A Study in Blue in White -- With a Hint of Coral

There’s something undeniably timeless about a blue-and-white room. It’s crisp, coastal, and effortlessly elegant—the kind of palette that feels collected rather than decorated. In this living area, the foundation begins with soft periwinkle and navy: Galbraith & Paul’s painterly florals, Quadrille’s iconic Tashkent and Paradise prints, the deep indigo geometry of Kristen Leigh Stephenson, and the easy natural textures from Serena & Lily.

But even the most serene palette benefits from a little tension — a color that surprises the eye and brings the story to life.

Enter coral.

Not a loud statement, but a whisper of warmth: a beautiful pillow, a small accent throw, or a pair of coral-lacquered Chinese jars styled on the coffee table or etagere. The effect is immediate. The room feels sun-kissed, more dimensional, more interesting. Coral is the color equivalent of a smile; it softens the blues, warms the whites, and gives the whole space an inviting, lived-in glow.

This is how you keep a classic palette feeling modern:

one intentional stroke of contrast that makes everything else sing.