There’s a reason blue and white never fall out of style. Even as interior trends rise and fade—from Scandi minimalism to brutalist concrete curves—Australia’s love affair with coastal hues remains unshakeable. The pull of blue and white is more than an aesthetic preference; it taps into something deeper in us. The hues of sea and sky hold memory, meaning and a sense of emotional ease that feels instinctive in Australian homes.
At Salt & Sol, we’ve always believed coastal art isn’t just décor—it’s a way of shaping atmosphere. And nothing shapes a room quite like a beautifully chosen blue-and-white artwork. Whether it’s an abstract wash in deep ultramarine, a soft shoreline painted in powdery blues, or a gentle photographic study of a calm inlet, blue and white carry a sense of tranquillity that no other palette replicates.
Styling this artwork well means understanding the nature of colour, the way light behaves in Australian homes, and how to create harmony between art, furniture, textures and the surrounding architecture. If you’re looking to introduce (or elevate) the coastal look at home, this guide will take you through everything you need to know—slowly, thoroughly, and with the design eye Salt & Sol is known for.
1. Why Blue & White Works So Well in Australian Interiors
Blue and white feel like Australia. They’re the colours of our wide sky, our clear shallow waters, and the clean light that falls across so many interiors in coastal towns from Noosa to Fremantle.
A. It reflects our natural landscape
The Australian coastline is dramatic, expansive, and endlessly varied. Blue and white artwork feels connected to:
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rolling ocean hues
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soft sand
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gentle surf
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cloud-filled skies
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coastal vegetation
This makes it feel right at home whether you live near the sea or inland.
B. It works with Australian light
Australian light is bright and sharp—quite different from European or North American light. Blue softens glare. White reflects light cleanly. Together they create calm rather than contrast.
C. It suits every architectural style
Blue and white work equally well in:
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modern coastal homes
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Hamptons-inspired interiors
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renovated Queenslanders
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minimalist apartments
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mid-century homes
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beach cottages
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contemporary builds along the WA coastline
This palette is adaptable, timeless and highly versatile.
2. Choose the Right Shade of Blue for Your Space
Not all blues are equal. Choosing the right one makes all the difference.
Deep Navy (Classic & Grounding)
Works beautifully in:
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formal living rooms
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media rooms
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darker timbers (walnut, blackbutt, smoked oak)
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rich coastal interiors
Navy acts as the “anchor” colour—solid, dependable and sophisticated.
Sky Blue (Light & Airy)
Ideal for:
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bedrooms
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bright hallways
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open-plan coastal homes
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airy living spaces
Sky blue brings softness, especially with white linen and pale flooring.
Seafoam & Aqua (Fresh & Youthful)
Perfect for:
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coastal holiday homes
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ensuites and bathrooms
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kids’ rooms
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relaxed living spaces
These tones evoke shallow waters and feel instantly refreshing.
Storm Blue / Slate (Moody & Artistic)
Best for:
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modern interiors
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neutrals-heavy rooms
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gallery-inspired spaces
Stormy blues feel painterly, rich and atmospheric.
Turquoise & Teal (Bold & Playful)
These colours make a statement, ideal for rooms that need energy or visual depth.
3. The 70/20/10 Rule for Styling Blue & White Art
This is the Salt & Sol approach for a reason—it always works.
70% Neutral Foundations
Think:
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soft white walls
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pale oak
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rattan
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natural linens
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sisal rugs
These create the calm base.
20% Blue (Your Artwork Does Most of This Work)
One large blue-and-white artwork can carry most of this 20% by itself. Add only a few companions:
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a throw
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two cushions
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a ceramic vase
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a soft blue book spine
10% Accent (Metal or Contrast)
Choose one:
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brushed brass
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sea-glass green
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black accents (for modern homes)
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warm stone
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grey concrete
This keeps the palette from looking flat.
4. Where to Hang Blue & White Coastal Artwork
Placement matters as much as the artwork itself.
A. Above a Sofa
Your art should be 60–75% of the sofa’s width.
A large single piece or a diptych works beautifully.
B. Above a Bed
Soft blue brings serenity to bedrooms.
Diptychs work especially well here—balanced, calming and symmetrical.
C. Entryway / Hallway
Choose something bright and uplifting—a shoreline or cloudscape.
D. Dining Room
Use a panoramic coastal scene or an abstract in deeper ocean blues.
E. Home Office
Blue boosts focus and reduces stress.
Choose a calm abstract, gentle wave or aerial coastline.
5. Pairing Blue & White Art with Furniture and Décor
To achieve the modern Australian coastal look, consider the following pairings:
Furniture
Blue and white artwork pairs perfectly with:
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pale oak
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natural rattan
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white-washed timbers
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black-accent modern pieces
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boucle creams
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natural jute rugs
Textiles
Choose:
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white linen
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pale grey throws
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soft blue cushions
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striped coastal fabrics
Avoid overly patterned items unless they're subtle.
Accessories
Think natural materials:
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driftwood
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ceramics
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woven baskets
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coral-toned pottery
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textured lamps
These create harmony and add depth.
6. Matching Blue & White Art to Different Coastal Styles
Not all coastal interiors look the same. Blue and white artwork adapts beautifully to these popular styles.
A. Modern Coastal
Think clean lines, pale timber, matte finishes.
Choose:
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minimalist abstracts
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aerial beach photography
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horizon-based compositions
B. Classic Hamptons
More structure, more symmetry.
Choose:
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framed prints
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detailed scenic artworks
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navy-heavy compositions
C. Bohemian Coastal
Layered textures, relaxed mood.
Choose:
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soft ocean abstracts
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flowing watercolours
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gentle shoreline photography
D. Rustic Australian Coastal
A little warmer, more organic.
Choose:
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artworks with greys and sage tones
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moody blue abstracts
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textural coastal studies
E. Luxury Coastal
Larger scale, bolder compositions.
Choose:
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extra-large canvas prints
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refined photography
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storm blue and deep navy scenes
7. How to Build a Blue & White Coastal Gallery Wall
A gallery wall looks stunning when done right. Here’s how:
1. Start with one hero piece
Usually your largest artwork.
2. Add supporting prints
Choose 2–4 smaller pieces sharing:
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tone
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location
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brushwork
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photographic mood
3. Keep frames consistent
White, oak or black.
4. Maintain spacing
5–8 cm between frames.
5. Mix formats
Try:
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one abstract
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one shoreline
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one aerial
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one detailed study
Variety adds richness, but colour ties them together.
8. Why Scale Matters More Than Colour
Small art on a big wall always looks apologetic.
Go larger than you think
Blue and white expand a space visually when scaled up.
Large-scale artworks feel calm, not overbearing.
A single oversized artwork
Creates a luxurious, modern look that feels confident and timeless.
Diptychs and triptychs
Break up the space while maintaining balance.
Perfect for long walls or large living rooms.
9. How to Use Blue & White Artwork to Change a Room’s Mood
This is the emotional heart of coastal style.
Blue slows the mind
It reduces stress, improves calmness and deepens focus.
White clears mental space
It feels fresh, open and effortless.
Together
They create a sense of serenity—the signature feeling of coastal interiors.
Artwork is the easiest way to shift a room’s emotional tone without repainting walls or replacing large furniture.
10. Salt & Sol’s Most Popular Blue & White Coastal Themes
Our customers consistently fall in love with these categories:
Aerial Beach Photography
Soft, serene and perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.
Ocean Abstracts
Luxurious, deep and calming.
Shoreline Studies
A blend of art and photography; peaceful and nostalgic.
Wave Photography
Energetic but still deeply coastal.
Soft Watercolours
Gentle, artistic and soothing.
All created to bring the feeling of the ocean into your home.
Final Thoughts — Blue & White Is More Than a Palette
It’s a mood.
A memory.
A promise of calm.
A connection to the Australian landscape.
Styling blue and white coastal artwork is about more than creating a pretty interior. It’s about choosing pieces that shift the mood of your home, slow the pace of your day, and reflect the places where you feel most alive.
At Salt & Sol, every blue-and-white artwork we curate is chosen for that emotional quality. Whether you prefer crisp navy, soft seafoam, or stormy blue abstracts, the right artwork can transform your home into a sanctuary of light, calm and effortless coastal beauty.