All-white Interiors

Within the interior design industry there is always deliberation over the use of colour in interior design. One consistent topic of debate is the use of the classic 'all-white' interior. I will probably be shot for saying this but....I love an all-white interior (there I said it)! Many people feel that white interiors can be dull, clinical, stark, and boring. And I must agree - some white interiors are all these things. However, white done right is second to none.

White interiors are flexible and very forgiving - particularly in older houses as white walls have the ability to hide a multitude of sins. An all-white interior (if done properly) can be cozy, modern, calming, luminous and bold. White walls and floors make borders disappear and rooms feel larger.

If you are thinking of creating your home on a base palette of white or designing an all-white space, here are some tips to help you get it right.

Pick the right shade

White comes in a multiple of shades and the first step when designing is deciding which white is right for your space. Whites can be divided into two categories: cool whites and warm whites. Cool whites generally have a subtle blue or green undertone. Blue-based whites can be difficult to work with as they can often appear clinical. They do however work well in north-facing rooms with an abundance of light.  Warm whites on the other hand have a subtle yellow or red undertone. Warm whites are great for country-style and heritage interiors as they complement timber finishes and traditional colours such as duck-egg blues.  

Here are Wink & Co's favourite white paints:

Cool Whites
Dulux, Lexicon
Porters Paints, Milk
Dulux, White on White
Dulux, Whisper White


Warm Whites
Porter's Paints, Long grain
Taubman's, Plain Vanilla
Dulux, Chalk USA

Choose A Variety of Tones

Next, make sure you mix your whites up a little. Don't make the mistake of filling a room with everything in the same shade of white or you will end up with a room that looks like a snow bomb has gone off. This home (click here) is my favourite example of how not to use whites in the same shade (it cracks me up every time - even the dog is white)! Choosing furnishing and objects in several slight tonal variations will avoid your room looking stark and clinical. 

Texture

Lastly, but most importantly - texture. Layer lounges with throws, blankets and cushions in different textures or add a rug. A good ratio of hard to soft surfaces is the key to making a room feel comfortable and balanced. 

To wrap this up - below are some fabulous white interiors that  demonstrate white done right.

all images via my pinterest.