With only two colors, this trend is pretty easy for even the most decorating impaired individual. While most people associate these two colors with a nautical theme, I want to dig into two classic Asian inspired décor pieces that focus on whimsical design.

Although you might have seen it in your grandmother’s home at one point, chinoiserie is a great way to work in some of this navy and white trend. These porcelain pieces originate in Europe, after exploration of China, the exotic decorations and designs were something unique and of fascination to the European people. Inspired chinoiserie is pretty much the European “fantasy-version” of Chinese design. The name literally means “Chinese-esque.” The blue and white designs can be comforting and provide a beachy, warm feel, like a breezy seaside cottage in Florida. If you can’t live by the beach, the next best thing is to fake it anyway right? These pieces can be matched with any color combinations, which makes it easy to add them to your existing décor theme. Besides the original porcelain, the blue and white designs have inspired fabrics, furniture, and art, giving you multiple ways to add in this trend so you can have the ultra-trendy living space you always knew you deserved.

Need something a little cheaper to make your apartment or house feel up to date? Or maybe you feel like chinoiserie is too hard to pronounce, and looks too much like your grandmother’s china cabinet. Reminisce back to those days where you tie-dyed everything from your bed sheets to your underwear, because it’s back. Dating way, way back, Shibori is one of the oldest forms of tie-dye originating in Japan. Meaning “to wring, squeeze, or press,” Shibori usually consists of one or two color patterns that are less psychedelic than traditional tie-dye. Navy and white are the most common colors for Shibori in decorating and these can be store bought or made at home for those who are on the craftier side. From blankets, to pillows, and even curtains this grown-up dye job can give your space the chic update it needs. You can even use this technique on dresses, or scarves, this way you can match your décor, if that’s what you’re into…

One of our favorite artists, Lynn Basa, is currently working on a stunning series of blue acrylic on paper pieces and any one of them would be gorgeous hanging in your home.

Feel like taking on a project? The Dharma Trading Company has a fun and easy tutorial plus you can purchase everything you need in their Indigo Tie Dye Kit. Find the DIY tutorial HERE.

With a simple color palette and an endless variety of color combinations and styles, this old age theme is a new way to spruce things up. Show us your DIY Shibori projects or chinoiserie designs!

xo Amanda!