Why Not White?

By Author: Paula Morris-Dungan
Total Articles: 5
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Why not try white paint the next time you paint an interior wall. White is classic, clean and bright, not to mention that any other color you can imagine, can be successfully used with white. The trend these days is to go with “neutrals” for walls. How much more neutral can you get than the absence of color?

Using white for walls, ceilings and trim is like a blank canvas on which to create your masterpiece. You can use any color or pattern on upholstery fabric and linens, or any color accessories against a white background.

Mix It Up
You can also mix it up and paint walls white, while using color on the ceiling and/or trim. Why not be a little adventurous instead of white ceiling and trim with color only on the wall? There is no wrong or right for using white; it goes with everything!

What looks cleaner and more sanitary than a white kitchen or white bathroom? When you use white for kitchen or bathroom walls, cabinets and trim, you can use any flooring and have fun with color in your linens and accessories.

Room Feel a Little Tight?
White walls make a room look so much more spacious ...
... that what it actually is. If you add white ceiling and trim it just multiplies that effect. Add a few mirrors and you won’t even be able to judge the actual size of the room. Then you are free to throw all the color at the room that you like.

White Walls Not Your Thing?
If you would rather not have what some describe as a stark white room, try white ceiling and trim with color on the walls. Use furniture pieces with white upholstery fabric or slipcovers as well as accessories in white with a dash of color thrown in here and there. In the bedroom crisp white linens and curtains set a cool and relaxing tone that somehow manages to come across as cozy. The bathroom is another example; crisp white towels and accessories give the bath a spa-like atmosphere.

Wood floors lend themselves well to a white paint treatment. White tile floors have always been classic and timeless, as has white carpeting. Of course, you can expect to spend a little extra time cleaning those white floors. You can paint furniture white. Try a white dining table with chairs painted in various pastels or black, or a white bedside table or dressing chair; sometimes a little white can go a long way to give a boost to the airiness of a room.

There are a million and one ways to use white to lighten, brighten and enlarge the appearance of a room or the whole interior of your home. If you take a minute, look around and give it some thought, you will be amazed at the ways you can think of to use white every day.

Paula Morris-Dungan attended Art Institute of Pittsburg for Residential Space Planning and Interior Design. She is a full-time freelance writer who writes for blogs and a discount fabric store about various topics including paint, upholstery fabric, and interior design in general.