Top: What could be simpler than an off-white kitchen? Kitchens are the most often remodeled room in the house, and a white palette will never go out of style. Since white shows dirt and grime, purchase a paint that can be wiped clean on cabinets. Use sturdy white tile on backsplashes. A classic checkerboard floor will always look fresh. Consider pewter gray instead of black for the checkerboard for a more subtle palette. Keep windows free of curtains and blinds to take advantage of the natural light that makes white sparkle.
Second from top: The easiest way to keep white from being boring is to use pattern. Stripes, damasks, and floral patterns on the chairs add interest to this all-white living room. A textured rug or carpet in a neutral shade finishes the look. Also keep shapes in mind. If your furniture is all square and boxy, it will make a white room seem more severe. Use furniture with gentle curves to soften the room.
Third from top: White makes a perfect backdrop for art and antiques. White paneled walls and open beams on the ceiling draw the eye up and focus attention on the owners' collections hanging on the wall. The liberal use of gold throughout the house gives white walls a warm cast.
Bottom: White on white is especially gorgeous in a breakfast room, where the morning light is reflected from almost every surface. A stenciled floor adds interest and keeps the palette light. Don't use a rug or the light-reflecting quality of the floor will be lost.
A word of caution: If your walls are painted white, large pieces of furniture in the room that are brightly colored will reflect onto the walls, giving them a different cast. For example, a red sofa will make white walls appear softly pink. Keep this in mind when choosing your wall colors.
Sources:
Lars Bolander
375 South County Rd.
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561/832-5108
Michelle Nussbaumer
Ceylon et Cie
1500 Market Center Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
214/742-7632
Gothic-style chairs in breakfast room available through Ceylon et Cie.
Frank Randolph
Frank Babb Randolph Interior Design
1671 34th St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202/944-2120
