With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays just passed, you may need to create a serene oasis in your home to get over the stress. A white-on-white palette is calming and subdued and easy on the eyes. To keep it from feeling too institutional, follow some of these suggestions:
Choose a warm white
A stark white with blue undertones can make a room feel harsh and cold. Choose warm whites or tinted whites with just a hint of a very soft colour for your walls. Ask your paint retailer for assistance, as they know what whites are warm and what may be too cool in appearance.
Add texture
Texture by way of wall treatments, such as the one in our feature photo (courtesy of Kohler), adds interest and personality to what could be a stark space. The stylish trim on the cabinets and the walls has a vintage flavour that works well with that awesome skirted sink. The sink also has a ribbed front, which brings in more visual interest. Adding wooden pegs on the wall to hang herbs adds that final vintage flair and visual appeal. While the overall palette is serene, there is still a lot going on to keep the eye interested. So, forgo the flat-white walls in favour of some architectural interest and visual texture. You don't necessarily have to install a treatment similar to the one in our photo.
Think about hanging a distressed cabinet for display purposes, old sculptural picture frames, or an old distressed wooden window or framed mirror to hang on the wall that will bring in the same feel. This idea is especially useful if you're renting, as you can take these items with you when you move.
Include subtle pattern
The marble countertop in our feature kitchen has a tone-on-tone appearance with a subtle hint of a soft pattern. This is perfect in keeping with the subdued decor theme. Soft patterns can be affordably included through fabrics, wallpaper and window treatments. Keep it understated but interesting at the same time. A soft pattern adds visual interest, just like texture does.
White furniture
It may be time to update your dark wooden furniture pieces to go with your new decor. Painting larger pieces in warm white will give them new life. Update the hardware if necessary and enjoy your old pieces once again. Painting larger pieces white will make the room feel more spacious and fresh. Practise on a small item first to get the look you desire. Consider distressing the piece to bring in some personality. Other items such as framed mirrors, wall shelves and even framed prints might get a new lease on life with some white paint. White shutters might be a great addition as well.
For busy upholstered pieces, purchase furniture slipcovers in warm white so they will fit into the mix.
Accessorize
In our feature photo, the included accessories are in earthy tones that are warm and inviting. The soft green of the herbs and the wooden spoons and jute herb bag are reminiscent of nature. There are two ways to go in the accessory realm and it may very well depend upon the room in question. You might prefer soft, earth-toned accessories in a bedroom but might opt for pops of bright colour in a family or dining room. Two or three small pops of colour, such as a vase of vivid flowers for example, will bring a bit more energy to the room. Either way, accessories are easy enough to replace if you change your mind down the road. Have a little fun with this phase of your project.
Textiles
A fresh bed set in a white-on-white palette can add a sense of elegance in a master bedroom. Look for sets with textural elements and perhaps a hint of pattern.
In a spa-like bathroom, luxuriously thick, oversized white towels will make you feel spoiled. The same goes for bath mats. Spend a few bucks to get something scrumptious underfoot.
White doesn't have to be boring. Keep the above techniques in mind and you'll have a successful outcome.
Connieoliver2014@gmail.com
