Monday, September 28, 2009

A Passion for Blue and White


If you are a lover of Chinoiserie, then it probably goes without saying that you too have a passion for blue and white. Nobody does it better than Carolyne Roehm. She says that blue and white is the most democratic of all color combinations-whether at the high or low end, it always looks good. Back in 1976 when starting out and working for Oscar de la Renta, she couldn't afford the French fabric she wanted and used Cannon sheets in blue and white to cover her furniture, walls, and bed. (This Ralph Lauren Chinoiserie toile called Indochine Pagoda, currently on sale everywhere, would work great). As for blue and white porcelain, she started out collecting Azuma and Pier One, then added Dutch Delft, Chinese Kanxi, French Faience, and English Spode and Wedgwood as her budget grew. She has included blue and white rooms in virtually every house she has designed, as well as her current residences. Her book, A Passion for Blue and White, is a wonderful resource, providing inspiration for blue and white rooms, gardens, tabletop, flower arranging, and gift wrapping for all budgets. It will show you how to combine blue and white porcelain from China, Japan, England, France, the Netherlands, and elsewhere, and how to find great pieces at flea markets, inexpensive import stores, as well as auctions and antique stores. Stay tuned for my own blue and white room reveal this week.





















16 comments:

  1. This is a classic combination that I never tire of, Beth. I LOVE those huge vases on gilt bases in the first photo. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nothing pops a room more than some classic Blue & White and no one does it better than Carolyne Roehm!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fabulous post. J'aime bleue et blanc aussi.

    Leeann x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Her collections are just amazing. But her table settings. Love the image of the blue glasses and white flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. One of my favorite design books! Thanks for all the lovely inspiration pictures on this dreary Monday...

    ReplyDelete
  6. My weakness...blue and white! Great post Beth!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anne-Your blue and white ginger jar print would be great in any of these rooms.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sande-I'm sure you enjoy her gift wrapping ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  9. CC-You're so right-her table settings are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Averill-Too bad it's dreary there-it was a stunning fall day here and I spent the whole day in the garden. This is one of my favorite books too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Theresa-I wonder if you've had any blue and white projects?

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is absolutely one of my favorite design books. So classic, always fresh.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you so much for this marvelous post. I soooo love Blue and White! Very well done!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kitty-I thought you would enjoy this post.

    ReplyDelete