Color Theory: Blue and White
The combination of blue and white is a tale as old as time in the design world. Here, we take a look at some of its many guises, proving that its reach extends far beyond a mise-en-scène of chinoiserie and delftware.
It’s All Greek
Everything about Greece basks in the glow of blue and white: the national flag, the architecture, even the landmarks—from Mykonos’ windmills to Santorini’s cupolas. For some Balkan bliss of your own, look to soothing ceramics, rustic linens and mythical embroidery.
F&M Ballarin Acquamarina Hand-Blown Murano Glass Tumblers (Set of 6)
US$490
Anut Cairo Cosmic Hand-Embroidered Linen Rectangular Tablecloth (118in/3m)
US$809
Molecot Mallorca Porcelain Dinner Plates – 10in/26cm (Set of 4)
US$520
Green Wolf Lighting by Solange Azagury-Partridge Cloud Hand-Blown Murano Glass Portable Table Light
US$795
Saved NY Constellation Cashmere King-Size Bedspread
US$5,120
Gregory Parkinson | Set of 6 | Nighttime Array Block-Printed Cotton Napkins
US$280
Pottery & Poetry Hand-Glazed Porcelain Pasta Plates – 10in/26cm (Set of 4)
US$305
Casarialto Fishtail Hand-Blown Murano Glass Water Jug
US$320
Objet Luxe Octopus Silver-Plated and Shell Fruit Bowl
US$3,450
Oeuvres Sensibles Supper Hand-Embroidered Linen Table Runner (98.5in/2.5m)
US$800
Artel Frutti di Mare Hand-Engraved Crystal Tall Tumblers – 13.5oz/400ml (Set of 6)
US$810
Casa Adams European Lobster Hand-Painted Porcelain Serving Platter
US$570
Los Encajeros | Set of 4 | Granada Embroidered Linen Placemats
US$570
Klein’s New Blue
French artist Yves Klein tapped into the mid-century embrace of blue by adding a new pantone to the colour wheel: International Klein Blue, a pure shade of ultramarine featured in his Anthropométries series, among others. Temper the lively hue at home with soft, abstract shapes.
Yali Glass Fiori Uovo Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase (10.5in/27cm)
US$1,755
La Gallina Matta Shells Embroidered Linen Napkins (Set of 4)
US$148
Giberto Heart Hand-Blown Murano Glass Paperweight
US$690
Pierrot Doremus | Set of 2 | Hand-Blown Glass Ice Cream Bowls
US$148
Giobagnara x Poltrona Frau Leather, Maple and Walnut Rackets with Ball
US$1,065
Carlo Moretti Bora Hand-Blown Murano Glass Tumbler (15oz/440ml)
US$150
Yali Glass Kasa Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vide Poche
US$885
Suzusan Shibori Waffle Linen Bed Blanket (87in/2.2m)
US$900
Tensira Indigo Hand-Dyed Cotton Napkins (Set of 4)
US$134
Suzusan Shibori Cashmere Cushion (23.5in/60cm)
US$790
Suzusan Shibori Cashmere Blanket (79in/2m)
US$2,200
Suzusan Shibori Waffle Linen Bed Blanket (87in/2.2m)
US$900
The Elder Statesman Hot-Dye Cashmere Cushion (19.5in/50cm)
US$1,020
Dye Happy
Of all ancient practices, tie-dye is one of the highest forms of textile expression. Perhaps the most notable interpretation is Japan’s shibori, where natural indigo dye is applied onto white cotton to create vibrant results. Incorporate it with lavish linens true to the classic color pairing.