Classic Coastal - Blue and White Decorating

How can you go wrong with using shades of deep blue and crisp white when decorating a beach
house? The answer is; you really can't miss when applying this classic nautical decorating style at your home!

I have been collecting Blue and White room images on our Pinterest Boards, and thought I would show off a few of my faves for inspiration!  I tend to gravitate to more aquas and driftwood shades with a splash of red at my house, but I do LOVE the fresh, clean feel of blue and white.

Using different patterns, fabrics and textures, blue and white decorating can be an incredible way to mix and match pillows, rugs, lamps and accessories with season changes or whenever you need an "attitude" change.

Bonus with blue and white? Using the right textures and patterns can feel "beachy" without using any obvious beach "themed" stuff; ie: anchors, shells, coral, ships, fish etc.

What do you think?

One day I will have a library wall at my house too - love this idea!

(not sure of the source - sorry!)

Just a splash of aqua and turquoise makes this room come alive! (From Maria Killiam)

See what I mean?  Totally conveys "coastal" or "nautical" without a seashell or anchor in sight!   (from Blogger Emily Clark)

(Source - Traditional Home)

Nautical Cozy in Nantucket! (Traditional Home) Check out the crisp, "non-slouchy" slip-covered navy blue sofa and love seat with white piping.  Great combo with natural rattan.

Don't you just love this little sitting area? Blues all coordinate, but the patterns are all varied. Perfection. What a great use of the space with seating that can double as storage! Let's not even start talking about that view.... (Home Ideas)

Lots of cobalt blue!  Way cool stripes on the area rug. (From Coastal Home Blog Spot)

One of my all-time design crushes - Phoebe Howard Blue infusion...

Love love love this space!  The clear table only lends to the blue and white fresh design of this room.  I want to move in!  A very happy coastal room found at House of Turquoise 

The 2015 HGTV Dream Home was chock full of blue and white coastal details - loved the guest bedroom!

The pop of orange in the pillows and lamps really show off the blue. Check out the whole space over at HGTV.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I am hoping to drag Tom down to the San Francisco International Gift Fair, never know what new products we might find...

Coastal Rooms By The Sea - Pinterest

Blue and White - Always Perfect for the Beach - Pinterest

Instant Coastal - just add Blue and White!

Crisp Blue and White... the quickest travel escape to beach house style!  

Add Cobalt, Navy, Indigo; all of these shades of blue evoke memories of days spent in fresh summer salt air beside the sea. Mix with the bright white of white caps on a wind blown bay and billowing sails, and you've now created an instant elegant coastal escape!  

Bold Stripes!

Let the salt breeze in!

Timeless Style from Sarah Richardson...


A room is simply not complete without a pop of color from fresh flowers

Fresh!  Couldn't you just sit in this room for hours??

Magical! Especially when creating a room mixed with exotic treasures,wicker trunks, interesting comfy throw pillows and a touch of green.

Create an ever changing "functional" display with collected blue and white dinnerware.  I love my vintage Blue Willow mixed with my vintage Navy dinnerware, and yes, we do actually use all of the pieces! 

Love the versatility of a blue and white ginger jar stool, and you can't go wrong mixing in natural elements like this jute-wicker bed.  (so pretty!)

Boathouse Inspired!

 Nautical inspiration from designer Lynn Morgan - love the "chart" art!

One of my all-time favorite blue and white inspired living rooms! (not sure of the source)

Add an interesting lamp to for an extra touch of nautical

Like simplicity and uncluttered feel of this bookshelf showcased in Veranda. Knowing me though, there would be piles books to match the design, therefore not "uncluttered" for long!

Another gorgeous blue image from Designer Martin Home, featured in House Beautiful Magazine.  Too much, too little or just right?  I really like the complete infusion of blue exotic mix of textures and furnishings

Hope you enjoy the blue and white coastal inspiration!  You just can't go wrong with this simple color palette, and it's so easy to change up with small accents, pillows or art.  Start with a few anchored pieces; a great rug, a favorite sofa or even a fabulous lamp to begin the decorating journey. 

For our sources and even more inspiration - make sure to check out our Blue and White Pinterest Board.

Sea Blue and White - Always a Classic Beach House Look

How can you go wrong decorating with blue and white in a beach house?  Mixing stripes, florals, seashells - the possibilities are endless!  It's also a style that can look "beachy" with out being obvious, simply remember to use a little restraint, and edit, edit, edit.

Check out this Malibu cozy beach house total renovation from Barbara Grushow Designs.  Oh mi goodness, am drooling.....

 A room full of collected treasures mixed with crisp denim blue stripes, and natural elements of white seashells and a classic sisal area rug screams "coastal",  and I think can be very welcoming.

Another glimpse of that glorious view!  The wood elements in the twisted lamp bases and those fabulous honey-toned polished chunky wood side tables enhance the nature outside and warm up the room beautifully.  Not too sure about the fringe on the lamp shades - I might have chosen simple natural textured linen...

 Not so sure that I would have that many things on my coffee table, I really need a spot for books and my coffee cup, but I do like the blue and white pottery bowl full of mosaic seashell balls.  And a beach room can always use a vintage model sailboat!  

Using the same denim blue and white striped upholstery fabric on the dining room chairs does a good job of tying the two rooms together. It also gives the dining room a more casual inviting feel.  Love that round bamboo mirror - very British Colonial!

Totally decadent and totally Southern California - can't you just imagine having a dinner party beside the sea with your very own outdoor fireplace? I think the hanging candle fixtures and blue glass Moroccan style lanterns just add that extra special element.

Or maybe we should dine out here with a gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunset?  The tiny shell covered candelabra is a very nice touch!  

You can see all of the interior portfolio shots of this gorgeous Malibu Beach home on Barbara Grushow's site - Barbara Grushow Design.  Lovely work.  Reminds me a little of Barclay Butera's style, but a little less formal.  

Have a great Tuesday!