Are white rooms plain to you? In recent years, white has actually become a trend in home decor! White in a home is the best way to make the space feel larger and keep it feeling clean and fresh. Decorating with white isn’t as easy as it sounds though. Here are some of our best tips to get you decorating in white with confidence.
Choosing the right white
Why is it that a certain white paint makes one room look fresh and another room look cold and sad? It is all thanks to natural light! By paying attention to the natural light in a space, you are able to pick out the best white for your space!
Pick a neutral white for rooms that have little direct sunlight. A neutral white is a white that isn’t too warm (has orange/cream hues) or too cold (has blue/green hues). For a north facing room use a slightly warmer (has orange/cream hues) white. A neutral white will feel just a little too cold for a space that gets no direct sunlight. And of course we can’t forget about south facing rooms! Rooms with a lot of direct sunlight require cooler undertones. When white walls catch direct sunlight, it can cause glare, so use a cooler toned white (or even a very light gray) will keep the space from being too bright and warm.
Using white for trim
Floor and window trim can be very tricky! What may seem perfect in store can look extremely odd in your home. Take cues from the wall color and decor of your home. For example. If your walls have a warm tone (red, pink, yellow, orange etc), choose a warm white. Alternatively, if the space is filled with cooler tones (gray, blue, green, teal etc) opt for a cooler white. When tones don’t match in a space, the whole area will clash. In the paragraph above I mentioned about warm and cool tones. Take note that if you don’t plan on having all your walls white, that your wall color should also be based on the amount of sunlight in each room. While it isn’t necessary, your home will feel more balanced.
White in the kitchen and bathroom
White kitchens and bathrooms are timeless! However, without a bit of contrast, the spaces run a risk of feeling cold and sterile. My favorite way to contrast these white spaces is with natural materials. Accenting these white spaces with wood, plants, and natural fibers will keep the space feeling warm all while adding a bit of charm. This doesn’t mean that natural materials are your only option, however! Contrasting with bold countertops or a unique backsplash is also a great way to break up the white space. Whether you are looking to accessorize your already white kitchen, or doing a whole remodel, there are plenty of options to keep the space feeling cozy all year round! Feel free to check out one of my older blogs on how to take care of a white kitchen.
Using white in a large space
The nice part about using white in a large space is that it never goes out of style. Furniture, on the other hand, does. Adding an accent wall in a large space is a great way to break up all the white, but if this is something you choose to do, keep it fairly neutral. When accessorizing a large white space, use bold accents. This could be large artwork, bold pattered rugs or light fixtures, or even exciting furniture! I personally enjoy neutral colors (Beige, cream, black, white). To decorate with the seasons, simply add a few touches! In Spring and summer, add a few beach inspired textures such as sea grass and ceramics. For Fall and Winter, bring in some cozy materials such as wool and faux fur.
