For some, the difference between right and wrong is as simple as black and white. For others, there are many shades of gray. Some of us live in red states, while others in blue ones. But regardless of where we live and how we see things, I think it's safe to say that there is something that most of us would agree on. Blue and white is always right in decoration.
(The image at top is a foyer that was designed by William Machado. The effect of the blue and white paper not to mention the blue ceiling is crisp and clean and not too sweet.)
I've always loved this photo. There's my favorite Pierre Frey fabric on the headboard. And look at that gorgeous blue and white Porthault linen. But the main reason I love this shot? It was designed by Mario Buatta, one of the masters of the blue and white color scheme (just one of his many design talents!)
Carolyne Roehm is no johnny come lately to blue and white. She was using it long before her recent book came out. Here, in her Southampton house, there is a wonderful blue and white Portuguese table placed in front of the blue and white tiled fireplace and wall. The blue and white quilted fabric with trim completes the breezy look.
Hmmm, quite an exuberant use of blue and white. You've got the Manuel Canovas porcelain print on the walls and curtains; blue and white plaid on the chairs and window shades; blue dining chairs; blue china; and blue and white lattice rug. Oh, and it appears that the top of the white chest is blue, too.
Mallory-Tillis designed this soothing room in the late 1950s. In a weird way, I'm kind of taken with that blue floor. I'm not so crazy about the arched panels over the windows, but I do like the blue-backed bookshelves and white dust-jacketed books. And that marbleized blue shelf is rather wild.
(Machado photo from The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Back to the Blue and White
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I love the tiny stool in the Machado foyer! And that marbelized shelf reminds me of Nick Olsen's coffee table (the domino apartment).
ReplyDeleteFun. I love blue and white. Portuguese tiles are great, too. I seem to remember that one of Michael Smith's houses has them half way up the wall, and they are too fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThere's a great blue and white New Orleans house in the Spring 1982 Southern Accents. Go here to see pictures:
ReplyDeletehttp://whitehaveninteriors.blogspot.com/2010/05/southern-accents-series-premiere-issue.html
The whole house is blue and white - outside included!
Helen
I love blue and white. It looks so crisp and clean. I met with a client last night and she had great white pants with a crisp navy top and she looked so chic. Its an easy tried and true way of decorating.
ReplyDeleteBlue and White--I can only sleep in blue and white bedrooms. There is just something about the interplay of energy between navy blue and white. Mario Buatta does it best. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI too love Blue and White, but never seem to have used it in one of my homes! Wonder why?
ReplyDeleteBut, congratulations, you always seem to come up with the most thought provoking and interesting photos! The Mallory-Tillis room certainly brings back memories for me. It was one of the clippped photos in my files when in design school (in the Late 50s!)>
And at the time the arched panels over the windows were the "latest thing"---- very much like the architect Edward Darrel Stone, and a houses being done by Robsjohn-Gibbons. I always thought this room was a little "cold" and uncomfortable looking, but then it was a set and/or a model room.
That is my favorite Pierre Frey fabric too!
ReplyDeleteI love the bookshelves in the 1950s Mallory Tillis room. She has painted the bookcases blue and has covered all the books in white covers-it looks so chic! Its similar to what India Hicks did in the bahamas!
ReplyDeleteBlue and white is one of my favourite colour combinations - I especially like it when its used to create that 'French Country' Rustic vibe - great photos - thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletehttp://renata-beautyandelegance.blogspot.com/
I also love the Pierre Frey's fabric on the headboard and What I love is that there is the matching wallpaper.
ReplyDeleteHUMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDepending what shade of BLUE and how much??
I like yellow walls with blue and white dishes. A small touch of blue to accessorize. I once bought a house with royal blue draperies. The first thing I did upon possession was rip them down.
Blue & white ginger jars go anywhere! Love this post!
ReplyDeleteVery true - its a classic combination. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYou can never go wrong with blue and white in any shade of either. Love the last photo!
ReplyDeleteBlue and white have always been one of my favorite combinations, especially when it comes to china.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Do you know the name or manufacturer of the wallpaper in the Machado room? It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnon- I agree that it's a beautiful paper. Unfortunately, the book does not mention the name of the print. What a shame!
ReplyDeleteI started out with blue & white everything 20 years ago when I decorated my first apartment. And slowly, it's creeping back in here & I'm loving it. Hope you are well.
ReplyDeletegreat pics. I am dying to do a blue and white room. Love the Porteaux pillows. they make any bed fabulous.
ReplyDelete