What words come to mind when you think of white? I think ‘crisp’, ‘clean’, ‘fresh’, ‘pure’, ‘light’… and looking out my window on this February day I also think ‘snow’! But dwell for a moment on those adjectives. Wouldn’t you like to bring that serene feeling to your home? Of course! Decorating with all white is timeless and classic. Coupled with other neutrals, it creates a stunning style statement. Let’s have a look at some pointers to decorate with white in your home! (Snow optional!)
Hues of white. Yes, there’s a spectrum of whites, just like any other colour. Blue whites, gray whites, beige whites, modern whites, romantic whites – the art is in bringing them together effectively. Go with what you like, what appeals to you aesthetically. Look at pictures online or in magazines. Inspiration is at your fingertips.
The right light. The quality of natural light in a room affects white dramatically. Bright white paint is best on south facing walls, where it will draw in some warmth. Be sure to test with a small section how the white you’ve chosen will look before you make a whole room paint commitment.
Mirrors. Mirrors always open up a room, but when the room is all white, it’s astonishing. A grouping of mirrors on a wall reflects the white surfaces for an almost ethereal feeling.
Crystal too. If it sparkles, it looks even better against a white backdrop. Crystal chandeliers, lamp bases, accent pieces, even groupings of crystal… they all shine brighter in a white room.
White makes a small room appear larger. The monochromatic look is the ultimate in simplicity, making a small space feel bigger and airy.
White brings cohesion. With a white-on-white palette, you can mix eras and styles. Suddenly, vintage and modern blend perfectly. You can also mix patterns if they’re all white. Graphics and florals, stripes and circles, it all unifies with the common theme of white.
White covers flaws. This is SO TRUE. Any old piece of furniture, or even damaged walls, trim or floorboards, seem to be ‘healed’ by white. Try it and see. Old looks new and exciting again.
Now add neutrals. Beige, tan, taupe, gray and camel look vibrant against white. It takes chic to new heights. If you’re practical, upholstered furniture in darker neutrals will be more durable than true white.
Or brights. A splash of red in an all white room is dramatic. Maybe it’s just in pillows or accessories – it depends on how brave you are. Or maybe you have two gorgeous accent chairs in hot pink. Bring them out and add a few accessories to match. Just a little… you don’t want to lose the serenity of the white effect.
Or whatever! An ottoman in a bold print adds whimsy and warmth to your all white room. Pastels look great too: soft blues, pinks or greens add subtle shading to your white space.
White furniture. Simply beautiful! Whether you like a modern, streamlined look or a more antique traditional style, white is just right. It can also be paired with very dark wood furniture for a sophisticated feel. White furniture is versatile and adaptable to any colour scheme.
Plants. I’m a plant fan. It seems so many people have forgotten the natural beauty (and the oxygen!) provided by indoor plants. When added to a white room the foliage simply gleams. Think Boston fern in a Victorian white bathroom. Lovely, yes?
White bedrooms. Bedrooms are especially restful in all white and shades of cream. Add an antique settee, a fluffy white rug on wood floors, and the best part – gorgeous white bed linens. Cotton, lace, scalloped edges; they all look luxurious in white.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to decorate your home in beautiful, elegant white.
Leave a Reply