Blue and White Interiors: How to Make a Statement + Paint Color Names

These colors are truly best friends as you’ll discover in this gallery of Blue and White Interiors. Be inspired by aqua, navy, slate, and teal in a collection of inspiring traditional, European inspired, and even contemporary spaces. What makes a blue and white combination deliver tranquil magic to a classic romantic bedroom, classic charm to an All-American cozy cottage, chic to a townhouse entry, or whimsy to an otherwise humdrum bath? We’ll dig deeper.

Blue wallpapered cozy traditional interior by Mark Sikes. #bluewallpaper #marksikes
All Images: ©More Beautiful: All-American Decoration, Rizzoli New York, 2020. All photographs in the book ©Amy Neunsinger, but no images may be used, in print or electronically, without written consent from the publisher.

Blue and White Interiors: How Do They Work Magic?

There are some designers who are simply magicians when it comes to using blue and white, and here’s the first book of guidance that springs to mind and takes an All-American approach:

More Beautiful (Rizzoli, 20
More Beautiful (Rizzoli, 2020) – read more about this gorgeous volume from Mark Sikes HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Blue Accents: California Modern Farmhouse

Tone on tone is an effective color story strategy for evoking calm. But layering blue in an otherwise all white decor scheme creates depth and weight that feels inviting, casual, and highly livable.

Gorgeous California modern farmhouse living room of Erin Fetherston - OKL. Come explore these Inspiring Blue & White Interiors, Diverse Design Styles! #livingrooms #blueandwhite #interiordesign
Design: Erin Fetherston/Source: OKL…hello lovely indeed.

The blue ottoman seems more likely to be used for relaxing tired feet than a pristine white covered piece would.

Classic & Pretty Blue Kitchen

This French country kitchen with blue and white porcelain accents and traditional style belongs to Tina of The Enchanted Home, and her shop is stocked with beautiful blue and white porcelain pieces you’ll adore.

Luxurious blue and white French country kitchen with wood beams, two farm sinks, and island. The Enchanted Home.
The Enchanted Home…blue and white treasures in Tina’s shop HERE. Decor Inspiration with photos of interior design inspiration as well as paint color ideas. Traditional, contemporary, and European inspired rooms with blue and white decor and furniture…certainly lovely indeed.

What a double blessing to have side by side farm sinks!

Whether you lean toward Coastal Grandmother, Grandmillenial, traditional, coastal, classic, or preppy style, you likely gravitate toward blue and white porcelain as well.

Blue and white porcelain with orchids from The Enchanted Home Shop.
The Enchanted Home…in case you admire porcelain and chinoiserie.

Chinoiserie, ginger jars, tulipieres, and china with beautiful blue and white patterns look right at home and beautiful when grouped together in a kitchen (above)…

Gorgeous blue and white coastal style family room featuring magnificent architecture by The Fox Group. #thefoxgroup #familyrooms #interiordesign #blueandwhite #traditionalstyle
The Fox Group…photo gallery of inspiring interior design with blue and white.

or a living room as above.

Pssst. I love the idea of starting with something inexpensive and non-committal like the shower curtain above when you’re on the fence about adding blue or a bold accent color.

Blue paint is also a smart way to experiment…but which blue? I can help.

Deep Coastal Blue Paint Color In a Carolina Cottage

A beautiful blue painted built-in can play a starring role when it pops against a crisp, clean white. But which blue paint? White white paint?

Andes Summit (Benjamin Moore) painted custom cabinet in the entry of a beautiful coastal cottage with modern farmhouse interiors by Lisa Furey. #bmandessummit #bluepaintcolors #andessummit
Lisa Furey Interiors – BM White OC-150 on shiplap; BM Andes Summit on built-in.

Lisa Furey painted shiplap, ceilings, walls, and trim with BM White OC-150 in the entry of this lovely coastal home above. The built-in (so helpful when an entry has no designated closet storage) is painted this beautiful blue paint color:

Andes Summit by Benjamin Moore paint color.
BENJAMIN MOORE Andes Summit

The deep blue also shows up on a door and is echoed in a stair runner:

Blue stair runner and door painted BM Andes Summit. Board and batten coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff with modern farmhouse interior design by Lisa Furey. #bluedoor #bluecarpet #interiordesign #coastalstyle
Benjamin Moore Andes Summit paint color on door and also patterned stair runner (Lisa Furey).

Even when you have decided to paint a space white (see THIS) or blue, it can be a daunting task to find the right shade. It is helpful to begin with viewing photos online to gather a handful of colors to sample before choosing what works best in your unique space.

BM Andes Summit painted built-in cabinet in a lovely white coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff by Lisa Furey. #bmandessummit #bluepaintcolors

Designer Lisa Furey loved BM White so much for this home that she also slathered the exterior with it! See this post about white exterior colors if you’re wondering what beauty is possible when you choose wisely.

Light Blue & White + Classic Decor in a Showhouse

Oh my heavens, this sophisticated timelessly tranquil bedroom with soft blue and white design by Tristan Harstan!

Traditional light blue bedroom by Tristan Harstan in Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2017. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Interior Design: Tristan Harstan. BENCH Bungalow Classic, upholstered in Cowtan & Tout. ANTIQUE LINEN PRESS A. Tyner Antiques. BLUE GRASSCLOTH Ainsworth-Noah. IRON BED WITH CANOPY & COMMODE IN CUSTOM COLOR David Iatesta through Ainsworth-Noah. PORCELAIN LAMPS Christopher Spitzmiller through Ainsworth-Noah. OUSHAK RUG Kevian Woven Arts. ACCESSORIES Parc Monceau. CUSTOM BED DRESSINGS & BEDROOM DRAPERY FABRIC Carleton V Ltd. through Ainsworth-Noah. DEGOURNAY PANELS Ainsworth-Noah.

I still daydream about it years after its unveiling in Atlanta! 

Traditional light blue bedroom by Tristan Harstan in Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2017. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Interior Design: Tristan Harstan.

The designer noted the blues and neutrals in this romantic space recall “the tones of rain clouds, water, stone.”

SW Rainwashed paint color on ceiling. Breathtaking light blue bedroom in Southeastern Designer showhouse - design by Tristan Harstan. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. Interior Design: Tristan Harstan. Paint color on ceiling: SHERWIN WILLIAMS Rainwashed. OUSHAK RUG Kevian Woven Arts; ACCESSORIES Parc Monceau; COLUMN & CUSTOM CHAISE Bungalow Classic. SITTING ROOM DRAPERY & CHAISE FABRIC Peter Fasano through Ainsworth-Noah.

Notice the haint blue ceiling of this beautiful blue bedroom’s sitting room! Would such an effect work in one of your spaces? Why not give it a whirl?

The dreamy green blue hue the designer chose? SHERWIN WILLIAMS Rainwashed.

Sherwin Williams Rainwashed - a beautiful muted blue-green paint color.
Paint color: SHERWIN WILLIAMS Rainwashed

Admiration for traditional style, luxurious textiles, and Swedish and French furniture is apparent throughout this gorgeous project…remember this home’s kitchen!?!

Isn’t it interesting that when we hear “earth tones” or colors from nature, most of us immediately think of warmer golds and browns rather than cool blue?

John O'Donohue encouraging inspirational quote about the soul. #soulquotes #inspirationalquote #encouragementquotes

If blue on the walls and ceiling are not the look you’re after for your own space, here are ideas for neutral paint colors for a soothing backdrop:

Stunning Blue Wallpaper & Blue Tiled Powder Bathrooms

Wallpapered bathrooms have been around for ages, but they seem to be having a moment as more homeowners need their interiors to become mood lifters during a chapter of unprecedented uncertainty and woe.

Who couldn’t be cheered walking into this blissful blue paradise?

Schumacher Hydrangea Drape (Delft) wallpaper in a bath by Kathy Sue (GoodlifeofDesign). #schumacherwallpaper #hydrangeadrape #blueehydrangeawallpaper #bluebath
Schumacher’s Hydrangea Drape (Delft) wallpaper and Gramercy chandelier stun in a guest bath by Kathy Perdue (GoodlifeofDesign)

While classic white subway tile works for the walls of just about every bath, refreshing blue makes a cheerful statement that still feels neutral.

While the floor tiles are patterned, they are not destined to seem outdated any time soon. For a painterly, bold, and blue wallpaper that could work beyond the bath, take a peek at this Rebecca Atwood wallpapered space, also designed by Smith:

Beautiful blue bath with bold Rebecca Atwood wallpaper, trough sink, and rustic stools - Jessica Risko Smith. #modernfarmhousebathroom #bluewallpaper #bluebathroom
Rebecca Atwood blue wallpaper in a stunning bath designed by Jessica Risko Smith

Not sure about living with such a bold blue pattern? Start with a smaller fabric/art piece from an artist/designer you admire. For example, a custom pillow with Rebecca Atwood fabric.

BM Andes Summit painted built-in cabinet in a lovely white coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff by Lisa Furey. #bmandessummit #bluepaintcolors
Interior Design: Sandra Meyer of Ella Scott Design…in case you love a whimsical powder bath.

Some of my very favorite classic blue and white wallpaper patterns that won’t fall from favor are RIGHT HERE.

Whimsical blue and white bold wallpaper in a bathroom with pedestal sink. Blue and White Classic Decor Inspiration: Ella Scott Design. #blueandwhitebath #bluewallpaper
Ella Scott

Isn’t it amazing what a beautiful wall covering can do for plain ol’ white fixtures?

Inspirational quote by Cleo Wade on Hello Lovely. #quotes #empowermentquotes #peacequotes

Duck Egg Blue in a French Country Bedroom

If this next bedroom speaks to you, then do mosey over to this house tour of a French home in Texas!

Romantic bedroom with pale blue gray sliding barn door and warm white walls (SW Alabaster). Brit Jones - on Hello Lovely Studio. #romanticbedrooms #swalabaster
Design: Brit Jones Design; wall paint color: SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster. Custom sliding door color: mix of Annie Sloan chalk paints including Duck Egg Blue and Old White.

To arrive at a similar muted blue-green-gray, begin with a high quality chalk paint such as this:

Amy Howard one step chalk finish paint in French Blue
tap image for buying info

and tone it down to the right pale lovely shade with a greyed-white or putty color.

French country farmhouse bedroom with Duck Blue barn door and Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design.
Brit Jones Design

The creamy white paint color for walls which works so well with the muted blues in this bedroom is SW Alabaster.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster paint color.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster

Scandi Chalky and Muted Blue-Grey in a Mud Room

If you have a space that could use refreshing such as a small laundry/mud room or powder bath, you could also try that muted custom grey-blue chalk paint method (explained above) for trim to arrive at something approaching this:

Mud room - Helen Davis Danavich. 2018 Southeastern Designer Showhouse in Atlanta. Photo: Sherry Hart.
Cowtan & Tout grasscloth on mud room walls. Interior Design: Helen Davis Hanavich for 2018 Southeastern Designer Showhouse. Photo: Sherry Hart.

Sometimes finding or customizing the perfect paint color (chalk paint or otherwise) starts with an accessory or fabric. Pottery Barn’s Mineral Blue colorway has always appealed to me:

Belgian Flax Linen Ruffle Shams - Mineral Blue
Belgian Linen Shams (Mineral Blue)…hello romantic indeed.
Belgian Flax Linen Floral Stitch Quilt & Sham - Smoke
Belgian Linen Bedding…in case you love quiet blues.
Christina Baldwin quote about the uncertainty of life. #inspirationalquotes #lifequotes

Blue & White Vintage Modern Style in a Kitchen

I love how Whittney Parkinson used blue so effectively on cabinetry in this galley-style beauty:

and even the more subtle use of French blue in a more luxurious and traditional kitchen feels uncommon and breathtaking:

Traditional French country kitchen with blue painted range hood, French range, and copper pots - Whittney Parkinson. #frenchkitchens #bluekitchens
Design: Whittney Parkinson

Fresh, Classic & English Chic With Deep Teal and Soft White

For a moody and sophisticated mood in spaces that feel elevated and more proper…

Hague Blue (Farrow & Ball) painted trim in beautiful Victorian entry - LauraStephensId. #hagueblue #fbhagueblue
Laura Stephens – FB Hague Blue painted trim

Consider a rich saturated blue like this:

and pair it with a soft off-white paint color such as THIS one.

French Blue Range With White Cabinets in a Kitchen

While it is more common to see blue as an accent with white, blue can certainly play the starring role:

Gorgeous classic white kitchen with blue French range and cement tile in blue grey. Park & Oak.
Park and Oak…also see more their work HERE.

This is still my favorite cement tile, and designers love it for backsplashes, three season rooms, and more:

Medina 8" x 8" Cement Field Tile
Medina Cement Field Tile…in case you love chalky Swedish blues.

Medium Blue-Grey With Cream or Cobalt With Crisp Cool White?

Traditional style bedrooms are gaining popularity as younger design enthusiasts embrace Grandmillennial style, and while white painted trim is common, it’s not the only option:

Dusty blue bedroom with charming fabric canopy and elegant design - Southern Living. #bluebedrooms #interiordesign #dustyblue
Southern Living…in case traditional style blue and white interiors are calling your name.

Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples to be delivered to your door with Samplize (a peel and stick sheet of “paint” to stick on your wall and easily move around to other walls!).

For a cooler cobalt mood, Cathy Kincaid never disappoints:

Blue bedroom with traditional style canopy, wallpaper, and gourd lamp - Cathy Kincaid. #bluebedrooms #traditionalbedroom #bluebedroomwallpaper
Cathy Kincaid…hello lovely blue and white interiors indeed!
Self-kindness quote and encouragement on Hello Lovely Studio. #selfkindness #encouragementquotes

Soft Blue Drapes With Quiet White Walls & Linen

The French certainly know their way around blue so it’s no surprise so much of our attempts outside of France call for beautifully whispery soft blue with white.

Classic French Bergere arm chairs and pale blue drapes in a French country room by Brit Jones with Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint.
Brit Jones Design; wall paint color: SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster…in case you need paint color names for your blue and white interiors.

Here’s a tranquil combination of Farrow & Ball’s All White paired with Headspace (Clare) which could be gorgeous in a restful bedroom retreat, kids room, or bath:

Click here to PIN this post for future reference!

Beautiful blue and white coastal bedroom with twin beds, wallpaper, and freshened traditional style - Serena & Lily.
Those fabulous sconces are right here! Feather Wallpaper and Webster Bed, Serena & Lily…in case you admire blue and white interiors.

Does this color combination play a starring role in your own home?

Funny quote about texting by Jon Acuff on Hello Lovely Studio .#funnytweets #textingquotes

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

6 Comments

  1. Connie
    May 10, 2019 / 9:55 am

    What lovely inspiration! I have only used blue once in our former home. And while it looked OK, it just wasn’t me. But that’s before I thought of how blue (and whites of course!) can look so lovely in softer hues and more feminine designs….like French-inspired which I now have. 🙂

    Thanks so much for the post! I am even more thankful and happy to hear you are feeling uplifted today. (I didn’t have time to reply to yesterday’s post…but rest assured you were very much in my prayers.)

    • Michele
      Author
      May 10, 2019 / 12:42 pm

      I have always favored those watery, muted aquas which can be tough to get right! Along with white, blue is my favorite color to wear. Thank you so much for the ongoing prayers and support. It’s a wonderful spring day here, and I have experienced the sweetest consolation so all is well!

  2. May 10, 2019 / 11:32 am

    Hi Michele, your post is timely for me because I’m currently in the throws of designing my next home, which will be on the water in River Dunes, NC. It will be a huge departure from our current, Mediterranean Meets The Mountains style home in Lake Arrowhead, CA. I’m planning on using a lot of blue and white so thanks for the inspiration.

    • Michele
      Author
      May 10, 2019 / 12:39 pm

      How exciting, Celia! What a dream to be on the water. We are in the beginning stages of looking at locations to retire, and the Carolinas are so beautiful. What a wonderful journey is in store for you – can’t wait to follow it virtually! 🙂

  3. REMER
    February 15, 2022 / 8:11 am

    Very informative. Thanks for the writing. I too have been trying to decide between the rectangular mirror and a circular one for the past few days now, but never know, how the circular design could be used to break up some harsh edges.
    What lovely inspiration! Thanks so much for the post! I am even more thankful and happy to hear you are feeling uplifted today.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 15, 2022 / 11:08 am

      Thanks for reading.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing