Arts Crafts Oak
Arts Crafts Oak
White has been thought throughout history as plain or even boring but there are a number of ways that you can give white a personality of its own. When you look at white walls, you are going to either hate them or you are going to consider them the norm especially considering that white is the preferred color for homes on the market, apartment's even businesses. White can be considered the safe choice however the constant overuse of the color has led it to be one that is considered to be boring, plain and often sterile. It does not however have to be that. You can make white an interesting and alive color.
Consider what white can do for a room. It allows the room to be viewed as clean as well as airy. It is also considered a calming and promotes a baseline for contemplation and it is because of this that it makes a perfect backdrop for art or even contemporary styles of furnishings that you want to show and bring attention too. There are also a number of different tints and shades of white depending on the value and the chroma of the color. White can appear with a variety of undertones such as coffee or tan, mint, pink, even violet can be an undertone for white to give it depth, personality and can give it either a warm or cool feeling.
Remember that trims are also essential when it comes to dressing up a room. Using a bright white on the trim when you have off white walls will make the walls appear darker. Concerning cooler whites, they appear to become cleaner or even fresher looking when outlined in bright white. Before using any color combinations, it is a good idea to test the color using a poster size test swatch before committing to the color.
Use Layering
Layering is a common color theme employed to bring out the strength or intensity of the color. For example, white on white provides a purity that makes a wonderful place for relaxation and contemplation and this style also bring about the ability to focus the eye on the shape and the texture of the objects rather than the color. The use of texture is often overlooked because of color however, it can provide a great deal of contrast and can help to keep things interesting. For example, using a damask, which has a shine to it, a fuzzy chenille or weathered painted wood along with smooth porcelain and a chalky plaster will provide a great deal of contrast for the eye as well as the touch.
Make use of layering as well when you are various shades and colors of white. For example if you look at the color white in fabric you will find that it leans one of two ways on the cool side to the blues on the warm side to yellow or beige. Off-whites such as ivory and cream give a romantic warm feeling while still remaining in the whites. Grayed whites however will look dirty against clean whites, which is why pure white is usually avoided during decorating schemes.
Add Neutrals
Having a white room with white furniture is going to be a bit much even with the intensity that white on white provides. It is better to place neutral colors for furnishings as it places the white from overwhelming to clean and provides a great backdrop for whatever you want to do. Use wood tones such as blonde-haired person, cherry or ebony when you pick accents and furniture, consider leaving floor bare to add the warm of gold pine or if you need texture consider adding rugs or leaving tables bare. For more texture and contrast, consider wicker baskets for storage or even using weathered wood and rusted metal to add an entirely different feel. Use these touches sparingly or it will detract from the overall effect of the white. To create a stronger impact use neutral shades such as browns, grays, olive and muted gray-green. These colors are all found in nature and so go well with white.
Remember that even pets and kids do not have to turn you off white as a color for your home. Consider painting in an eggshell or even satin finish. Use washable slipcovers on furnishings and you can easily get the look you want while being able to keep it looking its best. If you are someone, who loves to redecorate or changes their accessories for the season white makes a great way to provide a backdrop for what you love without causing you to have to repaint. Simply put in the items you want and you are ready to go.
Anything can introduce color; you can use everything from the rugs to the patterns on the sofa to even the color of towels, shower curtains even chair cushions can provide you with what you need. Keep in mind however if you want the focus to be on the art do not put in fabrics with a lot of patterns that will distract from what you want the eyes of people entering your room to be on. Doing this you can use white to unify all the rooms of your home while still giving each its own personality.
Leon has been in the design and furniture field for almost 40 years. His popular Los Angeles store features American made arts & crafts furniture that's built using the best material and wood working techniques in the industry. They carry a large selection of furniture for your home from oak television stands to wooden beds. High quality wood furniture that's built to last for generations.
Arts and Crafts to the manor reborn
THE little-known Arts and Craft heritage of one of North Yorkshire's most beautiful buildings which heralded a move away from mass-produced goods is being revived.
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