White rooms instantly make me feel calm but there is a fine line between them being either cold and unapproachable or warm and inviting. If you’re too scared to sit down in the fear that you’ll mark the sofa or feel confined to one spot on the floor then there is a good chance that this room is filled with strictly harsh lines and smooth surfaces only.
Living Etc. suggests to mix textures and materials sensitively in white open floor plan rooms. For example, “extra-wide pine floorboards make the living space appear larger, while the beautiful grain adds warmth to this coolly decorated interior.” I’ve gathered a collection of accents with different textures and materials that would help you achieve an inviting white room.
(Left to right: crowned crane sham, medallion print wallpaper, lucy vase, clift accent chair, silhouette table, and the rectangular chandelier)
A color palette of white mixed with a very light grey and hints of taupe really appeals to me since it creates such an airy atmosphere. If I could decorate my living room again, I would add a couple of slipcovered sofas with plenty of textured pillows, Jude’s wall treatment, wide-planked hardwood floors, a mirrored side table, and definitely a vintage chandelier. It would feel like I was living in the clouds…
What is your dream room?
Image credits: LivingEtc., wwitch22 border, Brocade Home, Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, & Z Gallerie.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Krissy : Aug 1, 2008 at 8:29 am
Jude’s wall treatment is amazing! I’m with you on the colors, light gray with accents of taupe or brown would be right up my alley!
2 Jessie Cacciola : Aug 1, 2008 at 10:16 am
my dad and i have talked about this actually. something so soothing could easily cross into cold. it’s very bizarre, but true. on another note: I’ve been eyeing that pillow (from anthro?) and the matching blanket for a while now. such pretty details.
3 Paloma : Aug 1, 2008 at 10:26 am
Great post! You’re right about there being such a fine line between something that looks cold and something that looks cozy and inviting. I think the green accents in the first picture really pull everything together.
4 Diana : Aug 1, 2008 at 11:14 am
Loving all these accents. I love when white is used with texture - makes such an interesting mix.
5 Anke : Aug 3, 2008 at 12:17 am
Wonderful post! I’m a huge fan of white on white (with a bit of black mixed in). It just never bores me like other colors do eventually. Love the wallpaper!
6 Jen : Aug 3, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I love white, I’ve wanted white slipcovered couches as long as I’ve been buying furniture. I’m just way too afraid to make the leap. Especially with two small children that are always running around my house dripping popsicle.
Gorgeous post! The top photo is amazing.
Have you seen West Elm’s tucked bedding? Similar to Crowned Crane, but a wee bit more economical.
7 Jude : Aug 5, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Now I really wish I’d taken better photos! Thanks for including the wall treatment in this fantastic post. Believe it or not, I really am a fan of white, especially White Done Right (as you’ve expertly put together), but then when I think about all the colors out there in the world I can’t resist going a little crazy.
8 wourhoold : Oct 13, 2008 at 5:56 am
Hi!
My name is Jessika!
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