Decorating
It's a Whiteout! Add Star Power to Your Interiors With White on White
Catwalks and red carpets are awash with beautiful people layering white on white, and the same trend is taking interiors by storm
White is pure, it is calm, it is strong, it is versatile and flexible. White is the colour of snow, of new beginnings … and it’s so hot right now. Both men and women are strutting their stuff in white layered with white, and accessories (also white) are the finishing touch.
In interiors, white on white decorating can be used for a minimalist look, a formal country dining room, or a shabby chic bedroom; it is all about using different surfaces, materials and textures to add visual excitement and depth. Layering in similar shades of white can apply to everything from napery and painted surfaces, to soft furnishings and accessories. White on white is elegant, beautiful and timeless.
In interiors, white on white decorating can be used for a minimalist look, a formal country dining room, or a shabby chic bedroom; it is all about using different surfaces, materials and textures to add visual excitement and depth. Layering in similar shades of white can apply to everything from napery and painted surfaces, to soft furnishings and accessories. White on white is elegant, beautiful and timeless.
Introduce loose covers
Slip-covered sofas and chairs in white linen, cotton or hemp add a relaxed yet beautiful look to a room.
The covers can be machine-washed on cold, and if you’re not obsessional with ironing, the creased look even adds to the layered look.
TIP: This will not suit those who like clean and hard finishes in their decor.
Slip-covered sofas and chairs in white linen, cotton or hemp add a relaxed yet beautiful look to a room.
The covers can be machine-washed on cold, and if you’re not obsessional with ironing, the creased look even adds to the layered look.
TIP: This will not suit those who like clean and hard finishes in their decor.
A blank canvas
A white room is the perfect blank canvas for art, accessories, and all things collected or found.
A white room won’t look cold if you introduce white comfy sofas with generous proportions, fluffy cushions, sheep skins as throws, and touches of dark materials to ground the elements and further add depth.
A white room is the perfect blank canvas for art, accessories, and all things collected or found.
A white room won’t look cold if you introduce white comfy sofas with generous proportions, fluffy cushions, sheep skins as throws, and touches of dark materials to ground the elements and further add depth.
The white edit
Nothing can be concealed in a white on white interior, so consider each piece. If that vase, cushion or artwork don’t add to the look, remove them. White rooms are complex, but they are also sophisticated and bold.
Nothing can be concealed in a white on white interior, so consider each piece. If that vase, cushion or artwork don’t add to the look, remove them. White rooms are complex, but they are also sophisticated and bold.
The white range
With so many white paints to choose from, ask your paint professional what the undertones of the white paint are as not all whites will match.
Choose a pure white, then layer it with either blue or cool grey undertones; or warm grey and pink undertones for harmonious white on white layering.
Buy a sample tin and paint an area at least 1x1m to see how the white responds to its new environment at different times of the day – that is, in artificial light and natural light.
TIP: Start with your walls, then bring in the furnishings…
With so many white paints to choose from, ask your paint professional what the undertones of the white paint are as not all whites will match.
Choose a pure white, then layer it with either blue or cool grey undertones; or warm grey and pink undertones for harmonious white on white layering.
Buy a sample tin and paint an area at least 1x1m to see how the white responds to its new environment at different times of the day – that is, in artificial light and natural light.
TIP: Start with your walls, then bring in the furnishings…
Delete the blemishes
White is genius at hiding imperfections, so perfect for an old room with disharmonious architectural features or rough walls.
TIP: Painting walls, ceilings and all trims the same white will make a room flow seamlessly, and appear restful and spacious.
White is genius at hiding imperfections, so perfect for an old room with disharmonious architectural features or rough walls.
TIP: Painting walls, ceilings and all trims the same white will make a room flow seamlessly, and appear restful and spacious.
Linking with white
White can add continuity and flow and link two spaces, leading your eye from one room to another.
TIP: White on white is practical for multi-task rooms where the furniture is white too. Pull up your dining table chair to your work bench and it won’t look out of place.
White can add continuity and flow and link two spaces, leading your eye from one room to another.
TIP: White on white is practical for multi-task rooms where the furniture is white too. Pull up your dining table chair to your work bench and it won’t look out of place.
Pastels with white
Soft, muted colours work well in a white on white scheme – just use them in small amounts so the white is the star and the pastels just add a gentleness.
White on white with a touch of pastel can add a delicate and romantic effect.
Soft, muted colours work well in a white on white scheme – just use them in small amounts so the white is the star and the pastels just add a gentleness.
White on white with a touch of pastel can add a delicate and romantic effect.
Paint it white
All manner of materials and objects can be painted to fit with your white on white scheme, from op shop finds of old tins, vases, and glasses, to trunks and suitcases. They will tell a ‘story’ and add another shape and texture to your room.
TIP: Layering in white can be inexpensive – for instance, old sofas look fabulous with white throws, and old tables look terrific in a distressed white paint.
All manner of materials and objects can be painted to fit with your white on white scheme, from op shop finds of old tins, vases, and glasses, to trunks and suitcases. They will tell a ‘story’ and add another shape and texture to your room.
TIP: Layering in white can be inexpensive – for instance, old sofas look fabulous with white throws, and old tables look terrific in a distressed white paint.
The wood warmer
An otherwise cold white on white room can be warmed up with timber. The visual texture in the unpainted wood will help layer the decor.
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Have you got any white on white decor tips? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
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An otherwise cold white on white room can be warmed up with timber. The visual texture in the unpainted wood will help layer the decor.
SHARE WITH US
Have you got any white on white decor tips? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Shady Business: How to Choose the Right White Paint
Kitchen Inspiration: 13 Wonderfully White Kitchens
Have No Fear: It Is Possible to Keep Your White Kitchen White
Use white on different finishes to accentuate textures and tones.
From painted timber cabinets in a semi gloss, a crisp white linen or cotton tablecloth, to delicate white ceramic pieces, white on white can create contrast in decor and add depth to a room, as well as offer a range of moods.