If you have the correct elements then juxtaposing with colour will always achieve interest to a space. If, however you have a weakness for minimalistic styling which is basically a ‘less is more’ attitude, then a white-on-white interior is the ‘go to’ style.
This quintessence mood is easily adopted if you incorporate a good balance to avoid a sterile looking finish. You should experiment with earthy and organic materials in warm varying hues. Using white will essentially make a space feel fresh. Scattered accent cushions, warm timber floors or subtle homewares in natural stones in different shades of white, will create an inviting soft design with a clutter free look.
Visualising this undemanding style is not that easy, not until you have put it all together. You will most probably have some scepticism about whether it will work, but remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There are basically no expectations really when you think about it.
Will This Date
A white-on-white palette will never date. It may not be for everyone and for some have a clinical connotation, even so, it is versatile and can be changed up easily by introducing colour and texture should you become bored with it.
Where to Start
If you are decorating a living room, start with a sofa or chase in a natural white hue. A pair of swivel armchairs in velvet or a boucle fabric for contrast would suit the brief. Avoid creamy whites, as these will date the overall scheme. If you are going to use more than one white tone, ensure the tints are monochromatic.
If you prefer a more elaborate feel, consider gold or silver hardware. Do not be hesitant to play with metallics, as adding gold or silver touches will help achieve a polished look without deterring from the natural simplistic details.
If you prefer a natural organic interior, avoid metals and opt for natural stone products in your homewares and furniture for example, marble plinths or trays, all white ceramic table lamps etc.
Striking a bold balance
I see it more and more where stylist introduce boldness to a simplistic design of white on white. This may sound convoluted but it works brilliantly. It can be achieved in selecting black décor i.e. a black floor lamp with a white shade or an all-black coffee table.
For a picture-perfect backdrop consider a piece of modern Aboriginal Art with pointillism (which means circle or a set of concentric circles that represent various meeting places) which is befitting for any room in your home or business ~ think boardroom or hospitality space.
As for windows, if they are large and bright, do not neglect your coverings, try a sheer curtain to keep the look soft and inviting.
Using White Paint
Without causing you too much alarm did you know there are around 150,000 shades of white paint, making it difficult to decide what shade you ultimately choose. Striking the perfect cohesion depends on the design and location of the home and if you do not overthink it and keep the choice basically upon where your abode is situated, it really is not that hard. For example is it overlooking the ocean, the countryside or city. You need to consider how much day light you have.
Timber flooring and beams calls for a natural white. Concrete or marble floors with modern streamlined furniture will team well with a cool white paint. Narrowing it down can be overwhelming, but at the end of the day, once it stands alone it will be striking and you cannot go wrong. EXCEPT stay away from cream and beige coloured paint (keep it for your linens and décor and do not overdo it with this comfort colour).
Believe it or not, beige paint is making a harmonious comeback in 2022, but those of you who are white on white lovers should not attempt to incorporate it, as it will fail to achieve the starkness of this interior design and make your walls look yellow.
Here is a list of the top 8 most popular Dulux Whites
· Dulux Natural White™ (featured)
· Dulux Whisper White
· Dulux Lexicon® Quarter
· Dulux Vivid White™
· Dulux White on White™
· Dulux Lexicon®
· Dulux Hog Bristle® Quarter
· Dulux Antique White U.S.A.®
Written by Marina Mura
All Mood Boards curated by Evoke Interior Decorating
Image credits:
Dulux
Lucy Montgomery Collections
Designer Boys Art
Unsplash