Creating a white theme home

aaryal

Have you ever looked at some white themed homes and thought "wow" while others look "pale" and "dull"?

Having a look through the net on what features make a white theme room look good vs dull.

Some rooms I loved:

1. http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2008/11/05/7c3260863e27.jpg
2. https://southbank.secure.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96/00001c525/3b24/Ivory-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg
3. http://imactoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Extraordinary-Sea-Themed-Bedroom-Furniture-by-Caroti-With-white-wall-and-blue-bed-pillow-blanket-and-wooden-side-table-and-chair-and-wooden-desk-and-grey-cushion-and-wooden-floor-915x523.jpg

Rooms I didn't like so much - the white doesn't seem to look so nicel:

• http://www.vissbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Neat-Red-and-White-Nice-Living-Room-Colors-Ideas.jpg
• http://aliquantum.rs/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/white-modern-living-room-interior-furniture-decor1.jpg
• http://aolhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/white_interior_living_room_and_tv_cabinet.jpg

Any ideas on what "tricks" can cause one white theme to look gorgeous and the other to look dull (see above)? From what I've seen, the ones I liked have an ivory tint to them, but they are still close to all white so it is difficult to put the finger on the main point.

Thanks.

TBagpuss

well, looking at your pictures the nes you don't like are all much more modern and minimalist in style, whereas the ones you like are more traditional / cottagey - fewer straight edges and sharp corners. I think part of it is that the furniture and decor is less stark, and the off-white tones make it fee 'warmer', so over all it looks more welcoming.

Davesnave

aaryal wrote: »

Have you ever looked at some white themed homes and thought "wow"..... ?.

No!

I live on a smallholding where we specialise in mud and poo. We also have a wood burning stove and cats that do not wipe their feet.

The thought of a white themed room appalls me and I just cannot contemplate an entirely white themed house.

Maybe in the next life....:A

Kermie

A friend sent me this link this week... might be helpful!
http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/design-mistake-3-painting-a-small-dark-room-white/

adandem

I agree with TBagpuss, I think the styles you don't like are very modern and stark. The others look more classic and homely. I prefer the look of natural looking furnishings so I like the first three too. I think the trick is in keeping some depth to the type of fabric and materials even if they lack colour? Avoid unnatural looking, shiney\ glossy type surfaces.

wymondham

if you use 1000watt light bulbs it will make any room look nice and white?

I_have_spoken

it is difficult to put the finger on the main point

Really? The three you like are 'shabby chic'/vintage/romantic/feminine and the three you don't are modernist/contemporary

aaryal

TBagpuss wrote: »

well, looking at your pictures the nes you don't like are all much more modern and minimalist in style, whereas the ones you like are more traditional / cottagey - fewer straight edges and sharp corners. I think part of it is that the furniture and decor is less stark, and the off-white tones make it fee 'warmer', so over all it looks more welcoming.

Good observation. I already knew subconciously that I preferred the traditional feel. What I hadn't realised till you pointed out was the "sharp" nature of the modern home vs rounded furniture of traditional homes. Furthermore, there is a lot more depth with the traditional colours which span the spectrum of white.

aaryal

Davesnave wrote: »

No!

I live on a smallholding where we specialise in mud and poo. We also have a wood burning stove and cats that do not wipe their feet.

The thought of a white themed room appalls me and I just cannot contemplate an entirely white themed house.

Maybe in the next life....:A

The white theme definitely doesn't work with poo, mud and cats does it. :T

aaryal

Kermie wrote: »

A friend sent me this link this week... might be helpful!
http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/design-mistake-3-painting-a-small-dark-room-white/

This is an amazing post. Thank you very much. Just what I was looking for. A lot of what it says makes complete sense. Plenty of sunlight creates warmth to the white, otherwise the room just looks flat.

Luckily for me, my main living room has a window one side and glass wall other side that joins to a conservatory so hopefully the white theme should settle in well.

aaryal

adandem wrote: »

I agree with TBagpuss, I think the styles you don't like are very modern and stark. The others look more classic and homely. I prefer the look of natural looking furnishings so I like the first three too. I think the trick is in keeping some depth to the type of fabric and materials even if they lack colour? Avoid unnatural looking, shiney\ glossy type surfaces.

Yeah - not a big fan of gloss myself. Love the matt finish with depth in fabrics.