theSun Property April 2015

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ON FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
PURE, chic, soothing and stately –
there is nothing quite like stepping
into a white ambience. However, for
decorating a room in white, much
thought must be invested before using this
extremely demure yet tricky shade. “People
are generally reluctant to use white as a
predominant colour in their homes. They
think it makes them look cold and plain,” says
interior designer LeongWai Yoke.
However, Leong adds,
“When you learn the versatility
of this colour and use it in a
manner which satisfies your
needs, it is possible tomake any
white room exciting.”
MANY SHADES OF WHITE
Thoughmany think of the
colour as boring, the fascinating
verity about white is that it
conjures a whole variety of
shades and can create a number
of stunning outcomes.
“Cool whites tend to have varying degrees
of green, blue or grey in them, which can
create an invigorating, uplifting effect.
Whereas warmwhites usually have
hints of beige, yellow or tones of
peach, which can create a dreamy,
relaxing environment,” Leong
informs.
“To get started, the initial task
involves choosing the kind of effect
one wants to achieve in a room,
then accordingly, decide upon the
shades of white, whichmay aid in
getting the effect you want.”
Bear inmind, however, that the
obviousness of these colours is
based on several factors, which
include the usage of other colours,
exposure of light and the kind of
materials that are used in the room.
“The colours, however, may be
blatantly obvious or fade into/
blend in due to the direct
interaction with natural light or
presence of other components in
the room,” says Leong.
WHITE DÉCOR RULES
To achieve an enchanting white
To create a serene and calm
environment in living areas
and bedrooms, warmer
shades of whites should be
utilised, while the energetic
cooler shades should be
incorporated in kitchens and
study rooms.
The warmer shades of white
are most compatible with
impartial tones such as
yellow, cream and shades of
blue. In contrast, cooler
shades of white look best
with intense shades like red,
orange and fuchsia.
Pairingwhiteswithother colours
Differentwhites, different rooms
interior, Leong recommends four practical
principles to keep inmind.
Texture it
Texture adds charm and brings
beauty and gives life to white. Without
it, a roommay look completely dull.
“To prevent a sterile look frombeing
developed within a room, various
materials of white should be
incorporated in it.
This works best in
the living and
bedrooms, so
use layered
couch linens
along with waffle
covers, an
appealing set of
cushions and
quilted throws, to
create an extravagant
impression,” says Leong.
Accessorise it
Another rule that works, when dealing
with a predominantly white background,
is to accessorise boldly. Adding an
enthralling artwork or placing
beautifully imprinted wooden statues
can achieve this. “Everything that is
placed in the room should be
outstanding so that it captures the
interest. Either it’s the furniture or the
artwork. Silver and glass stands out
beautifully in a white backdrop too,”
Leong hints.
Workwith lighting
If there is a lack of
artistic detailing in a
room, encrusted
lighting can give it a
dimensional look. To
further add “optical
illusion” in a white
room, include more
cool shades of white
than warmer ones.
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DID YOU KNOW?
• According to colour
experts at Pantone Inc,
white is the best-selling
colour for the classic
American t-shirt.
• More hues of the colour white
are available commercially, than
any other colour.
Workwith varying tones
One should not be afraid of
incorporating varying tones of white in a
room. Doing so adds subtle contrast, and
X further beautifies the look of the colour. It
is also considered to be a terrific way to
eliminate that unexciting look which white
rooms are known to have.
•When white appears in a dream,
it is said to represent happiness
at home.
INFORMATIONRETRIEVED
>Live ‘colourfully’ withwhite interiors
Wearing it white