When white is done right it's anything but boring. The room in our feature photograph is no exception. While this white on white décor is not necessarily my cup of tea, it does have an ethereal quality that is quite appealing. To get it right when working with all white there are a fewfactors that must be considered.
The paint
Stark white paint with blue undertones can give a room a cold, clinical look and feel. To achieve success with a white on white décor you must start with lovely soft shades of white with warm undertones. The hues in our room come from Dulux and encompass several hues of soft white from their Dulux Colour Perfection Whites - Neutral Threads collection. I won't mention the names of the colours as they won't be exactly as shown being that they are printed in newsprint but feel free to visit the Dulux site and have a look through their white collection. www.dulux.com Colours with names like Napkin White and White Opal will tempt your colour palette to be sure. Choose a matte or eggshell finish to keep the look soft and cottony.
Don't forget about the ceiling. A soft white in a slightly different tone than the wall colour will provide a bit of contrast and interest to the space. As well, softly contrasting paint colour on the trim and woodwork will provide some necessary subtle detailing.
When working with one or more colours of white try to work within a collection to be sure that the shades work together. Take a flooring or carpet sample along if possible when purchasing paint or better yet, buy a few pots of paint sample paints and try them on the wall before you make a colour commitment. You'd be surprised how the wrong shade of white can look dirty or dingy if it doesn't work with other colours in the room. Also, you'll be able to see the colours in the actual lighting conditions that you have not in a shop under fluorescent lights.
Low contrast
To make this room work the designers had to ensure that there wasn't too much contrast between all of the elements. Warm and light wood tones on the furniture and artwork are in keeping with this soothing space. Imagine dark oak wood on the sofa and coffee table and this room would look quite different. You want some contrast but not so much that it belies that serene feeling you're trying to achieve.
Texture
To add interest you'll want to inject a fair amount of texture into your white on white décor. In our feature photo artful wicker accents and other natural elements like tree branches provide enough texture and hints of colour to keep the room interesting and warm. The tone of these pieces works well with the colour of the wooden accents mentioned above and their unusual shapes with soft lines are inviting and visually stimulating. On the side chair a chenille throw in an off white adds texture and warmth to the seating area. The lampshade on the standing floor lamp has a slight textural finish as well which is subtle but effective.
Soft lines
As mentioned, the wicker accessories have soft, curving lines which help break up the square angles of the room and the furniture. The ceramic accents in the background also mimic this trait. Adding comfy toss cushions will ensure that your white on white room feels inviting and cosy.
Other things to consider
The tables in this room have glass tops which keep the room light and airy. Even the artwork encompasses the colours found in the room. Small details but important ones. I'd probably add curtains to the windows and would try to find a neutral white fabric with a bit of texture and weight and the slightest hint of a beige thread running through it. (Similar in colour to the chenille throw.) I'd also add an area rug under the seating arrangement for an additional layer of softness. A cotton rug in a shade conducive to the furniture with a hint of pattern or border in taupe or light beige would work well.
Good natural lighting helps keep this room feeling warm and cosy. Ensure that your white on white room has sufficient ambient lighting for the evening hours to keep it from feeling stark and cold.
To jazz things up a bit I'd also add chenille toss cushions in the darkest shade in the room (the wicker colour) and trim them with thick, luxurious braiding or tassels. I might even consider adding a topper to the window treatments that also contained sumptuous soft fringe.
A white décor is not very kid or pet friendly so it might not be the best choice in more public rooms in the home simply due to the upkeep. It but would be great for a master bedroom, guest room, reading room or sunroom where little hands and paws are less likely to leave tracks behind.
A room like this calms the soul and is restful for the eyes. If you need a place to unwind after a hectic day, a white on white room might just be what the doctor ordered.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
