… It doesn’t have to be bland or boring—here’s how.
Nothing screams sophistication like an all-white home; actually, an all-white home would never scream. It would speak softly—in a voice that’s all-at-once comforting and familiar. And if you’d like to design one of your own, there’s no better time than the onset of summer to start planning for it.
In India, our biggest concern with white interiors is that it’s high maintenance because between dusty summers and mouldy monsoons, how do you keep it looking pristine? Our counter-question: do you have to? White is easier than people think, and actually ages well. And there’s nothing quite as calming to spend lazy days in, or walk into at the end of hectic ones. Done right, it is instant tranquillity and elegance.
Here are 10 tips to remember before you whitewash your home so it looks chic, not sterile:
1. Start with a warmer shade of white.
2. White bookshelves are a recurring occurrence in all-white homes; they blend in neatly while still looking elegant.
3. Choose wooden flooring to make an all-white space more inviting.
4. Pastel accessories complement white rooms perfectly.
5. Offset a stark white wall with a bright painting or photograph.
6. Opt for furniture made from natural materials, like bamboo, jute or cork.
7. Turn the focus to a statement piece, like a happy yellow couch or a large wooden mirror.
8. Hints of black—by way of industrial-style lighting or charcoal floor tiles—can actually work really well in an otherwise pristine white room.
9. We’re seeing more greens than ever in homes and offices, but indoor plants are almost mandatory in white ones to add warmth and life to the space.
10. Invest in multi-coloured scatter cushions so you’re never bored.
