August 5, 2015

Color Showcase: Cool Whites

Heidi Milton

It’s the dog days of summer so what better time to explore some cool white interiors?  If you’ve been in the paint aisle lately, you have probably noticed the overwhelming number of paint swatches considered “white.” When you look closely (or maybe even get one up on your walls) you see that not all shades of white are created equal!  There are warmer whites and cool whites;  warmer whites cozy up a neutral space while cooler whites will make your room feel larger.  So how do you tell the difference, when you know you want a cool white?

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decorLiveLoveDIY

Hot tip: Look at the darkest color on the paint swatch to determine undertones for the colors on that swatch. 

So now you know you want to open up your space by using cool whites in your decor, one with blue or green undertones.  All you need now is inspiration on how to pull it all together.

Add interesting wall decor or accessories.  All white can feel bland, so add in your favorite touches on the wall and around the room to create interest.  Think brass, fresh flowers, pops of color.

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor

source

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - neutralsStyleMePretty.com

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - younghouselove - neutralsYoung House Love

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - styleahome.comStyleathome.com

Texture is key.  If you’re reluctant to add too much color, add a variety of textures instead.  Fabrics, rustic woods, even mirrors will liven up the whitest space.

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - thriftyandchic.com - neutralsThrifty and Chic via Hometalk

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - lonny.com - neutralsCountry Living

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - phillymag.com - neutralsPhilly Mag via Pinterest

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - Vickys Home Blog - neutrals - whites 9vickys-home.blogspot.com

Go bold or dark on your floors.  Showcase all those cool whites by using contrast in your flooring and/or rugs.

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - mydesignchic.com - neutralsDesign Chic

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - digsdigs.com - neutralssource

Color showcase - whites - Mohawk Homescapes - white decor - theultralinx.com - neutralssource

I personally am more drawn to these cool white interiors after studying all these inspiration photos!  Maybe because it’s 95 degrees outside, but they just exude serenity and clean crisp aesthetic without coming off as dull or stark.  Do you agree?

Find more home decor inspiration and DIY on my blog, Decor & More.

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