Perhaps there are some of us born with “blue and white” genes. I suspect it is the most-loved decorating inspiration.
And if there is a high priestess of this forever-fresh combination, it is designer and former editor JoAnn Barwick. I have known JoAnn for many years and have always been in awe of how she presented this color scheme to her clients, and to readers of House Beautiful, for many years. If JoAnn ran a magazine cover with blue and white as its theme, it sold off the newsstands.
Here is a peek into JoAnn’s summer-fresh world, as well as inspirations for you to bring this delightful decor into your home—especially when summer sun makes us long for a cool, refreshing look.
Thanks to Traditional Home magazine for this tour of JoAnn’s Florida home and her distinctive decorating style.
JoAnn does not stray far from her Scandinavian roots in the interior design of her home. Blue and white are a favorite combination in many European countries, in contexts from painted furniture to textiles to china.
Indoors: Blue and White Never Disappoint
Begin with a pure white background and gently add refreshing blues in throw pillows, as on this Sam Moore Caraleen sofa. The lines of the sofa are outlined in contrasting cording, just the perfect designer touch. Set against a floral background—as with this peelable, prepasted wallpaper available at Lowe’s—the result is quietly arresting.
Bring the essence of sea and sky to a bedroom with a pretty table at your fingertips—from Hooker Furniture’s Sunset Point Collection. The Sunset Point Bedside Table would also be perfectly comfortable next to Sam Moore’s Penny Swivel Chair, in a blue the shade of cornflowers.
Think of creating a garden in your home as you pair these two best-friend hues.
When the writer Colette sat at her desk in the evening hours, she put a piece of plain blue paper around her light–and the people of Paris always knew she was at one of her masterpieces as they passed by. In such a romantic spirit, Hooker Furniture offers this home office writing desk and a darling desk chair with upholstered back.
It may be in the dining room where blue and white can really hold court—there are so many marvelous tabletop products to carry out the theme. Use a neutral background, such as Hooker Furniture’s Sunset Point rectangular dining table.Then mix fabrics and china patterns to your heart’s content. Many of us collect the odd piece of china—all work in harmony as blue and white are always at home together.
My china cupboards are filled with blue and white finds over the years–everything from the finest Danish china to a white Target pitcher. In this photo, I mix Wedgewood wedding china and a milk glass goblet, also a wedding gift.
The hydrangeas are silk–from my friend Diane James, who has made a wonderful business with her floral creations (once Diane did her daughter’s wedding with all silk flowers–all except the bridal bouquet). And the little oil painting is a favorite by a French artist. I love the blue and white check and the splash of yellow.
Don’t forget that adding a bright color to blue and white makes it even more appealing. A pure white placemat from Williams-Sonoma rests on two patterns—geometric and floral. All are friendly here, as is the napkin held in a white summer rose.
What could be better to serve for dessert in this divine setting than Bread Pudding with Wild Blueberry Sauce?
Bread Pudding with Wild Blueberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups bread cubes, crusts removed
4 cups scalded milk
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon butter
4 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups frozen Wild Blueberries
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
To Prepare the Bread Pudding: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×8-inch glass baking dish. Soak bread in hot milk for 5 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, salt eggs, and vanilla. Pour into baking dish.
Line the bottom of large roasting pan with damp kitchen towel. Place glass dish on towel and fill roasting pan with hot water. Place on oven rack and bake for 60 minutes. Remove from water bath and cool. (Best served warm.)
To Prepare the Sauce: Cook Wild Blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and zest in saucepan just until sugar is dissolved and berries are hot. Mix cornstarch in 1/4 cup water until well blended and stir into hot mixture. Cook until sauce is slightly thickened. 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve warm over bread pudding. Serves 6.
