Interior Style - White on White
Pure, fresh and oh-so sophisticated, a white-on-white scheme is always in style. It’s wonderfully versatile too, providing the perfect backdrop for just about every look, from classic and coastal to minimalist.
Use an all-white scheme to infuse your interior with calm, to maximise natural light, or to create a neutral canvas for a fabulous work of art – or all three! You’ll also find that decorating your interior in swathes of white makes it easy to swap out furnishings and art as your tastes evolve.
Our top tip: Prevent your white-on-white scheme from appearing stark by layering different textures, materials and shades of white right from floor to ceiling.
“You’ll quickly discover that whites span a huge spectrum, from cool tones and brilliant white to warmer shades with a touch of yellow. When choosing a white for your home, start by thinking about the look and feel you want to create.”
INTERIOR DESIGN MANAGER, JESSICA HODGES
Create the look
Exterior colours
Create contrast and excitement for your all-white interior by using rich hues and textures on your façade – you’ll find it creates a wonderful sense of surprise for all who step inside your home. Think brickwork or smooth render in earthy, natural shades of chocolate brown or charcoal, mid-grey trims, timber accents, dark window frames, and an eye-catching tiled pier in mushroom or greige.
Interior Flooring
For a balanced look, pair crisp white walls and furnishings with warm, timber flooring. Herringbone or chevron flooring is ideal as it adds another layer of pattern, without visually overwhelming your room scheme. In bedrooms, media rooms and studies, consider cosy wall-to-carpet in a soft neutral shade such as taupe or beige, rather than white, which is harder to look after.
Feature lighting
With a simple, pared-back scheme like this one, you can afford to be a little bold with your feature lighting, so long as you stay with the same, soft-neutral palette – think eye-catching beaded chandeliers over your bedsides or an angular, modern pendant above your kitchen island.
Kitchen styling
Classic, timeless and inviting – you can’t go wrong with an all-white kitchen. Opt for flat-face cabinetry for a minimalist, modern look or shaker or v-groove doors for added visual interest, coupled with crisp white benchtops or a subtly patterned finish like marble. Add warmth with tapware and cabinet handles in brushed nickel or brushed brass.
Introducing a few textural accents will make the space feel cosier. Consider a splashback in textural kit-kat tiles or ones with an irregular, organic finish, upholstered bar stools, and touches of fluted glass in your cabinetry and pendant lights.
Bathroom bliss
A pure white bathroom exudes sanctuary vibes. Bring the look to life with simple white subway tiles running floor to ceiling, or add a handcrafted, organic feel with Moroccan-style zellige tiles. Introduce a simple white vanity, with a white stone top or adorned with natural-looking stone for a subtle hit of pattern. Decorate the space with simple white shutters or, if the space permits, soft sheer curtains, and artwork in slender white or timber frames.
See the White on White look on display
View the White on White gallery
Furniture & Styling
Add definition and personality to your white-on-white scheme with warm timbers and marble and travertine accents. Consider a hero dining table topped with striking marble where friends and guests can gather around.
Create softness with arched mirrors, rounded side tables, and curvaceous sofas and seating, all in touch-me materials and fabrics. Take texture to your walls with a feature wall in textural grass weave wallpaper or v-groove panelling in your entry, on your fireplace wall or behind the bed.
Don’t be afraid to bring in the occasional pop colour – it will only add interest to your interior. Try oversized artworks, plump scatter cushions, and striped bedlinen in gentle, earthy neutrals, such as terracotta, mustard, and clay.
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