7 Rules To Decorating An All-White Interior

White works for so many reasons! It’s ageless, instantly classy and sophisticated without having to try too hard. But best of all, it’s the one shade you know is available with just about every interior piece.

Now, there is one issue with all-white themes; it can actually appear too undone or clinical (like a padded cell) if you don’t know how to decorate it right! Here are 7 rules you need to know when designing a whitewashed space:

Rule #1: Always Balance It Out

Interior Designer: Hatch Interior Studio

When we say all white, we don't mean it literally! Getting your home to look #onpoint is all about balancing a snowy background with hints of natural-tones. Simply throwing white pieces everywhere will not work.

Interior Designer: Urban Home

You can set up a base of white walls and curtains, but set pair it against warm, wooden flooring. Otherwise, indoor greenery and furniture made of natural materials such as beach wood, pine, maple, cherry or ash works in balancing out a classic all-white theme.

Rule #2: Use Different Shades of White

Interior Designer: Hatch Interior Studio

It's not just about using a single shade of white throughout on your walls, accents or furniture. Instead, try working with various versions of the hue; like pearl, cream, snow white or egg shell.

Interior Designer: Anwill Design Sdn Bhd

Play around with these complementary shades in adjacent rooms or with different accents, like your furniture, pillows or knick-knacks. These colour variations will add stylish layers to an all-white theme. Using various shades of white this way also creates movement and energy, compared to a solid hue which may appear flat very quickly.

Rule #3: Adding A Splash Of Bold Colours Is Fine

Interior Designer: DesignLah

To make an all-white home stand out – there needs to be a pop of colour to give those interiors a bit of personality. If you are into bold dramatic themes, adding splashes of red, burgundy or black can make quite a statement.

Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

However, if you are looking for a soothing, gentle balance with your white tones, choose patterned pastel hues like baby blue, mauve and peach, which help to evoke a classy, refined air to the space.

Rule #4: Bring In Natural Light

Interior Designer: Code Red Studio

Whites shine brightest in natural sunlight. Be sure to maximise its impact by choosing sheer curtains, leaving glass windows bare (with tinting or frosting for privacy and cooling) and putting up mirrors to reflect more light in the daytime.

Interior Designer: Nevermore Design

You should also consider installing indoor lighting that mimics natural light for homes that are darker. Try LED skylights and warm white lighting built into recessed ceilings to evenly brighten up shadier areas in your home.

Rule #5: Include Some Complementary Accents

Interior Designer: IQI Concept Interior Design and Renovation

The best part about white tones? They match almost any colour and pattern. Accentuate your space (without taking focus away from your white interiors) with reflective pieces made in silver or glass, like mirrors or vases.

Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

If your home is modest in size, try not to overload with small accent pieces. Instead, get one large focal piece to anchor the space rather than many little ones which might clog up your space.

Rule #6: Mix It Up With Different Textures

Interior Designer: The Roof Studio

A solid block of white can get a tad boring. Mix things up with different white textures to give depth to your design! Lampshades happen to be a great way to give your home added dimension through light and ambience. Linen or paper lamp covers are a safe option for a whitewashed look, but of course you can always switch up with more colour!

Interior Designer: Code Red Studio

Why stop at lamps though? Incorporate hints of various textures through the rest of your space, be it sofa covers, snug throws or even a feature wall.

Interior Designer: X Two Concept

Rule #7: Soften Up

Interior Designer: Urban Home

Pure shades of white can come off as stark and cold. Avoid looking like a veritable padded cell, by finishing off with some soft, cosy accessories! Some warm accents you can try include plush throw pillows, incandescent lighting, coverlets and large silk rugs.

Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

You can also try adding a few old-school, eclectic pieces to modernise an all-white décor. One or two kitschy art pieces, quirky paintings or funky lighting sconces can help give this timeless theme an edgy upgrade.

Finally...

The number one unspoken rule in an all-white interior: Remember to choose washable, stain-resistant white materials wherever possible! You might fancy yourself a careful homeowner, but you'll never know when spills and messes appear.

If an all-white abode is up your alley...

We can help you get the very same look! Simply drop us a quote request, and we'll match you up with 5 interior firms, based on your budget and style.

Want to see more clean, all-white interior looks from local homes? Download the Qanvast App, available on the App Store and Google Play and save your favourite ideas on the go!

Meet interior designers. Get quotes. Based on your requirements, we will recommend you up to 5 firms with the Qanvast Guarantee. Get Free Quotes