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Lately, I have been inspired by white interiors. I keep seeing these gorgeous spaces with all white walls with these amazing pops of color. The simplicity and freshness that exudes from these designs makes me want to start over and re-paint my whole house white.
I think the best part about having an all white space is that you can have so much more freedom (and fun!) with your accents, such as fabrics, accessories and artwork. Then, you can change them all up so easily when you get bored, because you have a clean and neutral palette to work with. White also makes interiors look larger and create the illusion of more space.
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I love this interior pictured above of Emily Henderson’s styled work of Joy from Oh Joy’s studio. See how much fun you can have with color? With the white walls, those pink chairs and green sofa jump right out at you! It all feels so clean and fresh, but at the same time you can get really funky and creative with lots of pattern and color. Artwork and accessories have endless possibilities. I’m sure by now a few key questions are coming to mind: “Which white paint colors do you recommend?” and “I have kids. Can I really paint my walls white?” Here are some answers.
To answer the first question, my personal favorite white is Extra White by Sherwin Williams. I have it in my home under my chair rail trim in the Entry/Living Room and on all of the trim in the rest of the house. I love how it looks bright white without looking too blinding. Other whites that I have heard look amazing are Benjamin Moore’s Super White, Decorator’s White and Cloud White. Apparently, Behr also has a good white called Ultra Bright White. I definitely recommend using an eggshell or satin finish. Having shiny white walls will bounce around too much light and create a glare.
To answer this question, or rather, to put your mind at rest, it is possible to have white walls with children, even small children. Sherwin Williams offers a paint that is resistant to stains and wipes easily, called Duration. I’m sure there are other brands out there that offer the same solution. So, paint those walls white! You can wipe off the mess. And, look how amazing white looks in a kid’s room:
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So…what are you waiting for? Paint your room white, or get crazy and paint your whole house white! Especially if love color and plan on adding lots of pattern in your textiles and accessories. You wont’ regret it. I promise.
Um… Thank you!!! You know I have to do this or else I’m going to burst!
Definitely do it!! Now you have all of the best whites. I say hire someone to come and re-paint the whole house, or at least the areas you want white. I think especially since you love pattern, color and texture. Then you can have so much fun with accessories, etc.
I have a great painter contact if you need it!
I’m not a designer or color expert but do have a good eye and have been studying some color/design concepts this past year as we are renovating and adding an addition to our North Carolina coastal home. I love white, even want to paint the entire interior white (love SW Extra White) …However, I’ve learned that a light color will not come to life in a room with little natural light…and my great room with combo LR/ Kitchen/Dining that faces west but some sun is blocked by covered porch, 2 of my guest baths with little natural light, and a north facing bedroom with one window are my greatest challenges. Yes, I have sample boards of quite a few SW whites from cool to cream, neutrals and greiges,and they all look lifeless and grayed. I noticed you did not address natural light issues in this article about white so would like to know if I should just throw caution to the wind and go for it? I have looked at 20 year old faded white from original owner for 3 years now and I need some light…but fear I do not pass the light test. Would appreciate your opinion, willing to pay if I need to for it. Just found your blog today. Thanks, Judy
Hi Judy,
You are right that white in a dark space or one with little natural light will not accomplish the ideal look for white walls. A medium tone neutral would work best. I would love to help you pick out the best paint color for your space! Please Color Consultationfor a design consult and we can set something up. Thank you!