Breaking the rules of white
White. It’s pure. It’s simple. But, when it comes to decorating our homes, white can be intimidating. In fact, many actually avoid the color white at home all together. However, according to Sarah Gray Miller, editor in chief of Country Living Magazine, white is a beautiful color that can be both functional and elegant. Miller has some inspiring ideas on how to break the rules of white and incorporate white into our home decor. “It’s got so much presence. It can be so bold, and yet so comfortable. There’s really not a place where white doesn’t look great,” says Miller.
In this episode, The Shine's Host Allison Fishman is wearing: More on The Shine: Check out our recent episode on how to take some stress out of cleaning
Dress, Michael by Michael Kors
Necklace, Jessie Lane Jewels
Earrings, Rebekah Price (www.rebekahprice.com)
Shoes, Enzo Angiolini
Starting with function, Miller says a great way to add white to a room is with slipcovers. Miller says, “You can just pull them off and throw them in the wash when that guest spills a glass of red wine on your couch.”
For a small pop of white, Miller suggests adding white curtains to a space. A cotton that’s machine washable, can always be tossed in the laundry. They’re also less likely to get stained, especially if you add a border of color along the bottom where the fabric skirts the floor.
If you're wondering about white as a paint color, Miller is a huge proponent of white walls. “White immediately opens up a space and makes it feel larger. The one exception to that rule is in a truly tiny room, like a powder room. Sometimes patterned wall paper or a bold color can be a better choice.” Miller recommends painting with the same shade of white in every room, that way you can keep an extra can of your shade of white stored away for easy touch-ups at any moment.
Ready to really make a statement with white? Miller suggests white washing your floors! This works great in a country or beach home. Whitewashed floors combined with white walls can harmonize space and establish continuity from one room to another. “It definitely gives things a contemporary, clean, clean look. It bounces a lot of light around the room. And Miller says not to worry about the floors getting chipped or scuffed. That will create a patina, or aged look.
Overall, white creates a modern feel in a home. “We see it a lot at Country Living when people are working with vintage stuff. The thing that separates cluttered antiques to things looking like sculpture and like they have a presence is often when they are set against a sea of white.”
Lastly, aside from the big stuff like furniture and walls, think accessories, says Miller. White towels and white dishes can be easily mixed and matched with other accessories. And when you consider dinnerware, think white for that too. White’s neutral background lets your meal stand out as the main attraction at the table.
More on The Shine: Check out our recent episode on how to take some stress out of cleaning.
More from Country Living:
More Ways to Decorate With White
6 Incredible Small-Space Decorating Tips
