Masters Home Improvement

The right white can bring a room to life, but selecting the perfect tone – not too stark, and not muddy or drab – can be slightly more difficult than picking any other colour!

When decorating walls and ceilings in white, the colour can provide spaciousness and serenity, or warmth and cosiness – the key is selecting the right tint and tone to work with the light and mood of the space.

From beige and cream to soft pink and lilac tints, the endless variations of white have to accommodate other elements in a room, such as fabrics, flooring, objects and artworks.

A crisp white, for example, may look stunning in a streamlined kitchen, but a richer hue is required when decorating a sumptuous bedroom.

To get it right the first time, here are some handy tips to create an ultimate white wonderland…

Classic or modern

For a more established approach, a traditional home requires a mixed palette of white to accentuate decorative elements.  While walls are painted in a selected white, an off-white tone is introduced when painting architraves, window frames and skirting boards.

But for a more contemporary look, it’s worth choosing just one white hue for walls, skirting, architraves, dado and picture rails. This clever device imbues brightness and sophistication to a room.

For more than 20 years, the popularity of white – ranging from gleaming white and off-white to soft neutrals – has never dwindled.  But interior designers around the world have embraced the new direction – subtle hues of grey are the new white.  A hushed grey brings warmth and a touch of glamour, while steely grey creates boldness and confidence to any space.

Cool or warm

Pure, stark white may look fabulous in an art gallery, but it can look uninviting in your own home.  Whether you want a room to seem large or small, inviting or formal, it’s essential to get the right colour tones in a space.

When choosing cool or warm tones of white, it’s important to first look at the feel of the room.  A cool white, for example, is ideal for an open-plan dining/living/kitchen zone, while a warm neutral tone works a treat in a cosy study or sitting room.

Cool: Crisp and light, cool whites suit a contemporary space, although they also give the illusion of spaces in a compact terrace.  They are tinted with blue, green or grey, bringing a feel of serenity and cleanliness – ideal for a modern kitchen with light timber flooring, or a stylish bathroom which complements the pristine fixtures and fittings.

Warm: Cosy and comfortable, warm whites are tinted with shades of brown, yellow or red.  A soft neutral white – with yellowish or beige undertone – has become a popular option as it creates a more natural feel.  To complete the look, consider using darker timbers and natural textures, such as redwood flooring, a rattan sofa or dark cabinetry.

The right mix

Only the bravest painters should take the risk of mixing cool and warm whites.  When warm reddish walls are mixed with a bluey undertone for trims and archives, the paint can look dirty or washed-out.

For a safer option, it’s worth trying different colour strengths – from full to quarter-strengths to apply different tones on walls and trims.  And for a professional look, remember to go for a lighter shade on the ceiling – this actually makes it seem higher.

But before painting an entire wall, get a small tester pot from Masters Home Improvement, and paint a 2 x 2metre square to see how the paint looks in a room.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.