There is something so pleasing about looking out over a blanket of freshly fallen snow. The way it softly covers the landscape and unifies all it touches is akin to the way a monochromatic palette can bring an eclectic mix of furniture & objects into balance. As designers, we are always searching for the common link and how each item speaks to the other. Using white as the common denominator, always allows the harmonization of diverse lines and a variety of textures to sing.
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The cleanliness of white always feels fresh and up to date. It’s truly the color that never becomes passe. If you are the type of person that is easily overwhelmed by all of the options out there and can’t seem to decide on a color palette, start with white. Use it as the base – it is after all the blending of all colors (this has always blown my mind) but seriously, white contains the wavelengths of all visible light, so for those of us who don’t want to decide, you can have it all! With the base defined, you can decide if you want to add subdued accents (ie., light grays, taupes, or pastels) or perhaps saturated hues, the key is to keep the additional colors to a minimum.
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Mixing in black is also a no-brainer; it will be a forever classic combo. If black feels a bit too harsh or formal, a smart option is to pick one color of your liking and use varying shades for a thoughtful, but easy look. The subsequent effect is unifying and calming. We all see the crazy bright pink sofas in design magazines and while they are perfect for some spaces and clients, to the majority of us, it’s much less intimidating to splurge on a neutral sofa. If you yearn for bold design but lack the confidence, bring the color in through accessories – throws, trays, pillows, and objects d’art. By the ease of strategic placement and the added confidence, your space will be far from flat.
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Many benefits of white are:
- Allows artwork or interesting objects to take center stage,
- Natural textures are showcased (think sisal, leathers, greenery, pronounced wood grains, or richly veined stones)
- The ability to mix and match styles with ease
- Insert fun, colorful accessories for an easy pop
- Cleanliness – worried about keeping white upholstery clean? Used well-tailored slipcovers that can be removed and washed with ease. Always make sure to check that they can be laundered at home and try putting them back on while still a little damp. This allows for much less struggling to recover the frame and the fabric will dry to the shape. You still may have a few wrinkles remove, but nothing the trusty steamer can’t take care of!
Image Via House Beautiful
LeBlanc Design 