Gwyneth Paltrow is full of good ideas, but opting for blue and white dishware might be one of her best. In a series of 'Boyfriend Breakfast' videos posted on her Instagram, the actress and Goop founder takes us through her weekend breakfast routine and, by extension, her collection of blue and white painted plates and bowls. The color scheme is more than a passing trend.
Whether it's a white boat coasting across the Mediterranean or a gull cutting swiftly across a blue sky, the mix of blue and white has an instant connection to summer, and they will always be one of our all-time favorite color combinations. The colors contrast one another, but both feel cool, bringing about a calm, grounding feel to any tablescape.
Though the combination is lovely wherever it is used, it is an especially apt choice for dinnerware. First, it's a classic. Antique transferware, dating back to 18th-century England, is almost exclusively in blue and white. This connects all blue dishware visually to tradition. Though styles have evolved, and blue and white plates of today use different processes, there is something comforting in eating off a plate that has such a rich history.
Furthermore, blue and white together is a perfect choice for dinnerware to match any occasion because it is endlessly versatile. Antique transferware is one of the most classic examples, but it works just as well in contemporary designs or more minimalist looks. Because of the white, blue and white dishes are easy to pair with white table linens, and match well with a wood, black or white dining table. We don't see Paltrow's look dating anytime soon.
Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens says: 'Even in the videos Gwyneth has posted, we can see how beautiful this dishware color combination looks in her home. My favorite way to display this look is with open-front glass cabinets. The clearness of the cabinets makes the kitchen feel light and airy, and the blue showing through adds a little something extra.'
Shop The Look
There are hundreds of thousands of ways to emulate Gwyneth Paltrow's classic dishware color. From the traditional to the contemporary, every style of ceramics comes in the shades. Of all that exists, our editors love these three picks that will make you want to replace your existing dishware immediately.
This gorgeous print celebrates a variety of shades of blue with a vibrant floral pattern
Bring some luxury into a blue and white scheme with these uniquely designed bone china plates
These blue and white ceramic plates bring extra special flair to any dining experience
If you are tablescaping with Gwyneth Paltrow's preferred dish color, you can't go wrong with even more tones of blue and white. To add depth and visual interest, contrast your shades. Pair a light baby blue with a deep navy. Pair a stark white with a warmer cream shade. If you want to mix it up, injections of brown or a pop of color like red or yellow help the overall scheme look more nuanced and complicated.
By tapping into a classic look that transcends trends, Gwyneth Paltrow chooses to be always in style.
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