The recent issue of Southern Lady features a special look into how interior design maven Phoebe Howard got her unexpected start in professional decorating. Among the rooms included in the magazine are a series of blue and white interiors that I absolutely love.
Of course, you know my love for blue and white china. I so enjoyed seeing that aesthetic replicated across a room. Not that I can give up some of by beloved red pieces, but these cool and calm rooms are sure to inspire.
Now with a new book, Mrs. Howard Room by Room, Phoebe shared some of her decorating tips with us.
One of the beautiful dining rooms featured in Phoebe’s new book. I love the calm created by the cool blend of blue and green.
Such a lovely and open kitchen. I especially love the collection of blue and white pitchers displayed at the end of the island.
Phoebe Howard’s tips for decorating with style:
- Keep your house spotless, from door hardware to windows to countertops. Even the most humble place looks so much better if it’s clean.
- In living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms, use lamps where possible to create soft pools of light. They illuminate the room and make it so much softer and more ambient at night.
- Make sure your family room and other areas where your family lives every day are durable. There are lots of great outdoor fabrics and wipe-off fabrics, such as washable suede. Don’t set up heavy-use areas for failure by making delicate or inappropriate choices; put things in there that can take the wear and tear.
- Use fresh flowers and fresh greenery indoors whenever you can. They bring light and color and fragrance inside—in a way that you can’t get with an artificial product.
- Take your kids’ rooms off the house tour. They can be a showplace, but they need to be a showplace just for the children. Paint the rooms a fun color, put down a rug for kids to play, and let them enjoy themselves. It’s important for them to have a safe zone for their imagination.
Learn more about the Phoebe’s story in the January/February issue of Southern Lady.
Comments 12
Blue and white will never grow old! Classic combination…and always a favorite.
The colors blue and white are a classic…. Has a nice clean crisp look, love a kitchen done in these colors… Phoebe’s kitchen design is just beautiful!
I dream in blue and white! So even at a young age,growing up in the seventies was not easy when my parents’ house was all greens,brown and orange! As soon as I was married everything from seating,cushions,dishes and accessories were finally blue and white. And my inspiration was the Victoria book, At Home With White and so it continues to this day.
Living currently in Hong Kong where blue and white is everywhere and appreciated!
Phoebe’s designs relax me whenever I see or enter one of her rooms. The ultimate
experience to uncomplicate our busy lives. Perfection!
I also love blue and white and always have at least one room in those colors. I liked her idea of not decorating kids rooms for adult show but for chidrens’ creativity.
I don’t need another interior décor book nor another garden book ~ however . . . 😉
I love Ms. Howard’s work. I will always love blue and white, and blue and green decor. Whether it is the trend or not, for me it will forever remain a classic. Because of the way it makes me feel, it is an all time classic. Love Southern Lady!
Sherry
I agree! My own décor incorporates variations of the blue/white blue/green blue/yellow palette. The two exceptions are the main bath, done in Tuscany flavors, and my study, similar but with colors taken from “Girl Reading” framed print. I’ve been tempted to change the study to dark blue with bright yellow, but that would replicate the bedroom.
love the blue and white rooms
Love my Southern Lady and Blue and White!
I have been a fan of Phoebe’s for quite a long time. Her design work is gracious, beautiful, but most of all live-able. I’m looking forward to purchasing her book, I am certain it will inspire me for years to come.
Hey Phyllis so beautiful!~! I need to get Southern Lady, that issue looks incredible!!! Hope your 2016 is off to a wonderful start:)