White paint is often a staple in painting projects. However, with so many different shades of white available on the market, it can sometimes be tricky to know which shade to choose, in order for it to complement the rest of the room and create a co-ordinated look. In this article, Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and colour expert at AkzoNobel, explores the nuances of white, and provides guidance on what colours to use in different rooms of a home.
Why does white paint never go out of style?
White paint is a timeless choice and forms the classic foundation for design and decorating. It is a blank canvas for creativity and can be adapted to every style of design, making it the most versatile and popular colour in the spectrum. White paint can be used on trimmings and ceilings alongside bold, accent walls, as well as in a room on all four walls.
White is white, right?
The white colour spectrum is surprisingly far reaching, from brilliant bright whites to dark whites and off-whites, such as ivory. White paints have subtle undertones and hues, which means they can look different against various colours and therefore, can make it difficult to choose the right shade. For example, cool whites contain hints of colours like blue, green and violet, whilst warm whites contain hints of warmer colours such as pink, orange and yellow.
However, sometimes a project just needs a simple, crisp white. As such, Dulux Heritage has launched a new shade: True White. Dulux Heritage True White has been designed to provide painters and decorators with a high-quality white option to beautifully match and enhance all shades found within the existing Heritage collection. It acts as a blank canvas to optimise light within a room to create the illusion of spaciousness, whilst complementing any colour scheme a customer desires. The purity of this shade of white means that it is truly flexible and can be used in every room no matter which Heritage shade you pair with it.
Where does white work best?
Before choosing paint colours for a room, it is important to consider the lighting and size of the space. For example, smaller rooms require lighter and brighter colours such as white that reflect the natural light and make the area appear much more spacious. Dulux Heritage True White is ideal for this.
When it comes to lighting, rooms that are south facing will receive more natural light, especially in the summer months. Cooler shades of white will work well in these spaces, as they help to balance the intensity of the sunlight. However, north facing rooms will benefit from warmer tones that prevent the room from feeling dark and cold and help to brighten the space.
What whites work best in different areas of the home?
In a bedroom, the chosen colours should instil a sense of calm and tranquillity, to help people wind down at the end of the day. Deeper colours reminiscent of nature, such as blues and greens, can create a sense of being enveloped and cocooned, whilst also remaining tranquil. In addition, neutrals can provide a calming aesthetic.
Knowing where to start in a living room can be tricky, as there are many themes and combinations to choose from. For those that would prefer to have a more neutral space, a timeless white is perfect and allows for pops of colour to be introduced through furnishings. Warm neutrals also can create a contemporary elegance in modern interiors.
Creating a feature wall is also a trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Feature walls can help bring bold colours into the room, whilst not being overwhelming. For example, blue shades can complement a variety of backdrop colours, with light blues working nicely with white hues and neutral shades harmonising perfectly with deeper blues.
In kitchens, white can help to open the space up as it is a clean and bright shade. White can be used as a base colour for the kitchen, with subtle pops of colour incorporated through tiling behind the hob and sink, as well as with painted cabinets or other furnishings.
How can we create continuity between rooms using classic whites and neutrals?
To create a cohesive feel, it is important to create a colour story throughout the home by selecting colours that come from the same tonal family. For example, this could be a warm colour palette using natural shades of terracotta, or a cool colour palette where soft greens and blues are used. Additionally, using different colours in the same finish – such as Velvet Matt or Eggshell – on wood and metal can help create continuity.
For further information about the Dulux Heritage range, visit: www.duluxheritage.co.uk
0 Comments