Decorating with blue and white: afro chic

Yvonne O’Brien of The Private House Co. reveals how to use blue and white to create a relaxed classic contemporary look with an African twist

MY INSPIRATION FOR THIS JO’BURG PATIO WAS…the owners’ existing blue and white colour scheme. I’m also often influenced by my passion for blue and white fabrics like ticking and batiks, which have a tribal Moorish look that I find appealing. Here, I’ve mixed several different patterns to create a casual, eclectic look including broad stripes, oversized paisleys and even a trendy dip-dyed print.

Tips to get this look:

To create interest, aim for a richly-layered composition that mixes different shapes, forms and textures in terms of furniture and accessories.
For a cohesive and harmonious feel, ensure there’s a common thread that runs throughout your entire home.
Create ‘connections’ from indoors to outdoors through repetition of a particular colour, texture or material.
As long as you keep the blue tones compatible, you can have fun by playing with a variety of patterns; it’s important, however, to select patterns that are appropriate to the style you’d like to create. Don’t forget that you can also introduce pattern with accessories as I’ve done here with classic blue and white china.
If you don’t want to use white for your upholstery, choose another neutral colour such as taupe or a weathered grey.
To anchor a large space such as this, add a bold statement piece or two like this pair of oversized Indonesian basket shades.

DECORATING WITH BLUE AND WHITE: HAMPTONS SAFARI

Caxton magazines staff