Work with white
Clean and serene, white in its many varied tones will dress
any room in timeless elegance.
There are so many variations of white, each with its own unique appeal, that at times trying to find the perfect palette can be daunting. One thing is for sure, an all-white space is fresh and airy – so if you’d like to get the look, start by simply following these easy steps...
Decorating with white
Set the scene for a room that’s fresh, comfortable, warm and inviting. 1 The key to creating the ultimate white room is using various layers and different shades of white. Make the most of white-on-white spaces by adding texture with fabrics, flooring and lighting, and form with décor accessories. 2 Start by painting the walls white. If your floors are also white, this will help to open up the space and create a more uniform and seamless feel. It also allows for a blank canvas from which to start decorating. 3 If there are no architectural features within the space, add interest with warmer whites. Lighting will also bring balance and a warm glow. 4 Soften white by bringing ivory, taupe, touches of grey and black, or bleached wood elements into the mix. These shades will help prevent the aesthetic from becoming sterile; use them in the form of bedding, artwork, rugs, or wallpaper to add depth and visual interest. 5 Unique shapes and forms add charm and character. White ceramics and vases grouped together are striking, while mirrors, glass and decorative pieces also create visual interest.
Pure ’n simple
White symbolises purity and innocence. It’s brilliant and radiant, and it provides clarity and insight. It’s also the colour of simplicity.
White contains all the colours of the rainbow (as Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated with his white light and prism) which, on a spiritual level, means unlimited potential! It’s a great colour to deflect negative energy away from yourself and reflect your own positivity towards others.
On the other hand, white is also quite sterile and cold. White kitchens, for example, don’t help to create a relaxing atmosphere in which to prepare your food. It’s always a good idea to add at least one colour of the rainbow to complement the white.