This lovely sitting room provides a feeling of serenity and comfort. The soft white decor is unobtrusive yet stylish. There's nothing boring or plain about this lovely space, even though it lacks bright colour and strong pattern. The small space feels open and airy because the eye is not distracted by visual contrast.
The key in a neutral decor is to provide "feel good" elements that make the space inviting. In this instance, the comfy daybed, sumptuous throw pillows and soothing setting are alluring. This room looks like a cosy place to read a book or have an afternoon nap. The subtle pattern on the throw pillows and duvet provide a sumptuous touch and a subtle elegance to the setting.
The thick area rug adds texture and provides softness and warmth for the feet. The fact it is round, along with the round table, is a plus because is provides soft lines in this somewhat boxy room. The table accessories, in soft white, feature gentle, curvy shapes that are easy on the eyes. Fresh flowers in soft pink and white finish the understated but effective table-scape.
The soft white light feature on the wall above the daybed provides subtle ambience and is visually appealing. In the evening, the light feature would be stunning. The asymmetrical feature is unexpected and ethereal. It's a nice change from the standard painting or print.
Our second photograph shows a vignette with a mirrored table and antique white settee. Again, the soft white palette is restful on the eyes yet the setting is captivating. Incorporating an unusual, mirrored desk and picture frame offers a touch of glamour.
Pieces such as the mirrored table are great in a small space because they are visually less obtrusive than a solid, dark piece of furniture can be. A white table that matches the antique bench would work just fine but there's something a little special about using an unexpected piece. Urban Barn carries some mirrored furniture, if this style is of interest to you. Another option in a setting like this would be to use a white painted wicker desk, bench or accessories, which would provide a little texture and subtle pattern.
Juxtaposed with the distressed antique bench, the mirrored items are not garish or overdone. This table-scape is nicely finished with an antique beaded handbag, decorative perfume bottle, a china cake plate and table lamp. The dressing-table area is feminine and sophisticated.
In both photos, you can see how a white on white decor can be lovely and fresh. Use shades of creamy white and include subtle texture and pattern to keep the space from feeling stark. Add a bit of glam if it suits your tastes, and splurge on high-end textiles that will be both beautiful and luxurious.
Help for schools
Our feature photographs are both courtesy of Sico Paints. The Canadian paint manufacturer is celebrating its 75th anniversary. To celebrate this anniversary, the company has donated paint to Canadian schools.
Sico paint is delivering 750 gallons of paint to bring to life the walls of gymnasiums, lunchrooms, hallways and auditoriums at 75 elementary and high schools across the country.
In Winnipeg, Sico paint has provided 100 gallons of paint to the Winnipeg School District to distribute to schools in greatest need across the city.
"It's all part of a goodwill gesture to give back to the community and thank Canadians from coast to coast for their support in Sico Paints' growth over the years," said Dominique Pepin, North American brand marketing director of AkzoNobel, the world's largest paint company and the manufacturer of Sico paints. "What better place to infuse colour than in schools, to help stimulate creativity and passion among our leaders of tomorrow?"
Established in the middle of the Great Depression in 1937 as a two-person venture in Quebec, Sico Paints is a leader in the Canadian paint industry, with retailers across the country.
For more information about Sico Paints' 75th anniversary celebration or to watch Sico Paints' 75th anniversary commemorative video, visit Sico Paints at sico.ca/75/en/ .
connioeliver@shaw.ca
