4.4.11

White Paint and Other White Necessities

[White+Paint+&+Other+White+Necessities.jpg]
I have to admit a secret of mine...I am a white SNOB - okay now you know my innermost secret. I use only white candles, white dishes, white towels, white flowers (although I have been known to buy colored tulips), and white sheets. Nothing is more classic than white. White dishes set off the food on them perfectly. I cannot have a good sleep on anything other than white sheets, and white candles and white towels are absolute.

In interiors I love how white highlights good architecture, and any object in the room that has "good bones." White walls are a good backdrop for objects d' art and paintings that are placed in the room - white walls give focus to the lines of the items that are juxtaposed in front of them. 

Painting a room white can make it have surprising depth. When I design an all-white room I use several different shades of white to bring out the architectural details, or I layer the space with strong forms in different tones and textures of white and then use some strong color contrasts to outline and bring the white into focus. My all time favorite white color is - Benjamin Moore paint Cloud White. It is a very soft white and easy to live with. It has a chameleon effect - taking on the colors of what is set next to it and changing in tone at various times of the day. Not every white is snow white. Try using whites tinted with: ivory, cream, antique white, and palest beige, blue and yellow. An interesting fact on the popularity of white is that Benjamin Moore has over 140 whites to choose from. 

To maximize the light in a room I chose a paint with a semigloss finish rather than the latex matte finish more usual on walls. The "chalkier" matte finish absorbs light; the semi-gloss is more reflective.

Some of my favorite whites I use are are from Benjamin Moore: Cloud White, Simply White, Ballet White, White Dove, White Linen and Designer White.
White Paint Benjamin Moore  White Paint Benjamin Moore
White Paint Benjamin Moore  White Paint Benjamin Moore
 White Paint Benjamin Moore White Paint Benjamin Moore trevortondro com photographer 
 Jennifer Post White Paint Benjamin Moore  Jennifer Post White Paint Benjamin Moore
 Jennifer Post White Paint Benjamin Moore  ptithabibi com White Paint Benjamin Moore
Photo Credits
1, 2 MLK Studio via All the Best 3 JK Hotel Milan 4 David Schefer 5 Helen Hennie 6 Trevor Tondro 7 ,8,9 Jennifer Post 10 Ptithabibi Morocco, Towels
PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

162 comments:

  1. Wonderful post!! Thanks for mentioning Meg's work!
    All the best,
    Ronda

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  2. Adore white. Find myself using grey whites on everything from baseboards to kitchen cabinets these days but I do still love a crisp white trim. All good white paint suggestions - another to try is "Alabaster" from Sherwin Williams. I use it often as a backdrop to "white" Ikea shelving and it's amazing how it makes white painted particle board feel luxe!

    Great images. White herringbone floors. Dynamite.

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  3. Absolutely - I always feel that towels, sheets, or dinnerware in any other color can be fun, fashionable, even beautiful. But somehow they're not quite the real thing, are they?

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  4. Suzanne Heneghan13/1/10

    Patricia,

    Your post on whites is very timely. I have used BM Simply White on all the trim in my house but now aould like to repaint a long narrow hallway which gets no natural light white. Do you think that I should use a different white on the walls, stick with the Simply White or go for another color all together. I am planning on a sea grass runner or the floor and there are lots of doors and a large built in bookcase along the hall. I love your blog!

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  5. Totally agree with you. I have only white dishes... most of the serving platters are oversized too! All from different stores but all works so wonderfully together.

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  6. Great tutorial on white.
    I do agree with highlighting the architectural features, it really does.
    All my interior projects i like to use colour and sometimes is actually to highlight "defaults" like unwanted pillars or other structural elements.

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  7. love this post! so informative. i'm a lover of white as well, and just posted about. i'm part of your white snob club! hehe

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  8. I am a white snob too. I use all white towels, bed linens, candles, and tableware is either white or cream. Most of my house is painted off-white, in either White Down (ivory) or Soft Chamois (more grey). I don't have beige, just off-white. All my accessory pillows have a white base or white trim.

    Funnily enough, I just painted a room blue (F&B Skylight, but custom lightened by Benjamin Moore) and with a white bookcase built-in ans white trim it is so pretty. The blue makes the white pop!

    I am a proud snob when it comes to white too. Just versatile and timeless and you don't need to always match things - it all goes together seamlessly! Much more affordable way to decorate too. I do it because I like the look and it is practical, as things don't need changing, don't need to match, all coordinate, etc.

    xo Terri

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  9. I love all white interiors and you've showed some wonderful examples. I'm determine to repaint the interior of my home Benjamin Moore's White Dove soon!

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  10. Hi Patricia,
    Finally decided to comment after reading your "white's" column. I have been following you now for a few months and I simply can't delete when I see something coming from you. Not only are you an award winning decorator, but a wonderful columnist as well.
    I just moved into a new home and prior to seeing your latest, I had already decided that my Master Bath would be white on white on white on white with lots of fluff!
    I want it clean, bright, cozy, warm and inviting. Yes, white can be warm with the right fabric and texture.
    This is coming from someone who has decorated and re-decorated all her life as a hobby. I finally decided to become certified as a Home Stager. The course I'm taking online is through Haverhill, which appears to be based in Canada.
    I did notice and address for you on Kinzie in Chicago. I am a native Chicagoan and love the city.
    I'm currently in South Carolina.
    I thought this staging course would be a breeze, since I've been doing this for years, but it's quite a struggle as I go through it and see what this company is requesting. While I do the section on floor plans, they actually expect me to build walls and insert windows. I pretty much thought that was the job of an architect. I just want to arrange furniture, recommend paint colors and perhaps do the painting, choose and arrange deco items, recommend wall decor, recommend and perhaps make window coverings, etc.
    Thank you for all of your wonderful, valuable information.
    You do inspire me.
    Peggy

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  11. www.letter2mom.com13/1/10

    Loved this article on white. I, too love white but I always have a hard time choosing the right color. I think I'll try the Cloud White. I am about to finish up on a design for white window treatments. My inspiration came from, Michelle O'Bama's inaugural dress. I've been working on it for months and I thought it was such an "original" idea. But since I began the project, I've now noticed a lot of fashion designs have gotten their clue from her dress. When I finish, I'll send you a photo.

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  12. The best advice ever! - I think colour has been a bit overrated lately (lol)

    My favourite whites are:

    Cameo White by Para Paints - It is a beautiful warm white.

    Ancestral White by Pratt & Lambert - A fresh white with a hint of green.

    Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball - An old white that feels very new.

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  13. it must be a decorator thing- i feel the same way: i use ONLY white china, white towels and white sheets, almost exclusively white flowers (i have a weakness for orchids of all colors, but white tulips are my fave cut flower, and pretty much all i buy), and as for candles, i get a little crazy there, and every so often will bust out a black one, but only on a mantle or side table. candles on the dinner table must *always* be white.

    love your list of white paints too- benjamin moore's decorator's white is my "go to" true white for most projects, particularly those with older architecture. it has just enough yellow so woodwork doesn't look plastic or fake. i haven't used cloud white yet, but i'll give it a try.

    two of my favorite whites not on your list are pratt & lambert's designer's white, a true blinding white with a blue undertone (LOVE it for modern rooms or as trim for bold color), and p&l's seed pearl, a soft off white that is neither warm nor cold, but a perfect neutral.

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  14. You've got a beautiful blog! Very inspiering and proffesional.

    I have allways liked white interiors and I love it when there's not too many contrasts.
    However I have played around with some strong colours on details in my house lately as I'm about to start working as a stylist for magazines. I have been working as an interior designer for a couple of years and followed my own taste in colours and furniture. Now I have to explore other styles and it's quite a challenge, but really fun :)

    We are allso building a new, modern house for the second time and I would love your input and thougts if you had the time to stop by my blog sometime.

    Best regards,
    Camilla

    www.crj-design.blogspot.com

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  15. I can't get enough white ironstone. Never ever. I dream about it, search high and lo for it. Obsess and covet it.
    Thankfully I am a tabletop prop stylist so this is just another day at the office.
    Got to go, find more of that white gold.

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  16. You do have a real artistic flair with ‘white’ in home interiors Patricia and the email I received, by coincidence, this morning from Architectualdigest.com proves it. That a look at AD Travel: Vancouver featuring the host city for the 2010 winter olympics, slide # 5
    You’re making Vancouver look good in more ways than one--THANKS! Lausen

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  17. I love it! I only use white towels and sheets as well. Colored linens just don't seem as clean and comfortable.

    I painted my whole house semi gloss white, my painter actually told me I couldn't do that! You can imagine what I told him. ;)

    Wonderful post.

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  18. as always you inspire me.

    xx

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  19. I love white so much...these are beautiful images...your blog is a wonderful place to be...so serene.

    White sheets, towels and plates for sure...other items are negotiable...lol

    Best,
    Michelle

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  20. I think I'm going to become a " white snob" White is chic and timeless , you are right

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  21. Yes, Yes, you are a woman after my own heart!!!!

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  22. GORGEOUS spaces... too white for moi... but I like!
    HOme all is well with you!

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  23. love the magni staircase in your other post, very sculptural, is this a one off or can you tell me who makes these

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  24. Couldn't agree more, good post Patricia...you beat me to the punch...I have a post like this "started", but haven't got around to wrapping it up.

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  25. The post which has very modern look appearance. The house which has very luxury look. In which the white color is added advantage to this house.

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  26. I certainly adore the style of this pictures. It is full of elegance, this is why I always include white in my designs.

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  27. Anonymous22/1/10

    The white is all gorgeous but what I really love is the yellow accents in the two last rooms.

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  28. I confess am a white snob as well. Glad to know there is quite a club of us!~~Cheryl

    kitchendetailsanddesign.com

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  29. In most cases white is seen as a neutral background color even when used in smaller proportion. We can make use of a lots of white for a summery look. Using small amount of white can soften a wintery palette. Using a white background can make dark lights look more brighter.

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  30. I love white but have three small children and it just doesn't seem practical. Maybe when they are grown. :)

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  31. Hi Patricia,
    I can't help but leave a comment on this post. As a designer, I've experimented with every white out there but my oldest and all time favorite white for walls is BM Cloud White. I've been using this BM formula since before it was called 'Cloud White' and even before I studied design. Every time I use a white other than Cloud White, I've been disappointed. Every time I see a white that I"m positive is the most perfect white I've ever seen,,,I discover, after inquiring,,,that its Cloud White. Its fresh and white without being chalky or blue and is warm without being creamy or reading as yellow. Despite any criticism I have ever read about the much 'hyped' or over used cloud white,,,I can attest from years of experience, its tried and true my favorite white too. I also consider myself a certified, white snob. : )

    Carol

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  32. White has such a pure and seductive quality. Who can resist what it does with light? My question - and it has nagged me forever - but what about at night? How can white glow and cocoon you like colour does?????

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  33. Anonymous24/9/10

    Does anyone know what a Cloud White comparable would be at Para Paints? I love Cloud White - is what I have now but the building I live in buys Para Paints. Help please and thanks so much.

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  34. Para Paints should be able to custom match Benjamin Moore Cloud White.

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  35. Anonymous27/9/10

    Thanks so much Patricia! You're correct. As soon as I finish this move I'm going to devour your website here for decorating ideas!

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  36. Absolutely stunning pictures, I just LOVE p`tit Habibi and Marrakech:)

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  37. I love your White Rooms post. I work in the tile/design industry, and never get too tired of the white. Some really good looking pictures here.

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  38. love this post! so informative. i'm a lover of white as well, and just posted about. i'm part of your white snob club! hehe

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  39. Lanell5/4/11

    I Love seeing your work,and am thrilled and awed at the detail you work into the wonderful rooms you desian.. I must say, am sorry to hear of your obsession with white, and how you are denying yourself the joy of living with color. I myself, take great comfort in it. best wishes, Lanell

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous26/7/12

      Oh, none of us white obsessors are denying ourselves the joy of colour. Not at all! As mentioned in the blog, white serves as a wonderful backdrop for colour - paintings, whimsical little statues, accent walls, light fixtures, gorgeous wooden furniture and picture frames, the pictures themselves, a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit; it all pops and draws you in to admire so much more when not competing with coloured walls.
      I have much joy in the colours in my home. Much. In fact, I think I am more appreciative of them. I'm never going back. Don't be sorry for us, because we're all good. :)

      Delete
  40. Hi Lanell
    I do not in any way deny myself the use of color – flowers, artwork, accessories, bold toss cushions etc.
    I just find that sometimes white is the balance and unifier, and works especially well to show off good architecture.

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  41. I am loving the monochromatic look. I have always been drawn to darker jewel colors,but now moving away from this and decorating in white. It really feels freeing and liberating! So much fun to add in your punch colors and patterns with a neutral background. I really am enjoying reading your blog it is so well done. Thank you so much!
    Celina

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  42. Bette5/4/11

    Patricia,we used Navajo White at our beach home on the Oregon coast,it seemed to be a favorite for seaside residences. In the late 70’s, everyone loved Linen White. My bedroom in the city is dark,and I am repainting the walls white and the ceiling another white. You are ‘right about white’ – like Vincente Wolfe, it just pops and enhances everything around it! Bette from Portland

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  43. Love this blog. I'm a white snob as well, it feels peaceful and serene, and can showcase one's unique style.

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  44. Beautiful post Patricia! White is often underestimated but it can certainly have an impact as you have so eloquently noted.

    PS - I love your new blog layout too.

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  45. White, white, white with hits of color. Just the way I like it. Great post !!

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  46. Pristine white is just divine. I can't help but use it so much too. Have a gorgeous day, Kellie xx

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  47. I'm still so into white- classic!! Of all the colors I talk about, white is my go-to-color in my own home.
    Thanks for sharing!!

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  48. You are so rwhite! (sorry ;) It's classic, it's calming, it's fresh...

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  49. el mundo en un espejo11/4/11

    Great white color!!!It´s a wonderfull option.
    elmundoenunespejo.jimdo.com

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  50. your design blog site is really excellent & I've found lots of helpful tips :)
    thanks for sharing every helpful post!

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  51. Amelia13/4/11

    I love the living room design and the fireplace. The sofa sets are amazing.

    I will make my living room's layout just like the first two photos. I'll just have to add some inexpensive accessories such as wind chimes.

    The white wall highlights the painting. Truly nice...

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  52. Yep...all white here! I must check out BM Cloud white. Lovely images.

    annie

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  53. White towels and sheets is all I use and I believe food looks gorgeous on white dishes.
    Lovely post, beautiful images.
    Hugs from Brasil
    Tereza

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  54. These are very elegant design modern simplicity and the color white does make the room a lot lighter and wide...thanks for posting this one I also love the fact that windows are huge as it covers the whole wall on one side..

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  55. ive always been a lover of white! ... so clean, simple, & chic... its undeniably powerful in interior design! i once designed an entire home with whites being the entire palette. love these photos!

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  56. Thanks for sharing lovely white spaces... I love whites in interiors, they make spaces look relaxing and inviting. This is such a nice and informative post ♥

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  57. Good article. There's a lot to be said for rooms which are predominantly white, perfect for minimalist styles. The biggest issue though is how to keep them clean.

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  58. Hey Patricia...nice to meet you and your design blog!
    White has recently taken over my home...and I love the contrasting shades of it....makes whatever color I do introduce just POP.
    Happy to have found you...will be checking in to see what your up to.
    ~Kathy~ @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  59. New follower here.

    Just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed perusing through your all white post. If it weren't for dogs and kids I would so try it.

    Great blog :)

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  60. Very very Nice Pictures , we Love your Blog! Greetings from germany

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  61. Great post. Just threw Benjamin Moore Decorator White on every single wall in my 67 contemporary townhome. I like your suggestion of highlighting some architectural details (of which I have some nice angles and lines) in the same white. Just now have to figure out what reads well with the tones of that Decorator White - which I feel is a bit grey/blue. But then again, I'm colorblind! White was indeed a good choice :)

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  62. I love whites..such a cool and serene feel.

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  63. Wonderful images Patricia!! I agree Cloud White is a great white to use!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come and enter my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily! You will love it!

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  64. White can be so beautiful in interior if done well like here.

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  65. diana18/5/11

    Gorgeous! i like white interiors.it gives the space a brightness and charm.very nice post....

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  66. kmi houseplans18/5/11

    I love your white highlights good architecture...amazing thanks for sharing..

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  67. patio design18/5/11

    This post is very nice and informative. I love all white interiors and you've showed some wonderful examples. I am impressed with the research you made to make this article awesome. Thanks very much for sharing.

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  68. Carolyn18/5/11

    Great interior. I love whites too. Thanks for sharing these fab pics! San Diego Mobile Notary

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  69. I am into the whites myself right now... My friends are thinking that something is wrong with me, but all I know is that there is nothing like it. Especially if you throw a good chunk of color on the wall art or textiles!

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  70. Hi Patricia,
    I LOVE white too!
    My dream is to have a minimalist white home that you have helped design...;)))
    As always, I am enjoying your beautiful posts and helpful ideas!
    Love,
    Henri

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  71. The white definitely gives the room a classic and airy ambiance. We have created a similar ambiance in a buffet we redesigned, only one of the differences we did was we used a little more of a warm color scheme with nice wood columns.

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  72. I gotta say I love white. So refreshing and never out of style!

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  73. Anonymous25/5/11

    I am absolutely agree that the white is amazing color for interior design. It is making every room so fresh and if it is combined with other bright color the room will look great.

    Regards holiday apartment london

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  74. Gorgeous! White color gives a royal look. I am a painter. I can feel it.

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  75. White colours can be cold.
    I personally love warm colours.
    But I have to admit when I see your pictures about the white interiors, they look to me amazing. White is a winning colour in this regard.

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  76. Cannot beat white in my eyes, modern and as another above commented ... timeless!

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  77. I am off to Benjamin Moore tomorrow with your list of favorite whites, to help me pick a white for my walls. Thanks for narrowing down the selection for me!

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  78. Recently I discovered a brand called Delightfull lighting. The brand is inspired by the iconic creations of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. I was amazed. You Already know? I think it is a brand that will interest you , is sublime. See and comprove it…
    www.delightfull.eu

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  79. Oi, bom dia!!! Adorei conhecer seu cantinho... uma delícia passear por aqui!!! Parabéns!!
    Beijos!!!

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  80. Rose A2/6/11

    Reminds me of some of Carlos Mota's work-- he's a stylist and International Style Editor for Architectural Digest. Check out this article about him on Theodora & Callum's blog, it's a fun read: http://www.theodoraandcallum.com/blog/cat/creative-factory/post/my-faves-carlos-mota/

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  81. I love the crisp feel in each of these rooms. Love the first pictures design.

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  82. I adore whites they are classic & timeless, beautiful, frsh & tranquil. I always say white can make anything look pure & pretty look at the landscape when its covered in snow, simply stunning. When i see furniture makeovers white wins out for me everytime you can appreciate a furniture piece far more in white

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  83. What a beautiful post on white and so many interesting images and ideas. You are always on top of interior design at its best!

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  84. Your decorations are very light that every person wants to have. It has an great appeal for the viewers of your gallery. It is very lovely and refreshing, it has also the good ambiance which is very important for a room to have.

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  85. This is the great design,I love your white highlights good architecture and you've showed some wonderful examples.I agree Cloud White is a great white to use!
    build on your own lot

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  86. I LOVE it! I usually love more color and less white, but very well done! I'll keep this in mind in future projects.

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  87. Anonymous9/6/11

    Hi! White make me relax, and see things clearer in my life, therefore I have white on white in my tiny studio apartment. With some green added with plants, I feel I can breathe.....

    You are on my bloglist now, and I`ll be back for more inspiration.

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  88. Nice post white really brings out the elegant and it comes with peace and comfort..I really like this house..

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  89. May I join the all white club. I love it too.
    As an artist white is such a good friend, asks nothing but is always there to help.
    pve

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  90. so white :)
    and seems always clean, its perfect !

    santiroyalhome.blogspot.com

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  91. Can't thank you enough! Looking for the perfect white and was having a dilemma. You've given me some clear cut and beautiful options!

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  92. beautiful things, love your blog!


    http://lifeisohsocrazy.blogspot.com/

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  93. Its definitely different, I have done a couple homes with different whites with splashes of color from pillows to lamps. Semi- gloss would be a good idea, especially with artistic kids.

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  94. wow this looks really gorgeous, hughs Anja

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  95. Anonymous23/6/11

    My biggest weakness is white... :) Nothing more beautful..

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  96. Beautiful post Patricia! I really like this house.

    Silver MLM

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  97. Anonymous28/6/11

    Lovvvve the artwork on the walls and the crisp white backgrounds. So chic!! Have a lovely day,

    Jessica & Holly http://chezjolly.blogspot.com/

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  98. I just graduated from a design school in San Francisco, read your blog all the time, look for inspirations and ideas, wanted to say that I adore your style. Such Wonderful Design

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  99. Ahh, I have always had the weakness for white interiors, and even when it comes to clothes! It's just so classy and chic, you'll never go wrong with it!

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  100. Wonderful post! Love the artwork on the wall!

    San Diego Catering

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  101. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
    blinds Leicester

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  102. Thank you very much for this great blog, I just wondered if someone knew where to get Benjamin Moore paints in the UK! really would love to see 103 different shades of white!
    henriette

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  103. I love white color and you used it in remarkable way. Thanks for showing nice piece of art.

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  104. I also LOVE white, wish everything in my house was white. Since I was a little girl have dreamed of an all white living room. And I also use all white towels & dishes. I have a question about paint. My income is limited so I have always used less expensive paints. Was always very happy with Cashmere White by Kilz but it has been discontinued. Does anyone know a color of an inexpensive brand that matches it? Thank you. Your all white pictures make me happy. :)

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  105. No words for such a great work.. I always like to prefer a white color for my kitchen. Fantastic post..Thanks.

    white kitchen cabinets

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  106. excellent interior design blog! you've done really gr8 job! :) thanks for sharing..

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  107. Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting!

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  108. Your post includes great tips and you managed to keep it simple and understandable.

    Thanks and keep up the good work.

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  109. Wow, I have to admit I also love white. Its just so clean and fresh, plus it works in any room and with any furniture. I have quite a small bedroom, too make it seem more spacious I have white walls with some mirrored bedroom furniture. I have just added some cushions and textiles to break it up a bit. Great post, keep them coming!

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  110. what beatiful images

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  111. Great post! I am in love with white as well and Benjamin Moore does have the best white colors available in my opinion.

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  112. WOW - great stuff, wish you were here in our area, well done.

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  113. I really love this white design. I dream of having an interior like that. But my two children are still very young. I have to wait some more years.

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  114. As odd as this sounds I appreciate your post because I'm typically afraid of painting with white. Like you stated, there is such a vast array of whites, that I never knew if I should go more with one tinted with blue, or so on? Your advice is well noted and I for one greatly appreciate it. I think my next home is going to be painted in whites, and various shades of whites. Your the best Patricia.

    Cheers ~ Deb : )

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  115. u've done really excellent job!
    thanks a lot for sharing with us :)

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  116. I love white as well - I have a stunning post myself today with a white theme. You have a great blog - I love what you do - I am your latest follower, hope you come and see me sometimes, would be great - have a nice week.
    A xxx

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  117. Hi Patricia,

    Painting a room white definitely brightens it up. I love how in the first photo the painting on the well has a bit of red. It really adds some nice contrast to the room.

    We will be sure to share this on http://www.interiordesignpro.org

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  118. I love Jennifer Post. I posted about her months ago. i am a fan of the simple luxury. i will take a look at the other links you suggest...Thank you!

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  119. Love the clean white effect...

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  120. We only have white china plates in this house too, and to me coffee and tea taste so much better from fine bone china than earthenware or pottery or stoneware.
    I'm here to find inspiration because we're putting a new kitchen in the house we just bought. All white - smartstone carrera marble look waterfall benchtops, high gloss no handle cabinets. But I'm a bit indecisive about the splashbacks, grey/natural glass or use the marble straight up the walls.

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    Replies
    1. simone14/1/12

      Hi there Knitabulous, I too am looking to do the same, I would love to know how it looks and who you used for install (if in Sydney). I was looking at Corian but it is SOOOO expensive. Did you find Smartstone price competitive? One more question, did you fit an undermount sink, with success?
      Thanks in advance
      Simone

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  121. Love the clean fresh look! Gorgeous!

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  122. Good post about how one might use different shades of white. Thanks for mentioning your favorite whites.

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  123. Oh my gosh, I love the white! That is so stunning. It's such a classy and elegant look, and it makes it look like there is so much light. I'm heading off soon to a Needham paint store to get paint to do my new house in; I think I'll start thinking about what I can do in white!

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  124. Great post, white has exquisite potential - having an understanding of it's full potential and purpose go hand-in-hand. I consider this crucial to the success of practical applications, some of which I see in my everyday work!

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  125. i have painted my house white to make it look more royal and rich..my wife loved that too..

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  126. I thought I'd have a little skim back through your posts and had to relook at this one. I so love your sense of style. Your rooms feel so calming and gentle...but full of loveliness too.

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  127. Residential Interior Designer20/10/11

    I am in love with white as well and Benjamin Moore does have the best white colors available in my opinion.

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  128. Really amazing. Thanks for sharing! I love the 2nd photo, it looks stunning. Wanna relax there.

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  129. WOW! What a brilliant post. Thanks for sharing...

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  130. Natasha29/11/11

    Hi, Patricia! I have a question, and this seems like the perfect place to post. I live in an apartment in the NYC area. It's big with high (9-foot) ceilings. It's not bright, but not terribly dark. It's in a 1929 building. I live on the first floor, so my shades are drawn most of the time.

    I really wanted an all-white space, so on the advice of an interior decorator friend of mine (I told him I wanted white, but a warm white, not "hospital" white), I painted all the rooms matte Simply White with semigloss Super White trim and flat White ceilings. My living room has a cave ceiling, so in that room the ceiling as well as the walls are Simply White. The living room walls and ceiling and the hallway leading to it have a stucco-like finish. My kitchen and two bathrooms are both Simply White semigloss.

    Have been happy with it until I've been reading about the famous Darryl Carter Moonlight White walls/Simply White trim combo. Now I'm kicking myself.

    Can you (Patricia) or anyone familiar with the shades above shed some light (er, some white?) on the subject? Do you think one combo is more aesthetically pleasing than the other? OR althoough the Moonlight White is more "subdued," would it read too dark?

    Of course, doing my whole apartment over would be too much of an undertaking. But maybe I'd redo just the bedroom? If I did, would that combo "clash" with the rest of the apartment?


    Thank you to everyone in advance for any input.

    Natasha

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  131. Anonymous8/12/11

    I am going to paint the majority of my house white (bedroom and garage will be shades of grey).

    I am trying to pick a few shades of white. Any suggestions as to how many shades of white I should use? Can you mix warm and cool whites?

    Thank you!!!!

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  132. Who knew white could look so good! Great post Patricia.

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  133. I like the Elegance white color gives. White rooms gives the luxurious lifestyle look. Liked the images.

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  134. Anonymous6/1/12

    I Love love love the white. Am about to redo a 2500 square foot ocean front property from all pine and brick and gyprock and cupboards with eams and wood ceilings and paint it all in white. Should I do everything in cloud white or would I use 2 colours......about 10 large surrounding windows all overlooking the ocean!!! Scared to death!!

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  135. The balance of elegant black and white color schemes makes the dining space extra ordinary, where each dining room decor idea also features large tables and imposing chairs as well as offers a beautiful contrasts with a very modern gothic concept applied in it.

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  136. As an interior designer myself I recently posted on my blog how white is so easy to love...etc...and my favorite white paints....

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  137. I love the pictures of your white interiors and would consider doing one room white. My walls are not painted dark colors but I could not live without color surrounding me in some rooms of my house. Accents and accessories would not be enough. I do have all white sheets and towels though. All the same brand and quality so I can mix them up throughout the house and one set doesn't get worn out before the other. It works well.

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  138. I would be interested to see the contrast if you put some gloss black units in there.

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  139. What a brilliant post, thank you!

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  140. Anonymous11/3/12

    I am in the process of finding the perfect white for my kitchen cabinets which will be sprayed with a lacquer finish. I currently have Sherwin Williams Dover white on all of the trim in my home, so I wanted to do a slightly different shade on the cabinets. I have narrowed it down to BM Acadia White or Simply White, but am afraid the Acadia White is too similiar to my Dover White, and afraid the Simply White will look too stark white and/or grey. My granite is brown/gold/cream, and I have a creamy, buttery tile backsplash. Any help would be great...as I am driving myself crazy looking at all these whites!!

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  141. Brilliant Post. Thanks!!!

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  142. Great share. Thanks for that!

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  143. Your use of white is wonderful. I love the hints of yellow too.

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  144. Some of these are pretty cool. If would respect the list more if it weren’t so mac centric however. Nice list either way…

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  145. I am very glad to read this nice article. I am happy that you made this concept very clear in front of people and to be very frank this is useful information too. Keep it up.
    SEO Melbourne

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  146. Anonymous1/6/12

    hello-we r painting our open plan home in cloud white. would u suggest using the same color as trim in a different finish? Or yet a prighter white? Thank u
    Erica-NY

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  147. Anonymous1/6/12

    Hello! My husband and I are looking to paint my open floor plan home in cloud white. Would you paint the trim in cloud white as well, in another finish? or a brighter white. thank u!!
    Erica, nyc

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  148. You raise a lot of questions in my head; you wrote an excellent post, but this post is also mind provoking, and I will have to think about it a bit more; I will return soon.

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  149. Admit it or not part of the enhancement of the house is the so called interior house painting, with this your house will be transform into a new look which may give attraction for the eyes.

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  150. I really like the design on your post. .thanks a lot for showing it to us. . .the color combination was really extravagant...
    wellhead compression

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  151. Pure white brightens the room and provides a high contrast backdrop for richly colored furniture and décor. It can work well in a black and white room with red or indigo accent pieces.

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  152. There is something interesting about the white color; it is among the most honest color to choose for any place. It makes free from all flaws, demanding extra efforts to get rid of the dirt and filth over the walls of your walls. Good choice, I really liked your choice.

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  153. White with dark colored borders is my idea for our dream house interior. It maximizes the space and fits well with any furniture color.

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  154. Anonymous22/4/14

    I love this website; it is so lovely, fresh and inspirational. I have recently renovated my home and have gone all white with cool LED lighting throughout. The walls are the purest white (cool tone) that I could find and now I am trying to decide on window treatments. My aesthetic is clean and minimal, so I am looking at roller blinds, because they are the least intrusive option, but I am frustrated with the tone of the white shades that are available. All the blind companies seem to have the same white and when installed, they all turn a kind of warm white, and they look "dirty" compared to everything else in my home. One option is Hunter Douglas' Empire line which has a white weave mixed with a soft grey. I would prefer to have all white, but am wondering if the grey/white combination is the better solution? Or should I forget roller blinds and go with another option? Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Hazel Agnes

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  155. lovely interior design.thanks

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