Winter Whites: Embracing Nature's Palette
Get Inspired to Bring Light and White Indoors
A former editor at Architectural Digest, I've written about architecture, design, people and places for Dwell, New Mexico Magazine, Architectural Digest and The Los Angeles Times, in addition to contributing to Houzz.
A former editor at Architectural Digest, I've written about architecture,... More »
Astronomers tell us that the days are gradually lengthening, but for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, spring feels like a very long way away. Why not embrace winter in all its stark beauty? Take a page from the Scandinavians (who know a little something about short winter days) and bring light—and white—indoors.
Natural illumination may be at a premium, but you can conjure the freshness and purity of new-fallen snow using paint and fabric, emphasizing luxurious textures and simple details. Keep the picture serene with complementary tones from nature, or add a pop of a contrasting color. Use the limited palette to your advantage and give your rooms an airy glow this season. Think of it as a fresh start for the New Year—a palate cleanser before the riotous colors of spring.
Natural illumination may be at a premium, but you can conjure the freshness and purity of new-fallen snow using paint and fabric, emphasizing luxurious textures and simple details. Keep the picture serene with complementary tones from nature, or add a pop of a contrasting color. Use the limited palette to your advantage and give your rooms an airy glow this season. Think of it as a fresh start for the New Year—a palate cleanser before the riotous colors of spring.
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| Under its thick mantle of snow, this 19th-century farmhouse-inspired home in Illinois suggests the quintessential winter retreat. |
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| Everything about this living/dining space in a new house on Lake Michigan says fresh and clean, from the crisp white slipcovers to the rustic wood table. The architects left the windows unadorned to take full advantage of the natural light. |
Ebonized floors provide a sharp contrast to the white walls and upholstery in this family room. The simple palette allows the striped fabric on the armchairs and lampshades to stand out beautifully. Here again, the lack of curtains or shades on the traditional six-over-six windows contributes to the room's smart look.
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| Gray and white get the modern treatment in an elegantly simple living room. The sheepskin rug is the perfect floorcovering for those cold winter days. |
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| This living room in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles plays up traditional pieces like the fan-back side chair and the pedestal coffee table while keeping the palette for everything from the wall color to the vases to a creamy glow. |
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| French doors open to a cozy fireside sitting area that calls to mind a beach in winter. The white trim and slipcover fabric are perfectly paired with the wing chairs in renewable seagrass, while the softly patterned carpet adds texture and interest. |
by CWB Architects
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The neutral tones and contemporary storage solutions in this sitting room on New York’s Upper East Side put the emphasis on luxurious elegance.
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| Who needs bold color? Classic details and a mossy green-and-white scheme contribute to the visual calm in this living room. |
The dining area of a plantation-style house on Kauai takes its cues from nature, with its exposed-truss ceiling, wood floors and white fabrics and paint.
The pale wood in this Zen bathroom in Massachusetts gives it the air of a Finnish spa.
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| With its layers of texture and creamy hues, the sitting area of a house in Florida becomes a warm winter cocoon. Build a fire, and curl up with a good book. |
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| Sleek and contemporary, this bedroom shows how a limited palette can go a long way in creating a clean-lined, tranquil retreat.
More: White Chic Done Right |
Comments
bugboobunz Beautiful rooms! However, there is no way these people have black cats and three children, lol. A girl can dream, though :)
2 years ago · Like
leonardi simple & elegant, love this.
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 24, 2010.
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