In a White Room

A room done in white tones looks perennially crisp and fresh-faced. Try these suggestions for making the most of its clean, classic appeal:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

RESOURCES: Frank Randolph, Frank Babb Randolph Interior Design, 202/944-2120.