0

Your Cart is Empty

Now Trending: Blue and White Goes Bold

Now Trending: Blue and White Goes Bold

Blue and white is easily one of the most iconic colour combos around, especially when it comes to classic interior decor.

Having been used for centuries throughout nearly all parts of East Asia, the pairing's popularity in the Western world exploded in 17th and 18thcenturies, when painted porcelain wares were first exported from region to Europe. Chinoiserie, as we know it today, is a (somewhat-distant) relative of these original art pieces, owing as much stylistically to the European lens through which it's been interpreted and imitated as it does to the East Asian artistic traditions from which it stems.

The most iconic pieces (and our personal faves): Glazed porcelain ginger jars. Whether authentic antiques, vintage reproductions or modern replicas, these jars are typically adorned with hand-painted (or screen-printed) motifs that draw on traditional imagery found in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cultures, such as cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and golden pheasants.

While Chinoiserie has been coveted by collectors for ages, the design world seems particularly smitten with the style right now — and we're obviously totally here for it. Here are three ways designers are bringing bold new takes on blue and white to their spaces, and how best to complement the colour pairing in your home.

3 WAYS TO STYLE BLUE & WHITE AT HOME

1

Pattern on Pattern (on Pattern)

For a maximalist take on the look, repeat after us: More is more!

The technique is simple: Layer rich cobalt blue and crisp ivory over each other in every print and pattern you can find — from stripes and checks to ikat and floral blockprints — and in any form your room requires, from wallpaper to pillows to rugs to decor accessories.

The tight two-colour palette means the look stay cohesive rather than cluttered. And, you can choose how bold or subtle to go by shifting the balance from heavier on the blue to adding in more white.

Bedroom by Ariel Okin. Photo by Seth Caplan.

Bedroom by Ariel Okin. Photo by Seth Caplan.

Entry by Katie Rosenfeld & Company.

Entry by Katie Rosenfeld & Company.

Living room by Debby Tenquist.

Living room by Debby Tenquist.

Living Room by Mark D. Sikes.

Living Room by Mark D. Sikes.

Dining Room by Andrew  Howard.

Dining Room by Andrew Howard.

Get the Look

Riviera Pillow

Marina Table Lamp

Dynasty Pots

Lola Rug

2

Soft & Serene

Prefer a lighter-handed approach? Opt for pale, soft blues matched with clean white for a quietly confident spin.

Instead of the warm brass that's often matched with chinoiserie in traditional homes, pair powdery blues with polished nickel for an airy finish. We love light blues in bedrooms (for wall paint or bedding) and bath or powder rooms (as wallpaper or cabinets) for a soothing, feminine touch. Marble tile, countertops and accessories are a natural fit.

Bathroom by Bespoke of Winchester. Photo by Jessica Delaney Photography.

Bath by Bespoke of Winchester. Photo by Jessica Delaney Photography.

Hall by Kate Marker Interiors. Photo by Stoffer Photography.

Hall by Kate Marker Interiors. Photo by Stoffer Photography.

Kitchen by Bria Hammel Interiors.

Kitchen by Bria Hammel Interiors.

Laundry by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

Laundry by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

Bath by Erica Bryant Design. Photo by Mandy McGregor.

Bath by Erica Bryant Design. Photo by Mandy McGregor.

Bath by Lizzie Cullen Cox  Interiors. Photo by Kip Dawkins.

Bath by Lizzie Cullen Cox Interiors. Photo by Kip Dawkins.

Get the Look

Cloud Study

Rowan Polished Nickel Chandelier

Eva Stripe Pillow – Powder

Cherry Blossom Ginger Jar

3

Island Inspired

With summer in our sights, we're drawn to this breezy, Caribbean-inflected take.

If you're a fan of the Bahamas-based British royal India Hicks, you'll have a pretty good idea of how to style this look. Pair denim blue and creamy white with natural materials like rattan and wicker furniture, jute rugs, sand-blasted terracotta, and beached woods.

For an extra sunny hit, add an accent of fresh, leafy green through cotton textiles and upholstery or lush ferns, and finish things off with bright, polished brass for light fixtures and hardware.

Entry by Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photo.

Entry by Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photo.

Sitting Area by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

Sitting Area by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

Kitchen by Lisa M. Henderson.

Kitchen by Lisa M. Henderson.

Living Room by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

Living Room by Kara Miller Interiors. Photo by Brantley Photography.

 Bath by Lauren Leonard Interiors. Photo by Jessie Preza.

Bath by Lauren Leonard Interiors. Photo by Jessie Preza.

Get the Look

White Colourblocked Vase - Tall

Seychelles Mirror

Boston Fern

Seagrass Fringe Placemat



Also on the Rainsford Blog

5 Interior Design Trends That Will Take 2024
5 Interior Design Trends That Will Take 2024

by Andrea Doxey | Rainsford Company January 02, 2024

These are our predictions for the top design trends in 2024
Fresh Traditional Trends to Try for Fall 2023
Fresh Traditional Trends to Try for Fall 2023

by Rainsford Company August 16, 2023

These are the top interior decor looks we're loving this autumn.
Before & After: Staining Our House White
Before & After: Staining Our House White

by Andrea Doxey June 27, 2023

Before and after of painting exterior