You Can Warm up Your Boring White Room Without Repainting
Many people avoid all-white walls in their home for fear that the rooms will look too sterile and gloomy. While a white room can look stark if left undecorated, there are a few design elements you can add to warm up the space, especially if you don’t want to mess with painting or rent a space where you’re not allowed to switch paint colors.
To start, it’s helpful to rethink how you perceive empty space, not “as a static absence of color,” as interior designer Nicole Heininger told Architectural Digest , “but as a starting point for layering a rich range of materials and tones.” it is not difficult to make the space warm and cozy. Here are some of the best ways to achieve this.
Wood and other natural elements
Incorporating nature-inspired elements such as wood, leather, rattan, seaweed, wickerwork, and other woven materials can instantly make a space feel more inviting. There are many styles of wood (from rustic to luxurious) and ways to use it; from floors, furniture and shelves to mirrors, frames and accents. Try to use other natural materials in the form of chairs, pouffes, ottomans and picture frames.
Warm metals
Warm metals like brass, copper and brushed gold go a long way in creating a cozy feel. (Just be careful not to overuse warm metals or you risk turning the shark into bad taste.)
Soft curtains
While your first impulse in a white room may be to stick to the crisp lines of roller blinds, pleated blinds, or blinds, Heininger notes that “adding soft linen draperies keeps a white room from looking stiff.” The higher and smoother the better.
antiques
A small amount of vintage items that go back to another time can fill the space with character. Think bureaus, bookcases, mirrors, rugs, and home furnishings. It’s not technically an antique, but vintage furniture, carpets, and artwork create a similar effect.
Textile
Incorporating textiles – any woven or fabric-made material – such as blankets, throw pillows, tapestries, and wall art will add a sense of charm and comfort. Drape these items over headboards, chairs, sofas, and the foot of the bed.
Layered textures
Don’t be afraid to mix different textures in your space (as long as they exist in a complementary color palette). Stone, ceramics, glass and wicker baskets can coexist peacefully to create a more interesting space.
Greenery
Whether real or artificial, houseplants, flowers, and small trees represent life—the opposite of sterility. Plants not only improve the look of a room, they also increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve air quality, according to Healthline . Even artificial plants create a sense of vitality.
Books
Nothing says cozy like a bookshelf full of classics (or Oprah Book Club selections, who knows?). The point is that book shelves provide color, texture, an intangible “library” feeling of awe and an invitation to snuggle up. lie down on the couch and spend a little time in your imagination. There is nothing cold about this.