Get all-white right

Even the colour-loving among us can admit monochrome looks good. Here’s how to make an all-white palette work, writes Anabela Rea.

Browse luxury homes and resorts and you’ll notice a trend of white-on-white decor. There’s an understated elegance to a room decked out with various white pieces, says Tomi Williams of Indigo Design: “It makes a space feel larger, it’s fresh.”

So how can you make the look work in a conventional home?

“It can be tricky to pull off,” admits Victoria Bibby of Bibby and Brady. “But it can be done.”

LAYERING AND TEXTURE

“The reality about all white is that it’s about the layering of the white. It’s about texture,” says interior designer Sonya Cotter.

A hospital-esque look is something to avoid, so soft textures like wool, velvet and linen paired with hard surfaces will create visual interest. “This will keep an all-white space from looking too clinical,” says Bibby.

In a kitchen, adding white textural elements will stop it feeling sterile. Replacing a standard white benchtop or splash back with a slab of white marble will still give you the all-white look, but adds some much needed variation.

SCALE

Manning advises the key to an all-white interior is scale. “If your furniture is all one height it can create a very boring space, especially if it’s all one colour.” Make sure your furniture and accessories vary in height and thickness.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TONE

Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t just one shade of white.

Tones can range from blue to pink, pearly to black, and the one you choose can have a significant impact on a room.

Davina Harper, Dulux colour expert, says: “Cool whites and neutrals tend to work best in contemporary homes or rooms that have a lot of natural light.”

Warm and natural whites on the other hand are a popular choice if you want to give your home a sunny, friendly, relaxed feel – similar to that often found in country-style homes.

Whatever base colour you have chosen, it’s best to stick to this for the whole space for a cohesive look. But interior designer Nicola Manning suggests using varying degrees of colours within that base tone palette.

“Ivory, soft milky tones, or even the lightest pinky beige can help create a light, neutral space that is both warm and interesting,” says Bibby.

PHOTO: JANE USSHER Texture is important to prevent an all-white interior looking too clinical.

PHOTO: JANE USSHER In an all-white kitchen, choose a white marble benchtop to add interest.

PHOTO: BELINDA MERRIE Ensure the base tone of your white interior homeware, furniture and paint is the same.