White All Over
11/13/2008Have you ever visited the paint store in search of the perfect white and marveled at all the shades available? White is white, you may have thought, but boy were you wrong. There are creamy whites, bluish whites, pinkish white and bright white whites. Who knew white could have so many shades and be such a versatile color?
Experienced designers are aware of the versatility of white and don't shy away from using it. Many, in fact, have focused solely on the color and designed rooms completely in white, creating a white-on-white d cor. White-on-white d cor provokes many reactions. Some say the environment feels sterile to them, while others say it is peaceful or dreamy and romantic.
Whatever mood provoked, the best white-on-white d cor contains various shades of white in various textures, which creates depth and interest. The ceiling may be painted a creamy white, the walls a creamier white and the trim and baseboards a bright white. Throw in a fluffy bright white chenille bedspread and pillows in various shades of white, and voila, the room has instant drama.
Some tones of white suit certain styles better than others. Crisp whites, for example, work well for modern decor, whereas grayish whites work well for romantic rooms. Antique whites work well for country d cor and pinkish whites for kitchens and dining rooms-red stimulates eating. Whatever the style, shades should be used in limitation. Two or three complementary shades of white will be more pleasing to the eye than a mishmash of whites.
Although not easy to keep clean, white-on-white d cor offers many benefits. It reflects a great deal of light and will do wonders for rooms that seem dark, especially in the winter. It also serves as great backdrop for accessories and will really play up colorful artwork and objects.