You know what they say about white when it comes to fashion: keep it to the summer months. You may be thinking about ditching your white jeans once the "official" end of summer is upon us (or maybe not, you rebel), but when it comes to your home, white never goes out of style. Check out these ways to work the white all year long.
Walls
Yeah, some say they're boring, but when you have detailed architecture, white walls can really show it off.
If you're worried about dirt and fingerprints, make sure you use the proper finish. "The more gloss or sheen in the product, the more latex polymer there is. A smoother surface resists stains and water-drip marks, because it gives dirt fewer places to congregate," said House Beautiful. "So generally, we recommend a flat finish for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways. A satin or pearl finish works, too, though some may think the finish a bit bright for bedroom walls. Semigloss and gloss we recommend mainly for kitchens, baths, trim, and doors."
Another way to work the white walls is to use a modern wallpaper. Graphic patterns, stripes, or even 3D architectural panels can bring in texture and interest that gives the room dimension.
Bedroom
White bedroom furniture isn't just for little girls. Modern shapes and finishes can help create a dreamlike space or set a neutral foundation for any color scheme you can come up with.
Accessories
We probably don't recommend a white flokati rug in a high traffic area—especially when that high-traffic area is frequented by little feet and big paws—but there are other places white accessories can bring some dazzle to your space. White ceramic, resin, or even painted wood each bring a different feel.
Lighting
Looking for a way to liven up a space? A standout light fixture always helps. The good news about white is that it truly does go with everything, so if you fall in love with a pricey white chandelier, you can feel secure in knowing that you can always accessorize around it. White table lamps are another way to bring interest to a space, especially when contrasted against darker walls or furniture.
Kitchen
All-white kitchens are a trend that doesn't look to be going anywhere soon, and they are easy to pull off with the right mix of materials. The trick is to use multiple textures to create dimension and keep the space from looking like one big white surface. "Clean, crisp, bright: A white kitchen is an ideal setting for the home cook, whether your taste is classic or contemporary, urbane or rustic," said Elle Décor.
"The use of white not only makes a kitchen look bigger and airier, it also provides a clean canvas for showcasing other elements to create an inviting, enchanting, and functional kitchen. Wood finishes look richer against white; printed fabrics pop even more; and lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and pendants stand out as sculptural elements against the neutral backdrop."
For more all-white kitchen ideas, see Houzz.
