Colour crush: Classic blue & white
Blue and white is such a classic combo- I don’t think it is ever out of fashion. Its popularity transcends trends probably because blue wears the crown as the world’s favourite colour and, as I will go on to explain, a brilliant colour to base your interior design schemes around. From Chinese Ming pottery to Willow china, through to that classic Ralph Lauren nautical Hamptons vibe, blue and white continues to be celebrated and reinvented across design. The latest collection by luxury furniture designer Bethan Gray is a rhapsody in indigo ink on white (featured in the image at top).
Inkat fabric in ink blue, by Korla
While blue adds the depth and drama, white is the element of open space which makes them the perfect backdrop to other accent colours. I like to perk it up with a hot Indian pink, a mimosa yellow or indeed a coral red. Warm natural textures and materials like timber, rattan and brass also look sensational next to it, contrasting with the cool inky blue tones.
The perfect example of a fresh tablescape at Maison Margaux
Blue and white is one of the most universal colour combinations and pretty much goes with anything which makes it a great investment choice for your home, interestingly aside from neutral greiges, blue is the most popular colour for kitchens. A great choice as you can ring the changes with the accent colours over the years to come to keep yourself interested. I love it as a colour story for the dining table and it looks particularly fresh as a summer table setting.
Plumage Porcelain Blue Wallpaper, Woodchip & Magnolia
In terms of colour psychology blue reminds us of expansive blue skies and the ocean and as a result can help us feel, calm, relaxed or indeed focused. If I was to offer one word of caution, it is that blue and white are intrinsically cool colours, so think twice before using them in north-facing rooms that have a cold natural light. However, if you live in a sun-soaked country or have a particularly bright south-facing room, then knock yourself out! And beware of stepping into an overly nautical theme, instead pick out classic blue and white prints but mix them up with more contemporary pieces to keep your interiors looking fresh and interesting.
1. Hot Pottery, Side Plate Blueberry, £18, Liberty | 2. Arcs Shade lamp shade, £209, Hay at Nordic Nest | 3. Set of 4 Nekojita Geometric Napkins, £12, La Redoute | 4. Coastal vase, £14, Dunelm | 5. Zinc textile Geronimo cushion, £145.50, Sweetpea & Willow | 6. Markel dining chair, £199, Weilai Concept | 7. Blue Leaf Ginger Jar, £64.50, Trouva.
8. Ionian pendant lamp, £195, Mind the Gap | 9. Hand-Tufted Burke Rug, from £138, Anthropologie | 10. Lottie lamp base and 30cm empire shade in temple blue block, £54, Pooky | 11. Un Caffe Indoor/Outdoor Bistro Chair, £198, Anthropologie | 12. Indigo drop mug, £20 set 2; plates, from £18, all Nkuku | 13. Riggiola blue ceramic tile, £120 set 4, Ceramica Pinto at Artemest.
