I just returned from San Francisco where I attended a lecture given by Carolyne Roehm. Held in conjunction with the San Francisco Antiques Show, the lecture, entitled "All Roads Lead to Roehm" (very clever!), was a celebration of all things blue and white, including her new book A Passion for Blue and White
. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy, and I really think it might be one of my favorite Roehm books to date.In both her lecture and the book, Roehm champions the versatility of this classic color combination. First, you have an array of shades with which to work- from icy blue to cornflower to navy and beyond. And blue and white also works well with other colors too such as pink, yellow, and red.
I believe that many of us think of blue and white as being casual, and it certainly can be. Really, what is chicer than a white blouse with a pair of blue jeans? But Roehm also makes the case for blue and white to be used in elegant and formal settings too. I suppose you can say that blue and white is like the perfect date- you can take it anywhere and it will fit in marvelously. No need to put lipstick on the pig! (Just kidding.)
I have to say that I admire Roehm's efforts at putting her passion into images and words. Roehm's love affair with blue and white began many years ago, and years later it is still going strong. While other colors might stir my passion more, I think I might be coming around to the whole blue and white thing.
Joe Nye New York will be hosting an afternoon tea in honor of Carolyne Roehm and her new book on Wednesday, November 5 at the Joe Nye New York showroom. To RSVP, contact Christina Juarez, tel 917-463-3685. Wish I could join you!
Blue and white can be laid back and informal
Or it can be quite grand and proper
Blue and white can be exuberant
And it's also quite breezy
And you know what? It looks quite smashing on a cake too.
(All images from A Passion for Blue & White, Carolyne Roehm, Broadway Books, 2008)
I really like the pergola.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I associate red with you so I'll be curious to see if more blue and white finds its way in to your chic home in the next year!
Courtney- You hit the nail on the head. Red is definitely my color!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I checked on flights to see if I could swing this, but it happens to fall on my oldest son's birthday and I just can't miss that. I bet it was terrific to hear her speak.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get my copy! I know it will be wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about Blue and White that just ALWAYS looks chic??? Wonderful post.......I have always admired Carolyne Roehm's work and lucky girl YOU got to hear and see her in person!!!
ReplyDeleteRemember when she made that line of dog accessories, way back when? I remember snapping up one of the red-leather leads at a discount store—it looked terribly snappy on my hound.
ReplyDeletePatricia- I wish I could go too! I bet it will be a fun party.
ReplyDeleteRonda and Mimilee- I think you'll love this book :)
ReplyDeleteAesthete- Wasn't that from her catalogue? I just loved that catalogue and still have a few pieces- some Mottahedeh, a cobalt blue glass vase, and some luggage. She even sold little plastic bags with blue flowers on them which were perfect for travel (cottonballs, etc.). I miss that catalogue. I bet your dog did look awfully snappy.
ReplyDeletegosh, i love carolyne roehm!
ReplyDeleteonce upon a time she described herself as a perennial student. that idea of being on a never-ending quest to learn about everything and everyone seemed to me a first-rate ambition!
fantastic post : )
That grand poster bed~do you think it was originally a dark oppressive mahogany? And so too, the rest of the furniture? If so, it took nerve, and the result exhibits great flair. I am besotted with that room.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice outing for you!
ReplyDeleteCR has paid her dues, and deserves every bit of success her major talent nets her.
I hope she does a book on every color combination!!!!
xo xo
Paul- I love that! I want to be a perennial student too. I guess I am in someways, but I wish I had more time to pursue that endeavor.
ReplyDeleteToby- At the lecture, she mentioned that this bed was a copy of an antique and was designed to fit the dimensions of her bedroom. She also mentioned that the indigo fabric faded quite quickly and that the blue is no longer as vibrant as it was when it was photographed.
ReplyDeleteBlue and white has been a long time favorite! I think this book may find it's way into my library this Christmas. And that cake! I wouldn't have realized without the caption! Haha!
ReplyDeleteInteresting point about the faded blue fabric. In my early days, someone from Brunschwig & Fils told me that blue was the most fugitive of colours. Also, many of the antique textiles that we "read" as being green, were in fact once blue. So I guess that a passion for blue and white can have its downside, unless we compensate by using stronger blues to start with.
ReplyDeleteToby - I loved that room instantly too! Gosh, we should be friends!
ReplyDeletePeak - I just got my book today and am so excited to read it! as for your - since red is your color, why not bring blue and white in your decor via blue and white porcelains? that would be so beautiful - huge vases, urns, etc.
Joni- That's a good idea. Hope you enjoy the book!
ReplyDeleteOhh I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!! Carolyne will actually be signing copies at Privet House at some point in November!!
ReplyDeleteFerret- Oh good, it's always great to have a signed copy! Plus, she seems very gracious too.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteSorry to have missed you at the show.
Did you see our stand, Therien & Co?
Unfortunately we were working the show so we did not get to see the lecture. I enjoyed your post of this.
Regards,
Philip
Philip- You better believe I saw your stand- amazing!!! So much so that I ended up going by your shop- I think I wanted everything! If you get a chance, please email me- jennifer@thepeakofchic.com.
ReplyDeleteI know Ms. Roehm has her detractors, but you cannot argue with the beauty of this book. The photography is gorgeous and the color saturation is superb. Not to mention her eye for design and detail. This is a must-have for collectors of design books.
ReplyDeleteI have sewn for Carolyne since she rebuilt Weatherstone. Her designs & fabric choices are always such a pleasure to work with & so tasteful!
ReplyDeletewww.kristenskurtains.com