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Subtle texture, added color warms all-white
room
Q. I have a kitchen and family room that are all white.
The cabinets are white, the counter tops are white,
the carpet is white and my sofa is white. I love the
white, but my friends tell me it feels like a laboratory.
How can I make my all white color scheme feel more
warm and inviting?
A. You have done several things correctly in your
all-white space. First, you have some gorgeous dark
wood furnishings that provide a welcome contrast to
all the white. Second, you have included some accessories
with a lot of texture, such as the wicker baskets that
replaced the drawers in one of your kitchen cabinets.
Third, you have a few different finishes that keep
the room interesting-- for example, the glossy white
painted cabinets contrast nicely with the matte finish
counters, and you have some color variation, ranging
from cream of the sofa to bright white of the TV cabinet.
You are off to a good start.
To keep monochromatic, or one-color, rooms interesting,
the important thing is to add contrast. This is achieved
with texture, with subtle pattern and with varying
shades of the same color. For your kitchen backsplash,
for example, you suggested white painted brick. This
would give you the country feeling you like, while
the rustic texture would contrast with the smooth white
of the cabinets. For a contemporary look, consider
one-inch white glass mosaic tiles. Alternatively, simple
white tiles laid on the diagonal would give pattern
and interest, without adding color.
In your garden window, arrange a collection of white
pitchers or flowerpots filled with white flowers, such
as hydrangeas. The green of the foliage will add color,
while the flowers provide texture.
Add softness to the space with fabrics. Use tone-on-tone
patterns in shades of cream and white for seat cushions.
Use a mix of textures for throw pillows on your cream-colored
sofa, such as nubby chenille or even faux fur. Or dress
up plain pillows with beaded trim or fringe. Soften
your sliding glass door with a box-pleated valance
in a subtle pattern, perhaps even a black toile, since
you have some black accessories in your kitchen already.
The toile can also be used for throw pillows or a tablecloth.
Hang a large mirror above the beautiful carved dark
wood chest. In front of the mirror, arrange a collection
of silver candlesticks. Silver looks marvelous in an
all-white room. Add some variegated ivy too-- plants
are a welcome accent in any room.
Above your sofa, hang one large piece of art in eye-popping
color. With the white walls as your backdrop, a colorful
painting will most definitely stand out and say "wow". Select
one of the dominant colors in the artwork, and repeat
it in one or two accessories in the space. For example:
a vase of flowers on the coffee table and a set of
kitchen towels.
With texture, subtle pattern and a little added color,
your all-white space will be a haven for you and your
friends.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Feb. 4, 2006.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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