A DECORATING TOOL
A white space should be calming, but be wary of allowing it to become too sterile. Work with different shades of white to build up a layered effect.
Opt for stark contrasts, and try a rich cream on the walls and a clean white on the trim. Or be more subtle with a stony shade below the picture rail and a paler chalk above.
TIP Pick all the whites from either warm or cool families. Mixing them will produce an uncomfortable and amateurish result.
The choice of soft neutrals in this room helps make the white marble of the fireplace stand out.
Different white elements in this room are punctuated with splashes of crimson.
Unifying different styles
There are hundreds of shades of white. But there is one that springs to mind whenever anyone speaks of white paint. Some call it art gallery white. Some call it stark white or brilliant white. Use it to unify a building with a mishmash of architectural styles. It will also create an all-purpose, neutral background to make a collection of furnishings and decorative bits and pieces sit in an interior of any architectural period. Or draw attention to whatever is on the walls, be it framed artworks or a family photo gallery.
Ageing gracefully
The ultra-fresh feel of stark white is the antithesis of what some homeowners desire. They prefer to work with whites that look aged and sit comfortably alongside original period features or lovingly selected vintage furnishings. In such cases, look for dirty whites smudged with a bit of grey or brown. This creates an impression of once-clean whites having developed a gentle patina with the passing of the years to complement furnishings.
CONTRASTING TRIMS
No matter what colour scheme you choose, whether it’s a selection of whites or a combination of pastels or even stronger colours, consider using a crisp, clean white on all the trims. It strengthens the personality of the wall colour.
Use a semi-gloss or full gloss, as these surfaces tend to be handled (and damaged) frequently, and need a hard-wearing, easy to clean finish.
MILK PAINT
Milk paint offers a lovely finish and is environmentally friendly. It gives an aged, mellow, vintage finish to furniture. It’s prepared by mixing milk paint powder with water, then straining through muslin for a smooth, balter-like consistency.
Prepare the piece by scraping off any old paint and sanding. Apply a limeproof undercoat sealer then the pre-prepared milk paint. Protect the finish with beeswax, lime wax or three to five coats of clear sealer.
TIP The natural pigment in milk paint can vary from batch to batch, so have enough for the whole job.
Generous natural light and a palette of cool whites give this already large space a striking sense of airy space.
MATERIAL EFFECTS
Timber Timber is an important element in a roomscape and plays a significant part in the colour palette. Often the timber of the floorboards is a warm colour, whether it’s a pale blonde Tasmanian oak, a honey coloured pine or a rich red jarrah. Warm whites complement them.
Steel and concrete
If the interior is dominated by steel and concrete, respect the industrial blue-grey tones of those materials by selecting a cool white tone for the walls.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Pale walls will show up more fingermarks, smears and smudges than coloured ones, so choose a product that’s easy to clean.
Flat and matt paints are porous, and dirty marks are almost impossible to remove. So choose low sheen or semi-gloss. Some manufacturers make paints with an additive related to Teflon, which they claim makes their products low-maintenance.
DAZZLING EXTERIORS
White reflects light and deflects heat. Painting the exterior of the house white can create the effect of a cooler interior, but it also creates glare. This can be counteracted with clever landscaping. Introducing mid-height to tall trees and shrubs will help to shade the building and disperse the dazzle.
Stand out on your street
Objects painted in dark colours often look smaller than they really are. Conversely those painted in bright white generally appear larger. So painting the exterior of a house white will give it a more prominent presence in the street.
White reflects heat so it’s a good choice in any hot climate. but watch out for problems of reflected glare inside.
Painting freshens up the house but it can leave a smell and health issues that linger. House paints are made from renewable, non-renewable and potentially harmful materials that can be bad for the planet and the household. The good news is there are greener options.
