Decorating in white

White is by far the most popular colour for interior decorating. Why? Is it because it is the colour of joy, hope, innocence and cleanliness. Or that it represents purity, optimism and enlightenment. Regardless of what’s in fashion, no colour is more universally favoured.

 

Using a principally white palette means you can change the look of a room easily and without a lot of expense. Injecting some colour using a few accent pieces means that when you want a new look or the seasons change, you simply change the accent pieces.

ABOVE: If you're sticking faithfully to an all white scheme, how do you decorate the walls? The answer is to frame black and white photos or prints in white frames. Grouping the frames makes a focal point.

Light up white
Lighting always affects the quality of colours in your home. For a soft white glow, white lamps and shades are best as they diffuse light rather than colour it. You can also consider using a mirror to bounce more light around a room.

ABOVE: If you're using all white in a traditional room, go for varying shades of white - that means ivory, nearly cream and very pale greys. These will all add depth and interest to the scheme. You can add glamour to a white scheme by choosing a rug or fabrics with a metallic finish, and a faux fur rug, throw or cushions will add texture and interest, too.

Add interest with glass and other materials.   Mix in some glass and silver pieces amongst your white collection to add a touch of elegance. Or exaggerate the effect of an all-white scheme by buying reflective furniture - whether glass tables, mirrored or high gloss pieces. Their reflections will make the room seem bigger, too.

ABOVE: Even a plain room can be given bags of character with wall panelling - which you can buy in kits from DIY stores (or just use tongue and groove planks, fixed to battens). Painted white, or off white, completes it. Window shutters are investment buy. More expensive than blinds and curtains, they are, however, highly desirable, and extremely practical, particularly in an awkward window.

ABOVE: Not only contemporary, white can also be incredibly homely, too. This all-white room is given warmth with just-cream furniture that's ideal for a rustic, traditional or modern space.

Mix it up
Use varying shades of white in your decor to avoid it looking flat. The same applies when you’re painting – generally speaking it’s best to use a matt paint on the walls and a semi-gloss on the trim.

When painting, shades of white will make a room appear larger. If you want the room to feel larger still, paint the ceiling and skirtings in a lighter tone of the wall. Don’t believe the myth that children and white interiors don’t mix. Use a washable paint with a low-sheen finish in high traffic areas and removable washable covers on sofas.