What To Do With White?!

With so much talk these days about using color and not being afraid of color, what do you do with white? Is white a necessary color? Where does white fit in? Is white considered ‘out’ as a color? White is considered by most an absence of color, blank, transparent or just plain lacking in color. A pure white is rare if even there is one because typically white has some sort of other color such as pink or blue in it to give it a warm or cool tone.

Dealing with white seems easy, but it can be quite complex. Choosing the correct shade of white really can make a huge difference in how a room turns out. Once a person is introduced to all the varying shades of white, shock sets in- they thought choosing white would be easy. It can be easy once you understand white and her fickle ways. White in all her splendor can be very elegant and graceful.

White as a ‘scary’ color –
You often see in magazines furniture upholstered or slip covered in a white fabric and think, “Hey, that’s a cool idea,” then you come back to reality and think “not”. You may see a white floor and want to pass out due to the mental exhaustion of imagining how you would keep it clean. This is when white turns scary. At first glance it seems to be light, clean and breezy. When you begin to see white only as high maintenance, it becomes the enemy.

White as an ‘easy-out’ –
Do you have a new home or apartment with white walls? Are you afraid to paint or afraid of color? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ve taken the easy way out and left those walls white. You claim to love them. We know better.

Realizing that white can come in a multitude of shades is like taking that first step into a wonderland. White can be warm, soft and romantic. White can also be cool, sleek and minimal. Minimalist white tends to be cold and look hard and industrial. A warm, romantic white is much more inviting and comfortable to live with. Painting your walls a warm romantic white will create a room that is alluring and glowing.

Current color trends indicate that popular shades of white are heading into the ivory and cream shades. These softer shades of white are considered more elegant than the eye popping bright white that most people associate as the color white. Softer shades of white are easier to live with and easier on the eyes. Softer also means glowing- think of candlelight compared to fluorescent light.

For those of you who are not afraid of color, consider one of the soft romantic shades of white as a relief. Trim painted a soft creamy white or ivory will create visual relief for your eyes and a border for your walls and artwork. Use white in a room or area where you want accessories or furnishings to stand out. You will get a cleaner look and have more options when the trim is painted this wonderful neutral shade.

If you are not afraid of color, try using white in your accessories and trim to enhance your colorful walls. White here will offer relief to the eye if there are busy elements such as large patterned wallpaper or drapes. Whatever you do, don’t let white be an easy way out. White works with any color. Whether you choose purple or lime green, there is a perfect shade of white that will compliment your favorite color.

White offers the perception of being pure, simple and peaceful. It can also be characterized as timeless, subtle and quiet. All these are good qualities to incorporate into your home. Use white in its wonderful forms of cream, ivory, pearl and alabaster. They all evoke a soft, luxurious sensation that is easy to live with. The absence of color can be powerful, but it should not be overwhelming.

by Narda Hughson