Some colour schemes just never go out of style. Blue and white is a colour combination that works in most any home in one form or another.
When you first think of blue and white you probably picture a nautical-themed room. While this is a popular theme for this duo it's not the only one.
As you can see here in our feature room, courtesy of Kohler, blue and white also work in other realms. This Asian-inspired room carries the blue and white theme to a whole new level. Taking their inspiration from the gorgeous Imperial Blue Design on Conical Bell vessel sink, the designers of this space carried the rich blue colour and similar curling vine motif on to the walls. By visually dividing the wall with a chair rail, the room still feels light and airy. Two colours with one great look. Simple and clean but with tons of pizzazz. If you have a plain white basin in your bathroom you can still create a similar look with paint and accessories that carry a similar theme.
Because there are so many shades of blue one can take the blue and white theme to a whole new level. For example, the timeless blue and white pattern of Wedgewood Jasperware could become the inspiration for a lovely master bedroom. Creamy white linens, draperies and window/door trim set against soft blue walls would make for a restful, elegant space. Add intricately framed paintings and accents of white ceramics (like a decorative, free-standing column, plaster plaques etc.) and you'd have a bedroom that is stylish and timeless.
Denim blue and off white (like a cotton t-shirt) are a great colour combination for a boy's room. Use a strie effect to give the walls a real denim look. Recycle old blue jeans by using them to create toss cushions, bolsters and floor pillows the boys can toss around without worry. To keep the room light and airy, opt for a faded denim blue rather than a dark denim paint colour.
I still like a nautical theme in a bathroom. There's nothing as clean looking as crisp navy and bright white. These are usually easy colours to find in accessories and linens so it's a fun prospect for a room redo. Billowy white shower curtains (reminiscent of boat sails) against dark blue walls will make a huge visual statement. If you prefer a less dramatic look or are worried about the space being too dark, use the navy only in accessories and linens and leave the balance of the room in fresh white. Fun ideas like using boat cleats as towel or robe hooks will add to the theme.
The right white
In order for your blue and white theme to work, you must ensure you purchase the correct shade of white to go along with your chosen shade of blue. Ask your paint supplier for assistance or use the paint manufacturer's colour palettes as your guide. There's lots of information on the Internet at various paint supplier sites so it shouldn't be too hard to find the right colour pair.
Inspiration
If you like the idea of a blue and white decor but are unsure of which blue to use, you can garner your inspiration from many sources. Perhaps your china boasts a blue and white pattern you can carry into the dining room or the kitchen. A great piece of fabric can be an inspiration, not only for the colours but for the design just as the vessel sink was in our photo. You may even have a shade of blue in your current carpeting or furniture you have to work with. Don't let this be a negative. Find a shade of white that will work with your existing blue and update your space with a few coats of paint. Bring in accessories that carry both colours to bring it all together. That once dreaded blue carpet might just become part of a great space.
Don't forget you can be creative with the application of the paint as well. Paint a design like the one in our photograph or large stripes or checks. Paint all four walls blue or break it up by painting only the focal wall in blue. Don't forget the ceiling. A soft blue ceiling can be dreamy in a bedroom. Make the room appear larger by painting wide horizontal stripes around the entire room. Paint freehand patterns using your colours to create a truly unique space. There are tons of ideas for creating a vibrant space just with the paint itself.
Two simple colours can add up to one great decor. From timeless classics to a space with a modern twist, blue and white are a great combination when planning to make a decor change. Have fun considering your options and let me know how it turns out.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
