BLUE & WHITE

From pale powder blues to richer indigo and cobalt shades, these tones reflect the colours of the sky and sea, and are a classic choice for a calm coastal home, especially when combined with white for a fresh, uplifting interior. It’s best to keep the backdrop pale, painting plastered or tongue-and-groove walls in a bright white or soft blue, offset with stronger shades on accessories, furniture and fabrics. Choose pieces that look naturally distressed and rustic, such as a chest of drawers with weathered paintwork, ceramics with a loose watery glaze, an antique grain sack re-used as a cushion cover or a frayed or faded fabric. This colour combination will work well in most rooms and in an outdoor setting, where it works harmoniously against fresh greens and in bright light.

OPPOSITE Stripes in varying widths and different shades of blue add interest to a pared-back scheme THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Rich deep paint tones are also an option for walls and will add intensity when used as a backdrop for bright white furniture and accessories; mix and match small-scale patterns on accessories; weather-worn paint is synonymous with this rustic look; grey and neutral tones will add warmth with this colour combination to create a relaxed bedroom