Winter Whites Color Refresh
Baby, it's cold outside, and we're here to help you warm up your home with white paint color and white decor. So pour yourself some steaming hot tea, slip into your Snuggie, and read our tips on how to get your whites right!
The first question to tackle: how do I choose the right white? Here are a few simple steps to guide you.
1. Take a hard look at your hard finishes:
White paint has to relate to something in your home. The first place to look is your kitchen countertops, tiling, and other fixed elements. Ask yourself if these veer toward cool bright white and bold tones; or warmer natural white and muted tones. The answer will help you begin to set the stage for your color decisions throughout your home.
Photo credit: Tomira Wilcox Photo
2. Know the three gradations of white and when to use them:
Blue-white has a slight blue and cool undertone, and True-white has no undertones. Both work well if your fixed elements and furnishings veer toward bright white, gray, and black.
Photo Credit: Neil Landino @landinophoto
Interior Design: @kerimckayinteriors kerimckayinteriors.com
Off-white typically has gray or green and warmer undertones, some with subtle hints of red or yellow. These complement natural and muted fixed finishes and furnishings, such as browns and beiges.
Left Image Photo Credit: sherwinwilliams.com
Right Image Photo Credit: Tomira Wilcox Photo
This chart shows you the three gradations of white and some tried and true favorite white paint colors. Remember that the best white for your home is the one that works best with your fixed finishes, lighting, and decor. Just because one color works well in your friend's home does not mean it will look the same in yours.
Image Credit: @spinpincreative
3) Gather samples:
Once you have chosen your gradation of white, you have already made your color choice that much easier. For example, say you need True-white paint; you have a limited selection to test and compare to your existing fixed finishes and furnishings. So go to the paint store and ask their sales team to show you only True-white paint swatches.
4) Test:
While the small paint swatches from the store are an excellent way to start to narrow down your white paint choice, it's essential to paint large boards with your color selection and move them around your room at different times of the day. Make sure to prime your existing wall or place a large piece of white paper behind the painted board, so you are not comparing the painted board to the current wall color. Also, it's important to put other elements you are comparing to your white paint color on the same plane that they will appear in your finished room. For example, lay your rug sample horizontally on the floor and your window fabric sample vertically against the wall.
Pro Tip:
The type of light in your space makes the most significant difference in how white paint will look on your walls, and white paint is not always the answer. Rooms with lots of natural light are an excellent backdrop for white paint, but rooms with little natural light need paint color with more pigment and depth. Otherwise, the white paint shows shadows and can look dingy. In this situation, consider a light cream or light gray paint. A good trick is to use a piece of art and pull out one of the lightest neutral tones - that's your new wall color!
Next question: I've painted my walls white, but how do I decorate? This is the fun part. Here are my quick tips:
1) White walls look great with decor that is also white.
To keep your eyes from resting too long on the solid white walls, use a monochrome white palette which will pull attention around the room. Pile on the white furnishings, throw pillows and blankets, vases, stacks of books, lamps, artwork, and other accessories.
Image Credit: @spinpincreative
Sources: Tray, End Table, Lamp, Vases, Pendant, Mirror, Moon Pillow, Painting by Artist, Gina Occhiogrosso, found at Appleton Art Design LLC
2) Mixing cool and warm whites adds depth and visual interest to your space.
For a timeless chic look, build your room with creams and beiges in different tones, shapes, and textures.
Interior Design: @casayoya
Photo Credit: @tomirawilcoxphoto
3) Balance your materials:
Texture is key to making your room cozy and lush. Natural materials like wood add warmth but find balance. For example, pair a heavy wood heirloom dining table with chairs that are modern, light, or white. You can also add natural materials with light fixtures, table decor, and photo frames.
Interior Design: GLDESIGN @gldesignhome gldesignhome.com
Photo Credit: Stephanie Elliott Photo @stephanieelliottphoto
4) Layer, layer, layer: Think plush seating, nubby rugs, patterned throw pillows, textured throws, and woven baskets. Top it off with organic shapes or hand-etched details to bring your space blah to hurrah!
Interior Design: Eleish Van Breems Studio @eleishvanbreems evbantiques.com
Photo Credit: Neil Landino @landinophoto
5) Metallics add a designer's touch to an all-white room
The light reflection from metallic accents adds an incredible dimension to any room. Add metallic touches with light fixtures and hardware, or go big with stunning side tables and other furnishings.
Interior Design:@kerimckayinteriors kerimckayinteriors.com
Photo Credit: Neil Landino @landinophoto
Debra Spindler Pinals is a Color Consultant & Interior Stylist at Spinpin Creative. Her business provides homeowners with professional design and styling advice which saves them time, stress, and costly mistakes. Debra is passionate about helping her clients choose timeless fixed elements, create visual harmony, and display their unique personal styles through color and decor. Connect at www.spinpincreative.com or on Instagram @spinpincreative