Kimberly Schlegel Whitman: I Heart Blue and White: Guest Post by Michelle Nussbaumer

"Nothing simultaneously calms and excites the eye as much as blue and white.

My entire bedroom is blue and white striped with chinoiserie and my own Ikat fabric. I love coming home after a long day and lying in my bed feeling happy and soothed by the sea of blue around me.

Whether in nature or painted on antique porcelain, I am always drawn to patterns in these hues. While growing up in Texas, I eagerly anticipated each springtime when my grandaddy would drive us out to see the bluebonnets. We would lay on the ground and look up at the sky and just feel at peace.

I am equally drawn to water and it seems natural that, as it is the color of life, so many of us feel an affinity to blue.

Whenever I am traveling, whether it's in Mexico, Holland, France or Asia, I always try to pick up a few blue and white pieces. I like to have a well-rounded collection handy at the shop as they work for so many clients. When budget is an issue, the first thing I recommend is something classic chinoiserie to create a look of polish and sophistication. Porcelain is always a great investment and fabulous collections can be built upon a few starter pieces. Here area few of the rooms I have done that have been inspired by blue and white. I have also included a great graphic and geometric room by my best friend and soul sister, Mary McDonald as well as some great dresses inspired by chinoiserie and some other blue images that inspire me from nature."