A pure palette offers the perfect backdrop for a variety of color accents, from soft to deeper hues. There is nothing boring with white, especially when enliven with a bit of color, textures, and layers. Take a look at these various rooms and decor, and discover how lovely the mix can be.
A white space is a blank slate and as such lends itself to endless decorating possibilities. Choosing the right white can be a bit daunting as the elusive color comes in so many nuances. Personally I have always liked black accents against a crisp background. Black and white is not only visually striking but it also imparts sophistication. From fabrics to finishes, design elements, textures play a starring role in keeping whites from being sterile.
Gentle touches of faded pink convey a feminine feel to vintage furnishing set against pure white walls. The dark flooring grounds the space and keeps it from getting girly.
Furnishings are integral elements that define the aesthetic and feel in predominantly white interiors. Here warmth stem from the wood table and stools while texture comes in with the unique 3 dimensional art, and the tactile throws.
Details always make a difference. Even if your style is more contemporary you can see why this chair is a beautiful example of style and texture.
Speaking of texture: the mix and layers can help making this small corner welcoming. Though disparate all the elements work in harmony.
This living room corner in the house I rented while living in CT this past year was one of my favorite spots. The natural light was gorgeous and I wanted to enhance it with airy pieces like the Lucite armchair in side table . But in order to ‘warm up” the space I added texture with the Mongolian fur cushion (actually the cover of the pillow it came with), the hammered metal stool turned side table, and a accessories with a washed blue tone.
Whether old or new or just recovered with paper in color of choice books always make a room feel lived in. These vintage-like toms bring in a sense of time, while those below lighten up the coffee table and tie in with the neutral scheme.
I hunted for all my white books at places like Good Will and Habitat fro Humanity (except those I covered myself as seen in a previous photo). You can get secondhand books very inexpensively (between $1- $3 each!).
You will recognize the Lucite armchair (now in my Florida home) but this time around it got the very pale pink Mongolian fur pillow cover. My love of books is also displayed on the tall canvas (a Pottery Barn purchase about 20 years ago!) The light pendant is from IKEA. Though all the items come from a variety of sources, and mix styles and finishes, they contribute to the room’s cohesiveness and personality (at least I think so!)
Blue and white is a much-loved classic combination that evokes the unfussy charm of the living on the coast. There is something soothing about the refreshing blue hue. Here its softer side speaks of the clear waters of the near-by ocean but its deeper shades also bring to mind cottage life.
Keeping accessories in the same color family provides continuity and visual calm.
In the guest house of my former Florida cottage I painted the floor (actually thick plywood) to mimic old planks. I first put a coat of very dark gray then white washed it using s brush and a wet rag to create the white washed effect. Using a yardstick, a thin brush and some of the gray paint I drew the “planks” in various length and width to recall vintage barn floor. Because the space had open rafters and a rustic feel my goal was to evoke a small barn interior.
I repeated the process througout the guest house including the sleeping area under the eaves where the ceiling sloped down.
This romantic Santa Fe living living room abounds with whites, creams, and texture but the beams and floor are kept natural to bring the ethereal whites back to earth.
Minimal decor doesn’t preclude the corner of this Vermont farmhouse from feeling inviting and serene. This aesthetic creates a uniquely fresh take on the country living inspired style.
I hope you have enjoyed this refreshing take on variations on a theme of white. Until next time! xo
Photos Mark Lohman- Styling Fifi O’Neill