I grew up in New England, which is to say, I've seen an excessive number of blue and tan spaces in my lifetime. It's not so much that this pairing is awful, but that it's become so overdone as to feel uninspired, at least in my opinion. That's until I saw Jennifer Lopez's dressing room.
JLo revealed her inner dressing sanctum in a recent Instagram post, and it's practically a diatribe for the benefits of a coastal color palette. The multihyphenate's closet features blue-and-white striped curtains, tan walls, and a fuzzy tan rug, buttressed by white wainscotting, like this style from Amazon. All of the furnishings are made of light wood, including the mirror and footstool. A black-and-white print of a fashionably dressed woman adds a dark accent to the back wall, while recessed lighting provides the perfect atmosphere for getting dressed every day.
Contrary to my former perception of coastal spaces, Jennifer's dressing room is sophisticated, not kitschy. Though it follows the color tradition of a coastal space with blue like the sea and tan like the sky, it doesn't lean particularly coastal in feel, and instead has the impression of an elevated boutique hotel.
Recreate JLo's Look at Home
These pretty blue curtains are a beautiful option for any space, and they look especially striking in Jennifer Lopez's dressing room. Their blackout design is ultra-functional, for a combination of style and appearance.
If you run out of space in your closet, a chrome rack like J. Lo's is an excellent place to position the overflow. The shelves on the bottom are the ideal spot to position shows and or bags.
This beautiful wooden mirror remembers the pretty one in Jennifer Lopez's corner. I love the scalloped detail and dark mahogany color.
A pretty fashion print is the perfect complement to a well-designed closet. This black and white one is the ideal pairing with wooden furnishings.
A step stool is a great addition to a closet. This pretty one from Shea McGee's company has stylish detail and works in any home.
JLo uses a tan circular rug in her dressing room, and this jute version is the perfect modern version. It has a cozy, natural feel that complements any decor.
So, why did JLo's blue and brown decor work so well for me, where so many have failed? First, she integrates a variety of textures to break up the dichromatic look. The walls feature a tactile wallpaper, and the carpet is ultra-plush. Natural wood grain in the mirror and footstool add a sense of warmth and heritage that breaks up the new-build visual frequently accompanying tan schemes.
Furthermore, rather than alternating with blue and brown, she chooses just one, striking blue accent to add interest to the otherwise 'boring beige' room. The blue and white striped curtains bring in a touch of brightness and pattern that uplifts the room and keeps it interesting.
I'm no fan of a beige and blue combination, but JLo has made me walk back my absolutist position that they never look good. If you are considering using this color pairing in your own home, her dressing room serves as a worthwhile blueprint.
