Creating Bright, White Home Spaces

This stylish color makes for cool, calm interiors

Summer is sizzling out, and soon it will be fall. With this season change we usually exchange our white wardrobes for autumn colors – but what if we decided to keep our bright whites a constant? The fashion police may have outlawed wearing white after Labor Day, but this trendy color is here to stay year-round in the home. With its cool, clean look and varying shades, white is anything but a fashion faux pas.

• SURVEY YOUR SPACES

Before white whisks you away, analyze your abode. Look around and see what could use a facelift. Is the room cluttered, bare or dark? If so, white can bring in a different demeanor, even by means of a simple paint job. And while you may think the color is anything but charismatic, vamping up the texture to play on the hue will add depth of color and character. Contrasting texture against this less than loud color will make a statement that will leave your guests speechless.

• THINK BIG (OR SMALL)

Wishing for white as your go-to hue may seem like a daring dream, but it’s closer to reality than you might think. With its neutral nature, white works just about anywhere, even if square-footage is sparse. Your tiniest rooms feel like they double in size with the addition of white, bringing in light where it lacked before. But if you’re not completely prepared to commit to a single shade, consider adding ivory accents. They’ll elevate the elegance without a total whiteout.

Pro Tip: If scarce on space, painting the walls in a lighter tone will trick the eye into thinking the room is larger. Dark walls absorb light, while white reflects it. To create a more sizeable space, try painting the trim an even lighter color than the walls. The subtle contrast between the two will expand your space without having to hammer a thing.

• CURATE THE KITCHEN

White doesn’t have to be vanilla. For rave reviews on the most used room in the home, make white the theme for your kitchen. And since the kitchen can become costly with larger renovations, updating the color scheme is the perfect way to update the appeal without breaking the bank. Introducing white to the kitchen can start in a number of ways. First, consider where you want to make a statement. Do you want the countertops to inspire, or the appliances to steal the show? Planning these details will make decisions less grueling when it comes time to fine-tune your designs. An easy way to get a quick vision for your kitchen is to head to a design showroom, where many different styles are on display all in a single space. If you decide you’re all-in on what white has to offer, we say go for it! A great way to bring in the hue is to install a white countertop. This will add both color and texture to the space. After the counters, move to the cabinets and lighten things up with a coat of paint. If you want to keep things light, but not all the way white, turn your attention to whimsical cabinet handles, or consider a colorful mosaic backsplash.

Pro Tip: Depending on the style of your home, you can use white to make your kitchen look modern or Victorian. If you’re struggling and aren’t sure how to select a style, consult an expert. Design pros can take your kitchen’s current palette, mix it up and make it feel trendy or timeless.

• SUBDUE YOUR SITTING ROOM

Sitting rooms often get lots of love, as they’re the most comfortable spot in the

home. But all this love can leave the space looking less than fresh. All it takes to bring it back to life is a little white! If you have dark hardwood floors, contrast them with a creamy couch. Paint the trim of the windows white, so the light can appear brighter than before. To turn up the tone in the space, make the jump and paint the face of the fireplace too. The consistency of color will refine the room and easily let loungers relax. Once you’ve decided the type of white you’d like to include, add other colors carefully, so the space remains as soothing as possible. You’ll now notice that time moves just a little slower, the space feels a lot calmer, and the design stays stylish.

Pro Tip: If you’re weary of the worry that comes with white, durable fabrics are key. White leather easily washes off, textured carpets suppress smudges, and stain resistant rugs are great options to keep your digs immaculate.

• WHITE-OUT THE WASHROOM

White comes off as both clean and pristine to onlookers. What better place to implement the tone than the washroom? White accents can transform an often overlooked space into a sought-after spa. With the likelihood that both the toilet and tub are already white, moving the needle even further can be as easy as you’d like. Just make the switch to a white shower curtain and towels, and you’re well on your way to a cleaner washroom. For a more defining difference, apply white paint to the walls, and install white subway tile inside the shower. Use dark grout in-between each tile to underscore the style even more. If you do choose to take on the subway tile in the shower, switch up the style on the floor. Play with interesting shapes – ones that tie to the mosaic you made in your kitchen – or shift the size to something smaller. Your washroom will be one step closer to achieving true spa status.

• WAIT IT OUT

Before you let white whisk you away completely, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home wasn’t either. The possibilities to transform your home into a white and bright oasis are endless, but they should be considered carefully. Don’t rush into a remodel — turning everything white in a single night can make your home feel cold and bare. To make the space fitting for you, build it up over time. Wrap your personal taste into the white touches you want to add, so your home is not only impeccably clean and classic, but also tells the story you want it to. Experiment with your walls, your chairs, your art, even your lights. The thing about white is that it goes with anything, anywhere. Labor Day may be on its way, but this year, white is here to stay.

Nonn’s is a family-owned business that designs and sells flooring, countertop, cabinetry and appliances.