One of my all time favorites is the simplicity of a blue & white color scheme. This “no-fail” color combination is compatible with most personality types and goes a long way no matter what size room you are decorating. Starting with Chinese porcelain as a home accent in the 18th century and moving into home furnishings with French Country inspiration, the blue & white combo has left it’s mark as a standard. There are so many great blues to choose from. The photo above is a successful example of how to utilize a deep shade in this color family.
Above photo by Flkr, Click here for more inspirational photos from Zimbio
Tips for using blue:
1) Mix several shades of blue with different patterns such as stripes, prints, plaids and floral.
2) Use white as a base and add blues accordingly. There is always room for more.
3) Collect your favorite blue & white accents and work them into the decor, this will add texture and interest to this traditional color combo.
Blue Willow, a popular English china is the ultimate when it comes to this color scheme. I love the delicate patterns that this china reflects and can see decorating a room based solely on inspiration from the plate seen here.
I’ve never been very successful at doing a room in blue and white. The closest I’ve come to is blue/gray with another startling color like fuchsia. I guess it’s the dark blue that makes me claustrophobic and brings out childhood fears of the dark.
However, I love blue and white patterned plates. I always regretted getting a red/white set for my wedding — blame my mother in law’s domineering influence on a 20-yr old. But several years later, I found the most beautiful blue and white floral porcelain plates made in England — at Target!! I got 3 sets of everything and totally unapologetic about it. I use it everyday even now, and for company on occasions. Now, 17 years later, there are less than a dozen of each that survived moves, children, and accidents.
Long live blue and white porcelain!
I want to re-do my bedroom in blue and white. Should the walls be white then? I don’t have a single white wall in my house. That would be very strange for me…
-s
I have purchased a ink-blue and white quilt and shams for a “future” guest room. I think I want yellow as my accent color. What color should the walls be… pale blue, pale yellow….I cannot imagine white!
I have purchased an ink-blue and white quilt and shams for a “future” guest room. I think I want yellow as my accent color. What color should the walls be… pale blue, pale yellow….I cannot imagine white!
Hi Connie,
It all depends on the look that you are after. If you are going tonal, then a pale yellow or blue wall will work well. If you want to add an additinal color to your palette you can try a medium coco or step out and add coral for some excitement.
~Patti