Trend Tuesday: 5 Ways with White

Many of us are seeing a lot of white so far this year, and I’m not only referring to all the snow. Side note: thank goodness I live in the south now (by way of Minnesota), I really despise shoveling. Actually, I spent this past weekend at Market in Atlanta for the International Gift & Home Furnishings Show and it seemed like every time I turned around there was white. Home decor, furniture, tabletop, holiday, white, white everywhere. It was definitely the overwhelming new neutral, and done in a fabulous lacquered finish. Shiny, fresh, and bright it’s a welcomed contrast to the concrete grays that are now considered soooo last year.

Gold Eagle Market accessories window display, North Star Holiday floral window display

White has been making a comeback especially with the rise in lofts and living in smaller spaces. It’s ability to make spaces seem larger, more open, and clean brings simplicity to our hectic lifestyles, plus it creates crisp contrast when paired with a punch of color. So out of my Market observations came 5 fresh ways of working with white that we see popping up and inspiring interiors.

1. Gotta Add Accessories – Unique complex forms, some just decorative…others obviously recognizable, are adorned in white as if they are begging you to notice the attention to detail and not a color.

Kudos to Z Gallerie who always does a fabulous job of staying on trend with forward thinking products, design, and “color”. Oh how I’d love to work with them some time…hint, hint. I myself am currently obsessed with this look and have recently acquired both the deer head, which I am hanging above my mantle, and the umbrella boots for next to my front entry. Love this style.

2. Furniture Finished – Going for a more overall look, white furniture pieces will bring a big impression on a space. From mid-century to traditional all the way to contemporary today, furnishings large and small will showcase white paired with wood, metal, glass, or acrylic.

Jonathan Adler sofa, Alphaville Design coffee table, West Elm chair, inmod side table

3. Walkin on White – It’s like walking on clouds. Sure it might be a little harder to keep clean (put a high gloss clear coat on top for shine and durability and you shouldn’t have any problems), but they sure are beautiful. Other than the walls, the floor and ceiling in a space are the next largest areas.  Painted wood or concrete offer the most striking looks, put you could also use marble or stone.

4. Neutral Too – Along with white, black and gray are the other “true” neutrals; the essence of color, the absence of color, and the mixture of the two. The brown family, otherwise referred to as the complex neutrals or neutrals found in nature, also contribute to these comforting styles. A space with only neutrals creates a layered effect with visual excitement and interest that brings a posh sophistication to today’s trendy interiors.

5. Accented by Hue – Pick an accent color and add just a pop or run with it. The contrast the white creates next to any color will make it appear brighter and more pure. You’ll get a cheerful look that will keep you smiling all day. Your accent color(s) become an easy target for incorporating the hot hue of the season, toss it out with no regrets when ever you need a change. Turquoise, purple, magenta, and yellow are the big hits now.

How will you use white in your interior this year?  We’d love to hear!