TIME FOR DESIGN – AM I BLUE – Blue and White in Interiors by Gwen Smith Ehrlich

INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS”

Blue is the least “gender specific” color, having equal appeal to both men and women.   Just a plain blue and white color combination conjures up images of  white capped waters or a sky full of  complicated clouds.  You can add colors like reed yellow, root black, tree limb burnt umber, sienna sand and leafy green next to blue to make an exciting palette.   Adding the other colors creates an  earthly influence of  bounty.

PUTTING COLORS TOGETHER

Start your blue and white interior with  a creative and inspiring seascape or landscape.  Last week in Marina Del Rey I looked out across the marina and saw this boat sailing along – it is going to be the key inspiration for my next blue room.  I’ll use dark and light blues, some hints of yellow and then maybe a green, yellow, white and blue patterned rug.  As a guest room it could be spectacular.

In this interior the blue, black and white are tempered by the natural colors of the accessories.  The cloud white walls, the reed yellow basket,  the sienna sand colored ottomans, a dollop of  purple blue in the hydrangeas and the leafy green all make this natural palette as breathtaking as the Marina Del Rey.

Photo – Cover Veranda 2011

Three weeks ago in the Basque Del Apache (Woods of the Apache) bird sanctuary near Albuquerque, New Mexico,  I took this photo.  The blue next to the gold, browns and reds would be a nice color combination in a family room.

This beautiful room reminds me of the Basque Del Apache – on a bright sunny day.   The crystal chandelier is like  clouds floating over the landscape in the New Mexico sky.  The blue and white porcelain lend an air of sincerity to the space.

ACCESSORIES IN BLUE & WHITE

Every time I look at the blue and white porcelain collection in my Denver guest room I am enamored at the history and the beauty behind these pieces of transparent earthenware Delft, Chinoiserie, and junk from the unassuming Pottery Barn.  They work together because they all compliment each others line, form and beauty.   They are brilliant.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

Below  is a room where the blue and white theme is not only romantic, but it conjures up images of far away places.  Its very international with the tin and wood bed from Mexico, the toile de Jouy lamp shades, the French Louis XV chair, the cotton ticking on the lounge chair and the carpet that was inspired by Delft tiles.  The patterns, stripes, florals and solids all reflect a profound love of color.

Vincent Wolf’s blue room was inspired by this wall he saw while driving through a small town in Ethiopia. The band of white on the walls sets off the blue while the verticals and horizontal stripes create a powerful graphic image that is iconic in today’s modern interiors.

Photo by Vincent Wolf

The use of blue and white in the room takes various shades of blue and white and combines them in such a sophisticated pallet it is hard to dismiss its validity.  The use of white in the lamps, the white marble containers and the white Noguchi table are a brilliant accentuation to this up to date look.

Photo from book Vincent Wolf A Global Vision of Design

A TWIST TO BLUE & WHITE – SUBMERGE IT IN YELLOW LIKE MONET

Here is a twist on the blue and white theme.   Monet was inspired when he created this classic dining room at his house in Giverny.  Years ago when I visited the house I was impressed with the simple sophistication of the blue and white enveloped in overflowing yellow.  The color schemes subtle blend of blues and whites with Japanese-inspired decorations and Meissen and Sevres ware make the interior a success.

Photo from the book Monet’s House

“Often when people decorate with the blue-and-white look it fails, because it’s just blue and white. It’s like dressing all in black. It works if there’s black patent with black silk with black wool…the subtle variations,”  says JAMES RADIN, interior designer.  The subtle variations you use with blue and white include earthy colors,  dashes of surprising texture and the natural elements that compliment it.

Mr. Radin helped the production design team with Diane Keaton’s house in Something’s Gotta Give.”

Room below also designed by James Radin

SIMPLIFY

Here blue is inserted inside an old cabinet and it looks beautiful – just enough to give the room sparkle.

TAKING BLUE AND WHITE OUTSIDE

• Looking for summer decorating ideas? Nothing says summer bliss like a Hamptons inspired luncheon (or dinner). Pair classic white ceramic dishes with blue table settings for a clean and sophisticate look. Add a touch of yellow to complete your classic look. If you want something a bit more contemporary, pair stark white tableware with rich, cobalt blue pieces
• Blue & white textiles (pillows, accent rugs, window treatments) look gorgeous against warm, neutral furniture like wicker seating and honey woods
• Do not be conformed to the traditional navy and white palette. Though we think this pairing is fabulous, you can use a variety of blue hues against white (or off white colors like cream). If you would like a more mod space, use vibrant blues against whites

Taking blue and white outside is romantic and nobody has done a better job than Carolyn Roehm who designed this outdoor dining table.  The hydrangeas make the atmosphere organic.  The patterned pots on the striped table cloth makes the atmosphere vibrant.

Here is another photo I  like for inspiration.  I’m drawn to the crisp whites next to the different hues of blue with a dash of green and a tiny bit of yellow.  How nice is that?

Photo from the book “Seaside Interiors”