Interior Obsessions – Mostly White

It’s the holiday season, and in the Northern hemisphere, we think of snow and cold. We’re looking at the beginning of a new year upon us, a time to begin with a clean slate. And nothing fits the bill better than white. White feels new and pure, open-ended, ready for anything. White gives a sense of lightness, a feeling of freshness. I am unlikely to ever have an all-white or even mostly white space, but they are so appealing to the eye that I had to share a few with you.

A preponderance of white works best when there is slight variation, either in color or in texture. This keeps an all-white space from appearing too cold and stark. Changes in tone from creams to pure whites to super light greys can help add those little differences that make the pieces stand apart from each other, while keeping the continuity of a light-toned space. Pick up a set of paint swatches that are denoted as white, and you’ll see what I mean. And you can never go wrong with changes in texture. From the ins and outs of a painted old wood floor to linen fabric to rattan, set against smooth lacquer and painted white walls, variations in how each material handles light can give life to a mostly white space. Even whitewashed wood keeps that same tone while adding a little more depth. Play around with white, start to see its differences, and the freshness it can bring to your home.

(above) White Kitchen

High-ceilinged Loft + Beams and Terazzo

Whitewashed

Painted Brick + White Trunks

Angular Studio

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.