What Is Blue And White Design Called?
Blue and white design refers to the color scheme that combines various shades of blue with white or off-white elements. It has a long history spanning cultures and eras, with evidence of blue and white ceramics dating back to ancient Egypt and China. The contrast of the cool blue tones against crisp white creates a fresh, clean and timeless aesthetic that has remained popular for centuries.
Blue and white became especially widespread during the Ming Dynasty in China, when blue and white porcelain was mass produced and exported around the world via the Silk Road trade routes. The Dutch East India Company also began manufacturing blue and white pottery, plates, and tiles in the 17th century, which were traded globally. This allowed the palette to spread across Asia, Europe, and eventually to colonial America.
Today, blue and white is still commonly used in home decor, ceramics, textiles, graphic design, and commercial branding. The classic color pairing continues to represent style, sophistication and modernity across many cultures. Its tranquil vibe evokes feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
Characteristics of Blue and White Design
Blue and white design is known for its cool, calming color palette of light blues paired with crisp whites. This simple two-tone scheme creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic that feels open and refreshing. The cool tones evoke images of cloudless skies, gentle ocean waves, and clear mountain lakes.
The blue and white palette emerged from nautical influences, echoing colors seen on boats and seaside cottages. Crisp whites paired with blue hues inspired by the ocean and sky became a popular look for beach houses, yacht interiors, and coastal decor. This gave blue and white a fresh, breezy, vacation-style appeal.
Beyond the seaside connotations, blue and white also has a classic, timeless elegance. The high-contrast combination feels both traditional and modern. It brings to mind Greek architecture, Delftware pottery, country porches, and breezy linen fabrics. When balanced well, the color pairing achieves a crisp, sophisticated look.
Overall, blue and white design achieves a clean and calming environment. The cool hues and minimalist aesthetic create a refreshing feel perfect for relaxed living spaces.[1]
Psychology of Blue and White
Blue and white are commonly associated with the sky and water which are viewed as serene, peaceful elements of nature. The tranquil vibe of blue evokes a calming, refreshing effect in design and decor.
Blue is considered one of the most universally preferred colors, with a positive association across cultures. It is often described as a color that is open, light, and airy. The cool tones create a soothing, tranquil feeling.
According to research cited by Verywell Mind, blue has been found to lower heart rate and blood pressure which lends to its relaxing qualities. Since it is linked to calmness and serenity, blue can have a calming effect in interior design and visual media.
When paired with white, the peaceful essence of blue is enhanced. White represents openness and provides an airy accent to blue’s soothing nature. Together, blue and white create a refreshing, tranquil aesthetic.
Use of Blue and White in Logos
Many major companies and brands use blue and white in their logos to convey trust, stability, and wisdom. According to 99designs, blue and white color schemes are commonly used in the logos of technology companies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions.
Notable examples of popular blue and white logos include Facebook, Ford, Pepsi, HP, Intel, and American Express. The conservative color palette aims to make these brands appear reliable and secure. Blue evokes feelings of trust and dependability, while white represents purity and simplicity.
Some startups and lesser known companies also embrace blue and white logos to establish their credibility. The colors work well for companies in the fields of finance, health, technology, aerospace, and travel industries that want to convey professionalism and dependability. Overall, blue and white logos are ubiquitous across many sectors.
Blue and White in Home Decor
Blue and white is a popular and timeless color scheme often used in home decor, especially for coastal, nautical and beach house styles. The colors evoke images of the sky and sea and give spaces a fresh, crisp, and clean feel. Blue and white is commonly seen in minimalist Scandinavian design as well.
Some examples of using blue and white in home decor include:
- Blue and white striped rugs, pillows, and throws
- Navy blue couches paired with crisp white walls
- Beach-inspired accents like white shells and starfish against a blue backdrop
- White kitchen cabinets with blue tile backsplashes
- Blue and white chinoiserie wallpaper or accents
- White bedding with blue accent pillows and blankets
Blue and white can create a relaxing oasis inside the home. It is commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The color scheme evokes serenity and tranquility. Many people decorate with blue and white to capture the essence of a coastal cottage or vacation home right in their own house.
Blue and White Fashion
Blue and white has long been a popular color combination in fashion, evoking a classic, nautical, and breezy summer aesthetic. The pairing of a crisp, cool blue with bright white creates a fresh, preppy look that is easy to wear and style.
Blue and white striped shirts and dresses are wardrobe staples, harkening back to the Breton stripes of French sailors in the 19th century (source). White jeans paired with a blue blazer or shirt makes a polished outfit for warmer months. Accessories like blue and white handbags, jewelry, hats, and shoes complement a variety of looks.
Blue and white gingham, a checked pattern of thin blue lines on white, is another preppy fabric often used in sundresses, shorts, and more. It evokes carefree summers and picnics. Designers such as Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabbana, and Tory Burch frequently incorporate blue and white gingham into their collections (source).
Overall, blue and white makes a nostalgic, fresh, and easy style pairing for men and women year after year.
Blue and White Ceramics
Blue and white ceramics have a long and storied history spanning many cultures. Some of the most iconic examples come from the Delftware pottery tradition in the Netherlands, Chinese blue and white porcelain, and Mediterranean tiles.
Delftware originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century, where potters aimed to imitate rare Chinese porcelain by developing a local tin-glazed earthenware [1]. The potters used cobalt blue designs on a white background, creating a distinctive look. Delftware became popular for tableware and ornamental objects across Europe. The ceramics often featured intricate painting techniques for floral patterns and Chinse-inspired scenes.
In China, blue and white porcelain reached its peak during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th-17th centuries [1]. Cobalt oxide was used to hand-paint complex and vibrant motifs on porcelain vases, plates, jars and other objects. Chinese blue and white porcelain was highly coveted and exported in large quantities along trade routes, influencing ceramic traditions worldwide.
The distinctive blue and white aesthetic also became a hallmark of Mediterranean tiles used to decorate palaces, mosques, and homes starting in the 13th century. The intricate geometric and floral patterns graced architecture across regions like southern Spain, Morocco, and Turkey.
Blue and White in Graphic Design
The colors blue and white have become a popular combination in graphic design for creating a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The high contrast between the dark blue and bright white makes for an eye-catching and attention-grabbing color scheme.
Blue and white designs often have a vintage feel as well, harkening back to vintage ceramic and tile patterns. The classic color pairing gives off an elegant, refined, and nostalgic mood. Many well-known brands leverage blue and white in their logos and branding for these reasons, including Facebook, Twitter, Pepsi, Ford, and more.
Graphic designers may use different shades of blue with white to create depth and visual interest. Deep navy blues pair well with crisp whites. Light blue shades also complement white for a refreshing and soothing look.
Some key benefits of using blue and white in graphic design:
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic
- High-contrast, eye-catching combination
- Vintage, nostalgic feel
- Refined, elegant mood
- Flexibility in shades of blue
When used effectively, blue and white is a timeless color scheme that stands out while retaining a classic, understated style.
Cultural Associations
In many cultures around the world, the color blue has taken on symbolic meaning. This is especially true in nautical and maritime cultures, where blue and white designs have a strong association with the sea.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Dutch Delftware became extremely popular. This was a style of pottery marked by intricate blue and white designs, often depicting maritime scenes. The recognizable blue and white pattern came to represent Dutch maritime strength and naval power.
Blue and white porcelain from China also carries deep cultural meaning. For centuries, the distinct blue and white style was synonymous with Chinese export porcelain. Scenes of rivers, lakes, and oceans decorated dishes and vases intended for trade and diplomatic gifts. Through the far reach of its porcelain trade, China spread its artistic style and culture around the world.
Beyond the strong maritime associations, blue and white designs also represent spirituality, tranquility, and eternity across many Eastern cultures. The cooling shade of blue evokes the sea and sky, while white provides a calming balance.
Conclusion
In summary, blue and white design has a long and rich history spanning countries and cultures. Some key points are:
- Blue and white porcelain originated in the Yuan dynasty in 14th century China and became extremely popular for export to Europe and the Middle East.
- The distinctive blue and white aesthetic stands out and has strong associations with Chinese culture and trade.
- Blue and white schemes remain ubiquitous today in home decor, graphic design, fashion, and marketing for their classic, elegant, and soothing appeal.
- Psychologically, the balance of a cool blue and clean white evokes calmness and tranquility.
The timeless beauty of blue and white design ensures its lasting popularity across the centuries. The crisp contrast and familiarity means blue and white schemes will continue to be used in diverse settings and styles.
