Whether warm or wowing, a splash of white makes for an easy makeover, says SAM WYLIE-HARRIS
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IT’S a timeless summer staple, which can brighten up the blandest of spaces – no wonder our love affair with white furnishings shows no sign of waning.
“The perfect simplicity of white is not to be underestimated, its versatility can warm a cold space, brighten a dull one, or turn a lifeless interior into an enticing personal home,” says Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company.
“A white scheme is brilliant for bringing a sense of lightness and serenity to a space.”
When decorating with white, Chrissie’s advice is to pile on the texture and to use natural elements, which connect us back to nature.
“A super-soft rug underfoot, or a diaphanous drape at a window can truly transform a room,” she says. “Add in weathered wood, slubby linen or marbled slate to add interest.” For walls, opt for warm whites rather than cold, bluey-white tones.
“Ivory, alabaster, chalk and many other soft whites are on the market. I love its almost spa-like quality, which in our hectic world is lovely to come home to,” Chrissie adds.
Wil Law, home stylist at John Lewis & Partners, says: “Decorating with soothing pale shades is incredibly versatile and can work brilliantly in busy, contemporary homes.
“Pair neutral tones with natural materials such as rattan and jute, for a relaxed and easy interiors scheme.”
Wil says whites can also be used to accent a room. For example, neutral soft furnishings work well against darker shades on furniture and rugs.
Here’s how to proffer the power of white in your room right now...