Decorating in White

Pure White is the most versatile of all decor themes, but it is not for every one. Pure white decor is not advised for those with children, pets, or an environment with lots of pollution or rust colored mud. Having said that, even in a home with lots of dirt vectors, keeping just the master bedroom white may still be doable.

The versatility of white makes it easy to combine with other colors. White goes well with primary(red, yellow, blue), secondary (orange, green, violet), tertiary colors (lime green, fuchsia, etc), pastels (pink, baby blue, lilac, apricot, etc), and neutrals like taupe and sand. Taupe and sand do not mix well with each other, but white is the "Switzerland" that will do business with every one: white adds contrast to taupe; white adds freshness to sand; white gives grey a lift.

White also goes well with marble; thassos; ceramic; unfinished, bleached, or painted wood; floaty fabrics;transparent accessories made of clear glass or Plexiglas, and bold accent colors used in moderation.

Pure White does not work well in places with low levels of natural lighting, and can end up looking gloomy. If you are trying to brighten a dark room, use a white tinted with a touch of rose. The result will be so subtle, that you are affected on a subconscious level, with out realizing that the white is not pure. You will feel more optimistic, but you won't know why.

Pure white does not mix well with a lot of yellowy cream color, a lot of black, or a mix of too many different colors covering too much of the surface area, in the same room.

If you are doing a white on white monochromatic room, remember that the secret to keeping it from feeling flat and lifeless, is to use lots of different textures.

Bleached wood, sheer ethereal white drapes, white embroidery or white eyelet on white cotton, white stone, white silk, white woven wicker, white ceramic, "white metals", white leather, and white carpeting or woven mats, add layers and sensory stimulation to an all white room. The light will play on each surface differently, adding depth and individuality to each.