White is the colour of joy, hope, innocence and cleanliness. It represents purity, optimism and enlightenment and is by far the most popular shade for interior decorating. Regardless of what’s in fashion, no colour is more universally favoured.
Founder of online homewares emporium www.whiteport.com.au, Jennifer McCabe believes there are some important pointers to keep in mind when decorating with white.
To avoid an all-white scheme appearing clinical, add different textures and layers in white. This is especially important in the bedroom; layer bed linen using waffle blankets, quilted throws and pretty cushions for a truly sumptuous look.
Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of white. Use varying shades of white in your decor will avoid it looking flat. White is elegant on its own, but mix in some glass and silver pieces amongst your white and see its true beauty.
Using a principally white palette means you can change the look of a room easily and without a lot of expense. Injecting some colour using a few accent pieces means that when you want a new look or the seasons change, you simply change the accent pieces. {suggest photo showing black leather chair & vintage bus scroll}
All whites have some trace of another colour. Remember this if you want to add some accents of colour. Warm whites work best with blues and neutral tones whilst cool whites work best with bright colours, such as pure primaries and vivid colours.
Remember the basics. Whites are highly reflective, bouncing natural light off the walls and back into the room to create an airy atmosphere. When painting, shades of white will make a room appear larger. If you want the room to feel larger still, paint the ceiling and skirtings in a lighter tone of the wall. “When we painted our kitchen floorboards white, friends thought we were crazy but even when they needed a mop or got scratched, the overall effect was still light, airy & clean”.
Cool versus warm. Use warm whites for bedrooms and living areas where you want a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and cooler whites in bathrooms and kitchens. If you’re not sure which whites to use, consult a professional for guidance and recommended combinations. “Dulux has fantastic online colour help tools and have more than 50 shades of white paint, so it’s important to choose the right one for your room”, Jennifer says.
Don’t believe the myth that children and white interiors don’t mix. Use a washable paint with a low-sheen finish in high traffic areas and removable washable covers on sofas.
And remember, the possibilities are endless when you decorate with white.
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