The color white is actually very trendy in 2017. It is hard for some of us, though, to commit to something that can sometimes seem so bland. White doesn’t have to be boring; it can be just what your space needs to pull your whole design aesthetic together.
Why White is Important in Interior Design
White instantly brightens a room – whether it’s used as a wall color, on furniture, or with textiles. Designers love decorating with white because it is simple to work with and meshes effortlessly into any design scheme. Whether your style leans toward art deco, contemporary, or you fill your space with antique finds, white blends easily with any style. The same is true for the era and location of your home – white is a great foundation color whether you live in an urban loft downtown or a classic suburban colonial.
An important consideration of interior design is how a color makes us feel – what is known as the “psychology” of color. Most of us don’t think of how a color influences us emotionally. But every color has a different impact, and the interpretation of color varies based on where you are in the world. In Western society, white is associated with cleanliness and purity. In this culture, using white in your interior décor implies a sense of freshness and serenity. However, travel around the globe to China and the color white has a much different connotation – the color is associated with death and mourning. Putting aside the cultural nuances of color, there are many reasons that using white is an easy choice.
The Benefits of Using White in Your Décor
We often think of white as colorless and uninteresting, but in reality, white it is anything but vanilla. Here are just a few of the benefits of using the color white in your home décor:
- White provides a neutral, timeless canvas
- Natural light bounces off the color white and makes the space brighter and more inviting
- Using white transforms even the smallest space and makes the room feel larger
- A white-on-white color scheme creates a casual, restful vibe
- Pairing white with the right furnishings creates a certain romantic charm reminiscent of days gone by
- Using white makes colorful artwork and room accessories really stand out
- White is easy to work with and allows you to be creative
White walls allow you to bring color in from elsewhere, and it will save you time and money in the long haul. Instead of painting (and repainting) as color trends change, use the blank canvas of white. The neutral background allows you to restyle your space without the laborious, and sometimes expensive, task of painting. Change it up by adding colorful throw rugs, pillows, and other decorative items. If you like to give your rooms a mini makeover frequently, using white as your background allows adjusting your room to a completely fresh style whenever you feel the urge – and without breaking the bank or spending a weekend painting.
Tips for Incorporating White into Your Space
The secret to incorporating white into your space is layering – use different tints of white throughout the room (from pure white to ivory). Bring different textures to the hue by using it on a variety of surfaces – walls, floor coverings, and textiles. This variance will help make a white room warmer and inviting.
If you want to try a white room without the starkness and high maintenance of all white, try mixing it up with other neutral shades. White goes amazingly well with black, gray, and brown. Or try using white on accents, like window trim and doors to make the room look fresh and crisp. Try these tips:
- Mix textures and shades of white linens in your bedroom. It gives a clean, fresh feeling to the room like you are sleeping on a cloud.
- Use metals and other natural elements to add color in a white room – try a golden framed mirror, a dark wooden bowl, or a rattan chair
- Create a gallery wall. The white backdrop ensures your art is the focus.
- Add the perfect white sofa – with a slipcover for easy cleaning
- Create a timeless look by painting your kitchen cabinets white
- Modernize a brick fireplace by painting it white – or try a white wash allowing some of the natural brick to show through
- Make an elegant statement using only black and white – try an intricately patterned pillow with a black throw on a white sofa or chair
The secret to preventing a sterile clinical vibe from white is using multiple shades and textures of the color in the same room. If you need help selecting furniture, décor, or paint colors for your next project, designers at The Guest Room are here to help.
