A new year is the perfect excuse for an interior refresh, and Jamie Lee Curtis has declared 2024’s new hues to be blue and white, a symbolic combo with ancient roots, making it a meaningful and lasting aesthetic choice for the home.
The actor took to her Instagram page to display a blue and white Brown Parcel Press calendar alongside a matching Chinese platter in her kitchen. It’s a ritual that she’s shared for the past couple of years, and this year’s color choice is extremely apt for a new beginning – not to mention a perfect fit in a minimalist design scheme.
Ever the enduring trend, the color combination dates back to 618-907 CE, when it was utilized partially for its practicality.
'Blue and white made its first debut in Tang Dynasty porcelain ceramics with the use of cobalt, which was the only known pigment that could withstand porcelain’s high firing temperatures,' explains interior designer and Color Caravan founder Nicole Cullum.
Nicole Cullum is an interior designer in Taos, New Mexico, and founder of Color Caravan, a charming hand-painted line of wallpaper, textiles, bedding, and home decor.
‘White represents purity and cleanliness, she says. ‘It symbolizes innocence, simplicity, and a fresh start.’
There’s a reason white is so popular in modern design – it conveys a sense of openness and sophisticated simplicity. ‘The color, or lack of color in white, makes small rooms feel larger and more spacious.’
Meanwhile, blue is an all-purpose color in that it increases productivity whilst simultaneously relaxing the nervous system. Think of it as your morning shot of espresso and your evening cup of herbal tea.
‘Blue helps us be more focused, calm, and creative and is an excellent color to use in home libraries or study areas,’ notes Nicole. While darker blues help us solve problems and make decisions, light blues increase our concentration and focus on detailed tasks. She recommends blue to color bedrooms, offices, and wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Together, blue and white are a visually pleasing and emotionally restorative pairing that can suit a variety of house styles and room types. Whether a calendar is still on your 2024 wish list or you feel inspired to get some Chinoiserie for your kitchen countertop, you can shop our blue and white selects below.
This paper planner by Poketo is open-dated, so you can start using it at your leisure. It can be displayed page by page for short-term planning, or all at once for the long-term.
This vintage Chinoiserie-inspired bowl with scalloped edges and floral design is a one-of-a-kind piece, perfect for display in a minimalist kitchen.
These tea towels are made of organic cotton and are soft-washed for extra absorbency. The blue and white striped design pair add personality and a touch of class, making them a true kitchen essential.
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