DREAMING OF WHITE DECOR

7th December 2017
, 18 Comments

WHITE DECOR

We’re talking white – crisp, chic and elegantly timeless. Casually understated; when it comes to decorating white is our faithful ally.

The ideal non-colour, perfect for a fuss-free interior reboot. Reflecting light beautifully, it is incredibly versatile and works with just about anything! After all the excitement and sparkle of the festive gift guide, it’s time to celebrate the understated – the classics…

White decor - To achieve a Hygge-inspired Scandinavian space - the ultimate winter retreat - champion white and work texture. It can be daunting but don't be afraid to forgo colour, instead layering shades of white on white. If you wish to expand the palette, introduce soft greys, muted taupe or desaturated blues for a sense of tranquillity. Complement gentle hues with whitewashed wood, raw birch or greyed-oak and embrace natural materials wholeheartedly.Samples and testers are the key to success!

There are endless possibilities when decorating with white – it’s anything but boring. Whether you’re looking to create a slick monochromatic mood, relaxed Scandi feel or classic country styling, white works hard as the basis of your scheme. It’s also great with gentle, muted tones or a zingy colour pop.

No longer just a quick-fix solution, white is now a key player within contemporary interiors. Here’s your guide to some trending looks, all with a heavy reliance on white:

 

#1 MONOCHROMATIC MOOD

For timeless appeal, go monochrome. Black and white are arguably the chicest of pairings after all.

For woodwork and walls, whilst brilliant white works a treat, there are plenty of alternatives. Farrow and Ball’s All White or Laura Ashley’s Pure White are two great options and slightly softer tonally. (For more on choosing the perfect paint colour for your space, this is worth a read).

White decor - For timeless appeal, go monochrome. Black and white are arguably the chicest of pairings after all. For woodwork and walls, whilst brilliant white works a treat, there are plenty of alternatives. Farrow and Ball's 'All White' or Laura Ashley's 'Pure White' are two great options and slightly softer tonally. The introduction of black elements will create contrast and ground your design.  Striking gold accents are also a welcome addition - and totally on trend. Introduce in the form of accessories, lighting and hardware (think brass detailing on handles or vases).Black, white and gold – surely the best combo ever?!

The introduction of black elements will create contrast and ground your design.  Striking gold accents are also a welcome addition – and totally on trend. Introduce in the form of accessories, lighting and hardware (think brass detailing on handles or vases). More on gold accents here.

White decor - If you're one to swoon over shaker doors, white ceramic butler sinks and timber floors then this is the look for you. White works effectively with understated materials and is central to a rustic country look. Traditional yes, but by no means dated, this classic styling has never really gone out of vogue. If anything, now is the time to embrace 'Modern Rustic' and break from the high-gloss bonds. To enliven your scheme, pair white with blue. Royal and navy hues are particularly on-trend with gorgeous pieces available to please any pocket. Take an eclectic approach, mixing ditsy florals and busy prints with self-patterned texture.Here’s one I designed earlier. Image source: Sarah Mailer Design

Mix monochromatic graphic prints (chevrons, stripes and polka dots) with more subtle illustrative details. Be playful with your tableware – there are endless options to explore from high-street to high-end.

I like to layer up walls with black and white photography, brass-rimmed mirrors or textural artwork. For accessories, classic white Carrara marble and mother-of-pearl work beautifully alongside contemporary ceramic pieces.

 

#2 SCANDI CHIC

White decor - To achieve a Hygge-inspired Scandinavian space - the ultimate winter retreat - champion white and work texture. It can be daunting but don't be afraid to forgo colour, instead layering shades of white on white. If you wish to expand the palette, introduce soft greys, muted taupe or desaturated blues for a sense of tranquillity. Complement gentle hues with whitewashed wood, raw birch or greyed-oak and embrace natural materials wholeheartedly.Mix your textures to get the best from your white decor. Here, different wood finishes complement the marble, knits and sheepskin

To achieve a Hygge-inspired Scandinavian space – the ultimate winter retreat – champion white and work texture. It can be daunting but don’t be afraid to forgo colour, instead layering shades of white on white. If you wish to expand the palette, introduce soft greys, muted taupe or desaturated blues for a sense of tranquillity.

Complement gentle hues with whitewashed wood, raw birch or greyed-oak and embrace natural materials wholeheartedly.

White decor - To achieve a Hygge-inspired Scandinavian space - the ultimate winter retreat - champion white and work texture. It can be daunting but don't be afraid to forgo colour, instead layering shades of white on white. If you wish to expand the palette, introduce soft greys, muted taupe or desaturated blues for a sense of tranquillity. Complement gentle hues with whitewashed wood, raw birch or greyed-oak and embrace natural materials wholeheartedly.This shot which showcases pieces from the Ugg slipper collection at Amara.com defines this look perfectly. It’s a style where natural textures and finishes reign supreme

Zoffany’s Architect’s White or Farrow and Ball’s Wevet are calming off-white paints and a great starting point for this look. To truly nail ‘Scandi Chic’, think comfort and warmth in every element of the design. From rough-hewn wood to chunky knits, Mongolian fur cushions and sheepskin rugs; texture is key.

Increase the ambience with a roaring fire, light your favourite scented candle and get cosy.

 

#3 MODERN RUSTIC

If you’re one to swoon over shaker doors, white ceramic butler sinks and timber floors then this is the look for you. White works effectively with understated materials and is central to a rustic country look.

Traditional yes, but by no means dated, this classic styling has never really gone out of vogue. If anything, now is the time to embrace ‘Modern Rustic’ and break from the high-gloss bonds.

White decor - If you're one to swoon over shaker doors, white ceramic butler sinks and timber floors then this is the look for you. White works effectively with understated materials and is central to a rustic country look. Traditional yes, but by no means dated, this classic styling has never really gone out of vogue. If anything, now is the time to embrace 'Modern Rustic' and break from the high-gloss bonds. To enliven your scheme, pair white with blue. Royal and navy hues are particularly on-trend with gorgeous pieces available to please any pocket. Take an eclectic approach, mixing ditsy florals and busy prints with self-patterned texture.Another look that has really stood the test of time – blue and white with wooden accents

To enliven your scheme, pair white with blue. Royal and navy hues are particularly on-trend with gorgeous pieces available to please any pocket. Take an eclectic approach, mixing ditsy florals and busy prints with self-patterned texture. Warm, creamy whites like Dulux’s Porcelain White or Little Greene’s Slacked Lime create the perfect backdrop for a modern rustic setting.

Roll out the white linen, dust off the decorative cake stand and finish with a homemade bake. Pot of tea optional, homely vibe achieved.

 

IT’S ALL WHITE

Whilst Pantone may have announced Ultra Violet – a loud and proud zany purple – as its all-important Colour of the Year for 2018, this should not detract from the timeless appeal of white decor.

No matter your stylistic preference or budget, white is the perfect ingredient for so many interior schemes (and outfits)! So set it free from the woodwork and ceilings and see what you can achieve!

White decor - If you're one to swoon over shaker doors, white ceramic butler sinks and timber floors then this is the look for you. White works effectively with understated materials and is central to a rustic country look. Traditional yes, but by no means dated, this classic styling has never really gone out of vogue. If anything, now is the time to embrace 'Modern Rustic' and break from the high-gloss bonds. To enliven your scheme, pair white with blue. Royal and navy hues are particularly on-trend with gorgeous pieces available to please any pocket. Take an eclectic approach, mixing ditsy florals and busy prints with self-patterned texture.White plays a big part in my wardrobe too! Here, I’ve styled this M&S off-white and blue striped knit with my trusted jeans, loafers and a hint of Gucci belt tan.

Who’s a fan of winter whites? Too safe or totally limitless? I’d love you to share your adventures in white – from styling to entire interior schemes  – so please feel free to comment below or tag your Instagram posts with my new hashtag #AboutHouseStyle.

Have a lovely weekend!

Girl signing off,

Sarah x

P.s. If you like what you’re reading, remember to sign up to the GIRL ABOUT HOUSE mailing list to ensure you never miss a beat. No spam – just quality, luxe content (promise)!

 

Other posts that may be of interest: HOW TO STYLE WITH THE COFFEE TABLE BOOKHOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON – YOUR PERSONAL TOUR | 5 NEW SEASON WALLPAPER TRENDS TO COVET | 5 INTERIOR DESIGN SECRETS TO ENHANCE YOUR SPACE

18 thoughts on “DREAMING OF WHITE DECOR”

  • Love this entire article white is chic classic and calming when accented with the right colours. Love how you’ve styled everything! X whats your fave though?

    • I’m really glad you like it! I always gravitate towards a classic look and white will never tire – it can been revitalised so easily with different accents.

  • I love love love white. It is so totally versatile and with only a few pops of other colours, it just lends a dreamy look to everything. Your photos are beautiful and your designer sense is strong!

  • White always looks so bright and fresh. Scandi is definitely my favourite look here, but if I had an old country house I would be going modern rustic for sure. I’ve just painted my living room in Little Greene’s Flint. Perfect shade of not-bright-white, not-too-grey, not-too-yellow! The log burner’s due to be installed anytime now, so it’s Scandi-chic here we come!

    Thanks for the post. Love finding people who share my love of white!

  • I like white colour, so for me all the photos in this article are so cute!!! Many nice ideas

  • Love all the pictures, your designs are fantastic!! Especially love the pop of the black accent pieces.

  • I love the Modern Rustic look! Those blue accents are just amazing 🙂

  • I’ve always been a fan of white and minimalism. Thanks for this article, got some inspiration. 🙂

  • Love the Made fur cushion! <3

  • GORGEOUS. Literally my dream home inspiration – this theme is just so beautiful. Homey and simple while still being elevated and trendy. Great post 🙂

  • I’m definitely keen on the all-white crisp clean look. Great post!

  • This is so cute! When we first moved in to our apartment we had no furniture or anything, so it seemed so empty. We bought colors and patterns and tried to make it homey, and now that we have stuff we’re gravitating back towards neutrals, whites, and blacks. It just goes to show you that a little does go a long way!

  • Everything about this post is entirely exquisite!
    xx

  • I dream of the day when my kids move out and I can have the white interiors I’ve always wanted! Right now I can’t have nice things, but this post is gorgeous!

  • I love this! My husband and I are re-doing a lot of our decor in 2018 to more neutral colors so I am definitely looking for inspiration! Thank you for sharing 🙂

  • Super Cute and tasteful

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