Here’s inspiration for blue and white decor for Summer like a blue bedding refresh, decor book by Schumacher, and gifts for mom. There is also a grilled herbed salmon recipe and a good movie. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
As the summer sun beckons, it’s the perfect time to give your decor a refreshing shot of blue and white. This classic color combination not only sets the mood with a sense of calm but also brings a cool and inviting vibe to your space.
Did you know that blue is the most universal favorite color? This blog post has lots of “Summer Blues” for you. Note that if you use any of my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission. Thank you.
1. Blue And White Decor For Summer : Shades Of Blue Bedding
We already had a high-quality blue and white color palette for our bedding with a crisp white organic cotton bedding set paired with a white duvet set.
But full disclosure, we let our dog, Chief sleep under the duvet and that means frequent washing and the struggle to put the duvet cover back on is real. Come winter though, we will bring out the duvet again.
But for now…While in Pottery Barn recently, I fell in love with this beautiful Indian block print reversible quilt. The cotton fabric is so soft and a perfect layer for Summer. It comes in different colors too.
The quilt with the paisley florals feels like an instant new look. And Chief is fan, too.
We like how it coordinates with the stripes in the cotton curtains and the other textiles and navy accessories. The round ottoman coffee table has a little texture and it a great place to rest your feet.
I first fell in love with the more affordable Quince brand with this blue luxe cashmere throw that I’ve used all around the house. It’s everyone’s favorite blanket.
The throw pillows are from Etsy.
Shop Our Primary Bedroom Here:
You may also like Serene and Stylish: Tips for Designing a Blue Guest Room Retreat.
2. Blue And White Done Right Book
“Divided by style (charming, modern, boho, traditional, etc.), Schumacher will take you on a tour of the best of blue and white decorating, featuring interiors that show just how versatile this color combination can be.”
I was reading the book out on my blue and white screened-in ladies’ loft. More about that here.
There are lots of beautiful spaces with blue accents. I’ve given this book as a gift, too.
With Amazon Prime’s express shipping, I received it overnight. It’s in my Amazon Shop along with my other favorite books.
3. Simple Grilled Salmon With Parmesan Herbed Butter
Since my personal chef (Howard) was out-of-town and he doesn’t love salmon that much, I made this dish for myself. It’s based loosely on this cookbook “Summer Days & Balmy Nights.” I served it on a bed of arugula and grape tomatoes drizzled with good olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
It was great that I could use fresh herbs from Howard’s garden.
Basically:
- marinate the salmon in olive oil, balsamic, minced garlic, fresh thyme and sea salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes
- blend butter (I used a half of a stick) with 1/2 cup fresh basil and 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese in our mini food processor. Mold into a cylinder shape, wrap in parchment paper and chill until firm (about 30 minutes in our freezer)
- Spray the grill with oil and cook the salmon on medium high heat for three minutes on each side. Serve with a pat of the herbed butter.
4. Thoughtful Gifts For Mom
It will be here before you know it…Mother’s Day. If your mom is gone like mine, take some time to remember the good times with her.
A Handwritten Letter (delivered in person, if possible) • Pretty blue and white robe for Summer (my mother-in-law is getting this) • Stanley Quencher A Big One • Woven Straw Tote • L’Occitane Hand Cream (I keep this in my purse) • Zuvi Halo Fresh & Clean Technology (one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022 — an investment purchase but even my hairstylist remarked how much softer my hair is since using it) My review of it is here Don’t forget: use code MARYANN for a 5% extra discount • J. Crew Cotton Cropped PJs (on sale–nice for when you want to hang out with company in the morning) • Apple Watch Band (Alie and Tommy, I’d really like this in white for my new watch please)
5. What To Watch: The Beautiful Game On Netflix
Sometimes you just want to watch something uplifting at home. This is for the Ted Lasso lovers (us). The story is based on a real tournament that’s been taking place for 20 years.
“Mal (Bill Nighy–he’s so great) is the manager of England’s homeless football team, taking his players to Rome with the hope of being crowned champions of the Homeless World Cup. He brings with them a talented striker, Vinny, who could give them a real chance at winning.”
Sephora Sale 2024
A heads up…I try to wait for the Sephora Sale, going on now for the Sephora brands (30% off) and starting on Tuesday, April 9 for 10% off most name brands (and 15% off if you are at the VIB annual spending level). More details here. I’m putting things in my cart for Tuesday.
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Linda C says
Love the blue and white ideas! Your (and Howard’s) fish recipes are always so delicious and easy to make. Thank you! A question about mini food processors— would you recommend buying a 3 cup or 4 cup? I cook for 2 people mostly. Looking at Williams Sonoma mini processors.Thanks.
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
Blue and white is my favorite color combination, I use it everywhere. I love how versatile the color scheme is, I add yellow or green or orange and the room looks totally fresh and new!
Your new quilt is so pretty, you have a beautiful bedroom.
Xo Heidi
Pat in Chicago says
I love when you post your favorite things with links. You always post such great stuff. I’ve seen some of the new Pottery Barn quilts and love them. Your room looks great!
Holly Beaver says
Great column today, Mary Ann. Ordering your suggested ‘blue and white’ book now. Would be interested to know what’s in your Sephora sale cart.
Thank you for your great ideas!
Francesca B says
Hi Mary Ann,
I so nearly bought that quilt the other day !! It is so pretty and fresh, might have to get it ! Thank you for a lovely post Mary Ann l could watch Bill Nighy make toast he is so good. Happy week !
Diana M says
Love love that quilt. But I’m going to wait for a (fingers crossed) sale. I have a problem paying full price for things when there are so many good deals out there. And I’ll def try that salmon recipe this week!
Rose says
Mary Ann—have you tried the J Crew pjs and if so, what size did you order? Just wondering if they work for a petite or did they need to be shortened? I love the robe also. Did you purchase for yourself also?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I have a few J.Crew pajamas but not those. They might need to be shortened for me. I only got the robe for my mother-in-law but I would like to have it too!
Christine Sweeney says
Happy Sunday, love all the blue and white! Thank you for the movie recommendation, looks great. I always look forward to your post.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Christine.
Deanna says
I love your new summer quilt. Time to take a drive to Pottery Barn to check it out. I think blue and white decor is so timeless. Did you do a post on the Zuvi hair dryer? I need to check that out. Have a good week!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes, here is the post on the Zuvi… https://classiccasualhome.com/state-of-the-art-hair-dryer-easy-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies/
Have a good week!!
annie diamond says
Mary Ann, I love your new quilt! And all the blue in your ocean front home is perfect. So many pretty shades…. Love that quince throw too!
The salmon looks delicious! And I’ve never heard of that movie— but we loved Ted Lasso so this sounds interesting!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Annie, I WISH we were ocean front…but we can hear the waves!