How to Choose the Perfect Color Scheme for Your White Room
White walls can add a fresh look to any space, but they also come with a few drawbacks. We've got tips on how to choose paint colors that will complement your home while still looking great in this article.
One of my wonderful hybrid edesign clients sent me her “after” photos of her living room.
(Hybrid edesign is a combination of in-person and virtual consultations.)
Denise was moving into a home with her husband. They were coming from a townhome and needed a little bit of help with the living room. I also helped with a few other spaces that are still in progress.
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Step 1: Pick the Right White Paint Color for Your Walls
Denise’s living room had a tan color, and she wanted to change the color to white.
I advised her immediately of two important things when picking your paint color, especially white. Pick your paint colors last, and know how to select the correct white paint.
If you plan to paint the walls white, then you should choose furniture that will work well with the new color scheme. Again, I suggest selecting the furniture and accessories first, then select the white paint based on the cool or warm tones in your design. Be sure to know what undertones you want your white paint to have. Neutral colors like off-white and cream go well with almost any type of furniture.
Design Tip: Pick Your Paint Color Last in Your Design Process
The very best way to pick your paint color is to leave it to the last step in your design/decorating process.
That’s right, if you’ve been picking it first, you’ve been doing it all wrong.
You may have heard that paint colors have undertones.
There is no way to know what undertones you want to lean towards until the end.
This means pick your other furnishings, rugs, accessories, metals, woods, etc., first.
Pick out the item with the most extensive pattern first, such as a rug, window treatments, wallpaper, etc.
Then choose the next largest item.
Select the next largest item after that, etc., coordinating as you go along.
Finish with accessories.
Finally, you are ready to select paint.
Recommended: How to Pick the Right White Paint
Tips for Selecting Paint Colors
In this instance, Denise and I took a sample of her living room sofa with us to the paint store to select the paint color.
Use a paint fan deck to determine the undertones.
Look at possible white paint colors, then analyzed the undertone by looking at the strip in the fan deck.
The strip as it gets darker will reveal the undertones.
In this case, we wanted cool gray undertones.
We wanted the paint to coordinate with the fabric sample, and elicit a crisp, clean, happy mood.
Always test your paint color with samples
Paint a large swatch at least one foot by one foot on a wall that gets more light, and also on a wall that receives less light
View the paint color in the day and even in the evening, both when it is dry.
Recommended: 5 Tips to Test Paint Samples The Right Way
Add Style and Color With the Rug & Accessories
Adding a few decorative items to your room can make it feel more welcoming and comfortable. Throw pillows are an easy way to add some extra style to your space without spending too much money. They're also a good way to add some personality to your room.
I was inspired by a raku tile on Denise’s Pinterest board for the color scheme (below).
Unknown from Pinterest
The design began to influence Denise away from a Modern style toward an Eclectic Modern Bohemian style in her pattern choices.
This is more evident in the actual space as it is an open living room/dining room. (Dining room not shown in the photos below.)
Since the pin of the tile and a google search for it was not fruitful, I was able to find a local tile store that sells a similar backsplash.
Denise plans to use this tile in the adjoining kitchen, as well as the fireplace surround in the living room.
We found a rug that picked up the colors in this tile.
My wall art choice also picked up the tile colors.
Denise has chosen to accessorize with blue pillows, throw blanket, and a blue ceramic on the mantle.
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Step 3: Repeat Your Accent Color Three Times
Mentioning Denise’s accessories, this brings us to a designer secret. If you're looking to add a pop of color to your room, consider using accent colors. These are the colors that stand out against the rest of the room's design. You can choose one color and repeat it throughout the room, ideally in odd numbers.
If you look at the accessories on the mood board below, blue is repeated three times.
The blue ginger jar, the throw blanket, and the lumbar pillow not only give us the magical three number, but they also form a triangle.
This moves the eye through the room.
Living Room Reveal
Before
Concept Boards - Presented to Denise
These concept boards can also be viewed in my Portfolio. These were the first concept boards that I created when I opened my business, and my presentation skills have come a long way since then. Check out my portfolio and 3D renders.
Option A
Option B
Option C
Final Design
3D Render
After Reveal
Final Thoughts
When choosing white paint for your walls, remember to pick the color last, be aware of undertones, test samples, use accent colors, and repeat these colors three times. White walls can give your space the fresh look you desire, but you must consider all the elements in the room and your color scheme. Denise’s living room is the perfect example of how white walls can come to life with the right colors. With a little know-how and the resources you can find here, you can make your white walls shine with character and personality.
When in doubt, work with an experienced interior designer who can help guide you through the design process. Let’s craft a beautiful home together. Let’s create a home with heart.
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