Design Recipes: How to Pull Off White on White

Design Recipes: How to Pull Off White on White
A white on white color palette helps to create a soothing mood in this living space. Handout/TNS
Tribune News Service
Updated:
By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service

White is a color that is often ignored, but it can be one of the most powerful colors in a designer’s toolbox. Whether you lean more toward cream or soft gray, tints, tones and shades of white can help create a color palette that is not only crisp and clean but modern and inviting.

Looking to create a white-on-white look? Here are some top tips.

Do’s

  • Do pair similar shades in the same space such as cool white with other cool white elements.
A color palette in a living room using tints tones and shades of white. (Handout/TNS)
A color palette in a living room using tints tones and shades of white. Handout/TNS
  • Do incorporate white into your space through the use of accessories and accents.
White upholstered pieces and white accents help to create an open and inviting living space. (Scott Morris/TNS)
White upholstered pieces and white accents help to create an open and inviting living space. Scott Morris/TNS
  • Do use white in areas you wish to create a feel of openness.
A pairing of white on white upholstery helps to make a modern living room feel more spacious. (Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS)
A pairing of white on white upholstery helps to make a modern living room feel more spacious. Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS
  • Do pair white with soft contrast colors to help maintain a white-on-white feel.
Accents such as an area rug and toss pillows help to create a modern setting. (Handout/TNS)
Accents such as an area rug and toss pillows help to create a modern setting. Handout/TNS
  • Do blend different white-on-white materials and textiles such as upholstery, area rugs, toss pillows and even drapery.
A white on white interior conveys a fresh, modern vibe. (Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS)
A white on white interior conveys a fresh, modern vibe. Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS

Don’ts

  • Don’t be afraid to use different shades of white in the same space.
  • Don’t ignore the opportunity to bring in white through the use of lighting.
  • Don’t blend different color temperatures in the same space. For example, keep cool white with other cool white, versus mixing cool and warm shades.
  • Don’t be afraid to leave negative space that is white, such as soffits, baseboards, ceilings and even certain walls.
  • Don’t introduce dark or dark contrast elements in a space in which you wish to have a white-on-white monochromatic look and feel.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.
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