often send the more patriotic feelings,” Taylor says.

Another reason we love blue: it gives us positive vibes, and calms us down. “I like to learn about color connections based on phrases we use – “true blue” is one that I think really explains the way we feel about the color.”

When it comes to design and décor, “blue is a workhorse for color use,” Taylor tells us. Pair it with almost any color for a combination that works. Team light blues with black, grey, violets, and mauves.

Cool colors in general work well with blues. Take note from Missoni’s collection below and match blues up with greens, and shades of turquoise or aqua.

“Darker blues look great with whites,” Taylor says. It’s that beachy, nautical, crisp, summertime feel that so many of us love.

As for those warmer colors, you can set them up near blue as well. “Next to reds and other warm colors, blues become even more placid,” Taylor says.  “Blue is a great cushion for other colors.”

Blue and purple living room featured in House Beautiful

In her own home, Taylor uses blue in one of the bedrooms. “I think it’s very conducive to sleeping,” she says.

With blue as a favorite for so many, use the color in rooms that get a lot of traffic. Toss blue pillows onto the couch in the living room, or add a deep blue rug under the coffee table.