This season, blue and white decor is a popular as ever. Although it would be fine to tell NICHE readers hot to get this look at home, I thought it might be more fun to show you how it’s done right. I reached out to an award winning interior designer whose work has been featured on HGTV, and in multiple high-end publications including New York Living and The Robb Report. Catherine Cleare, also an allied member of ASID, was happy to share a master bedroom project that is an exceptional example of layering colour and patterns.
Cleare says the concept always starts with a pencil and paper.
“It starts with sketches because you need a vision. That’s because what you first see when you enter a room begins with white walls – an interior designer’s blank canvas.”
You would never guess from the feel of the room, but this was a small space. Fortunately, with a great wall plan and lots of natural light, adding impact through statement pieces, colour, pattern and texture was an option that worked perfectly.
The indigo blue walls are skillfully hand painted using an Ikat pattern and create the ideal backdrop for the white furniture, patterned formal drapes and multiple other fabrics choices.
The trellis blue and white carpet acts as the perfect foundation for the custom made bed, nightstand and desk, sitting proudly against the darker wooden floors beneath.
Cleare used a lot of restraint in staying true to her blue and white vision, and the designer details of this room are what make it exceptional. The crystal ball lamps, the Lucite desk chair and bench never compete with the custom fabrics, but don’t get lost in the space either. The Schumacher metal framed chairs below the window are at once commanding and elegant. The J.Pocker fish prints seem to tie it all together in a neat little blue and white package.
By: Sylvia Day – NICHE Magazine Spring 2013
