That is… black and blue [color scheme] and brown and white too. That was the color scheme I was referring to in my last post that I said I would be talking about next. Oh wait. You were imagining worried that I might be hurt? Well… that is a different blog! ;]
I think that nearly every space needs some black, but there’s something about a black and blue color scheme that I find particularly beautiful. First of all… it’s enigmatic. Mysterious. It’s cool and incredibly chic and sophisticated.
Like this Mark Rothko painting.
True story about a black and blue color scheme.
Several years ago a friend very excitedly wanted me to visit a home that he and his team had decorated. It was for his boss— a dude who has written a lot of really well-known tunes. [no names please] None of these people were professional interior designers, however, what they had created was one of the coolest homes I’ve ever seen. The entire place was dark blue, black, brown and white. The kitchen was the only room that was all white with a brown floor. There was a circular space with little white lights in the navy ceiling that looked like stars in the sky. The bedroom, was so incredibly handsome, I would’ve run away with it forever if it had asked me.
So, it is in the spirit of my memory of that gorgeous and unusual home, that I’m going to present ideas for decorating with blue (mostly dark blue and navy), black, and brown and white. Some rooms may not have all four elements. Some rooms might actually be black, but they look navy.
As a designer, I’m totally drawn to these spaces, but don’t know if I have the nerve to do it for myself. Maybe one day.
The first three photos are rooms done by Windsor Smith
Her fabulous kitchen!
Beautiful traditional dining room by Nell Hill
Timothy Corrigan for F. Schumacher
The next three images are by Victoria Hagan
The next three images are by the fabulous Canadian designer, Tommy Smythe. Tommy is better known as the sidekick of HGTV design star Sarah Richardson, however, he’s a pretty kickass designer in his own right.
I adore this very handsome bedroom! I think that pop of teal is what really makes it all sing!
I realize that I posted this one recently, but it’s just so cool, I had to again! That black cabinet is to die for!
Another repeat from this post which has lots and lots of blue and white and black and brown
From Lonny Mag and a repeat from this post about dark rooms which might interest you.
 And tell me, who doesn’t adore this incredible room by the awesome Amy Morris for the Atlanta Show House!
Black and Blue decor is one of my favorite color schemes.
 xo,
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6 Responses
Hi Laurel – I am so glad I found you and your site. It is delightful, informative, imaginative and oh-so-helpful. On the subject of helpful, I am looking for a blue/black or black/blue paint color to use on trim. I want one of those colors that people ask, “Hey Patti, is that paint blue or black.” I love those hues of colors. I am using mostly white trim, with some of the blue/black including the powder room door, the stair rail, risers, and a bar cabinet in the otherwise white kitchen. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for a GREAT blog.
Hi Patti,
I’m sorry but I’m not as delightful as you might be imagining. But thank you just the same.
I can’t give paint recs in the comments. No worries. You’re about the 4th person today who’s asked.
This is one reason why I spent hundreds of hours. (yes, hundreds) putting together The Laurel Home Essential Paint Collection. You may want to consider getting it. There are two blacks that run cool. But you must always test. There’s a guide inside that helps you with that too. Plus the 66 Universal colors that all go with each other.
https://laurelberninteriors.com/laurel-home-essential-paint-color-collection/
I know this post is old, but I recently painted my kitchen (house is 100+ yrs old) in BM’s Van Dusen blue with white trim, white cabinets and LOVE it! It looks so rich and sophisticated, but LOL that is when it is not being used, then it is a pretty blue and white kitchen.
That is a great dark blue!
Thanks Laurel. I’ve been struggling with a color for the long 30′ living room in this shotgun style house where you can see through the entire house. Sun porch, kitchen, living room and bedroom. Driving myself nuts trying to find a color for the living room that will “flow”. I was sitting in the living which is 15’x 30′, looked into the kitchen and thought … why not? Yep, the living room is also going to be Van Deusen Blue – same as kitchen with white trim. The room is flooded with natural light, I believe its going to be an excellent choice. I love this blog.
I literally cannot overstate how much I love this post. I love every single image!
Stacy