Decorating with Chinese porcelain

As summer approaches, we’re looking for decorating ideas that bring a light, cool touch. If you’d like to swap out some of your heavy winter decor for a lighter, airier feel, look no further than blue and white Chinese porcelain. It’s practical, versatile and can be found easily at decor shops and online stores. Best of all, the cool color combination is an elegant look that doesn’t break the bank.

Classic hues

There’s no question that the blue and white color combination is a classic, elegant look that goes with almost every decor. Maybe what’s even better is how easy it is to find blue and white porcelain in a variety of shapes and sizes. For instant impact with chic appeal, try adding two large Chinese blue and white vases on your dining table or entry foyer console. If you have a small writing desk or a desk with cubby holes, what would look cuter than a collection of blue and white porcelain animals? Look for them on sites such as eBay or Etsy or www.aliexpress.com.

In the kitchen, try a combination of lidded jars and use those for a unique set of flour and sugar canisters. Just make sure to choose jars that are labeled “food safe.” Try replacing mismatched coffee mugs with a variety of blue and white mugs (http://www.originalsource.com/). The patterns can be unique but the color combination will create a unified look.

Or create a vignette of porcelain by adding a variety of jars and vases in different shapes such as long necked, gourd-shaped or square and in varying sizes (www.bombaycompany.com). You can also put a large platter on a stand with some smaller pieces in front and flank with a pair of vases on either side.

On the wall above, add a decorative arrangement of blue and white porcelain platters or plates (www.pearlriver.com). You can often find a variety of dishware, plates and platters at your local Asian markets. While you’re there, stock up on some extra soup bowls and small dishes for sauces and condiments (www.asianfoodgrocer.com).

Customizable decor

If you’d like to add a blue and white accent in your bedroom, take a pair of vases to a local lamp shop and have them drilled and wired for a custom lamp that’s both chic and affordable. For wall interest, try a group of vases on decorative shelf brackets. You’ll create a unique design that looks like a million bucks and costs less than $100. For a more classic look, flank a piece of artwork with two vases on brackets on either side of the frame. It adds impact and interest simply by creating a 3-D aspect on a wall where we often have a habit of only using flat pictures and artwork.

For something a little unexpected, add a blue and white porcelain garden stool for a sweet spot to set a drink (www.wayfair.com) or add a collection of blue and white porcelain to top your fireplace mantle. If you love the patterns and prints on blue and white porcelain, carry it a bit further by adding drapes or throw pillows in Chinese porcelain printed fabrics like the Michael Miller Blue & White Porcelain fabric (www.jonesandvandermeer.com).

This story was originally published June 26, 2015 at 10:02 AM with the headline "Decorating with Chinese porcelain."