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A glamorous, modern interpretation of blue and white by designer Miles Redd.

Max Kim-Bee

Why Senior Editor Hudson Moore Can’t Get Enough of Blue and White

The author of a new book on the iconic color pairing shares his shoppable picks.

October 24, 2023

Blue and white is a color combo that has stood the test of time for good reason. I’ve always loved how dynamic the pairing is; it inevitably looks both fresh and familiar in every context. When I was working on my new book, Blue and White Done Right: The Classic Color Combination for Every Decorating Style (Monacelli), I dove into the history behind the colors and found that their roots as a duo ran even deeper than I knew. From ancient Chinese pottery to Portuguese tiles to modern Danish design, blue and white has been favorite around the world for millennia. Wear it, drink from it, sleep in it, love it!

  • A jewel-box powder room by Virginia Tupker features Josef Frank’s iconic Exotic Butterfly wallpaper for Schumacher.

    Dylan Chandler
  • A totally different take on blue and white (featuring Crawford Linen Check by Williamsburg for Schumacher) in a historic house in the Hudson Valley.

    William Abranowicz

Shop Hudson’s Picks

  • "Blue and White Done Right" by Hudson Moore

    For my new book, I wanted to showcase of some of the most ingenious uses of blue and white by the industry’s top designers. There’s inspiration for everyone—and, hopefully, you’ll learn something, too!

    $60, shopschumacher.com

  • Blue & Off-White Monday Label Quilt by Bode

    Emily Bode has made a name for herself in fashion as the queen of repurposing vintage textiles. And it’s always in a smart, beautiful way. This quilt is no exception and will be an instant heirloom piece.

    $2,250, ssense.com

  • Handpainted Lampshade by Alvaro Picardo

    I first saw Alvaro’s handpainted lampshades a couple years ago, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since—they’re smart, cool, fun, and handsome. Can you tell I like them?

    $256, svenskttenn.com

  • Flow Runner by Loewe

    It’s not so easy to make a handsome, sporty tennis shoe; I typically find them to be quite garish. But Loewe did it again with these trainers!

    $790, loewe.com

  • Colorblock Salad Plates by Misette

    A graphic set of plates can breathe life into an otherwise boring table setting. These are the perfect hit of color.

    $160 for a set of four, misettetable.com

  • Washable Silk Henry Pajama Set by Sleepy Jones

    Luxury without the hassle of dry cleaning. These pajamas will become your new at-home wardrobe.

    $298, sleepyjones.com

  • Handcrafted Glass Carafe by Casare Toffolo

    Handcrafted in Murano, Italy, this carafe will be every dinner guest’s favorite piece on the table!

    $450, modaoperandi.com

  • La Plata Tablecloth by Svenskt Tenn

    Nothing makes a table sing like a patterned tablecloth! And this one in particular has tons of personality.

    $576, svenskttenn.com

  • Bois De Moiré Navy Bed Linens by D.Porthault Paris

    A modern take on a faux bois from a classic bedding house—what more could you want?

    From $205, dporthaultparis.com

  • Check Hand Towel by Hay

    A cheap and cheerful upgrade for a bathroom.

    $20, us.hay.com

  • Blue Fluted Plain Cup and Saucer by Royal Copenhagen

    Some timeless classics just can’t be beat, and that’s the case for this fluted porcelain collection from Royal Copenhagen.

    $165, royalcopenhagen.com

  • Soleil Cushion by Gergei Erdei

    It was nearly impossible to choose a favorite from Gergei’s crazy-cool collection of home goods. This cushion struck me in particular—love that fringed edge!

    $275, gergeierdei.com

  • Ami de Coeur Shirt by Ami Paris

    A classic blue button-down is a wardrobe staple, and this one from Ami takes it to the next level with perfect details.

    $320, amiparis.com

  • Sebline Necktie by Plain Goods

    This tie is the perfect complement to nearly any suit and shirt combo! Instant elegance.

    $195, plain-goods.com

  • Coco Table by Elena Cutolo for Altreforme

    Tile-topped tables have been trending for a while, but I think they have lasting power. Graphic, interesting, and practical.

    $5,975, artemest.com

  • Mokki Dining Chair by Schumacher Editions

    Schumacher recently launched a furniture collection, and this chair is my favorite piece. I especially love it upholstered in this fun blue-and-white patterned fabric!

    $1,650, 1stdibs.com