Decorating
Colour: How to Decorate With Winter Whites
White can be as captivating in winter as in summer, as these cosy rooms demonstrate
While we all tend to gravitate towards white during the warmer, lighter seasons, there’s no reason why an all-white scheme can’t work in the winter months, too. The trick is to layer textures – think white pieces in feel-good materials, such as sheepskin, faux fur, leather, velvet, linen and even crisp crockery. Pair with a roaring fire or candlelight and a winter wonderland can be yours. Check out these very different schemes – from sumptuous to pared-back – to see how cosy whites can look in any style of home.
Dabble with shiny materials
If it were down to me, every bedroom would be decorated top-to-toe in white. I love the calm simplicity that white brings to every space and how the most minimal touches can have maximum impact. In this boudoir, the mirrored furniture, twinkly glass chandeliers and satin cushions add elegant shine, while the oversized buttoned headboard is a genius touch, creating a sumptuous mood.
If it were down to me, every bedroom would be decorated top-to-toe in white. I love the calm simplicity that white brings to every space and how the most minimal touches can have maximum impact. In this boudoir, the mirrored furniture, twinkly glass chandeliers and satin cushions add elegant shine, while the oversized buttoned headboard is a genius touch, creating a sumptuous mood.
Take a traditional route
Mixing plenty of off-whites – chalky greiges and soft, barely there greys –into a white room makes for the most sophisticated colour palette. The secret to the success of this room is the silk rug, which is crying out for bare feet, and the piles of plump cushions. With the lamps on and fire lit, this would be the perfect room for a winter-long hibernation.
Mixing plenty of off-whites – chalky greiges and soft, barely there greys –into a white room makes for the most sophisticated colour palette. The secret to the success of this room is the silk rug, which is crying out for bare feet, and the piles of plump cushions. With the lamps on and fire lit, this would be the perfect room for a winter-long hibernation.
Add texture
Don’t be afraid to go OTT with white – it can be a brilliant way to max the winter sunshine and make the most of the mood-enhancing rays. But do use texture to keep the feel cosy. In this living room, snuggly seating and a deep-pile rug create a cocooning atmosphere. If the look is in danger of becoming a little sterile, a rug in a warmer colour, such as this greige design, will offer just the right hint of contrast.
Don’t be afraid to go OTT with white – it can be a brilliant way to max the winter sunshine and make the most of the mood-enhancing rays. But do use texture to keep the feel cosy. In this living room, snuggly seating and a deep-pile rug create a cocooning atmosphere. If the look is in danger of becoming a little sterile, a rug in a warmer colour, such as this greige design, will offer just the right hint of contrast.
Offset with black
Black is the perfect backdrop to white and this striking monochrome kitchen ticks all the right practical and aesthetic boxes. The white, handleless units are streamlined and functional, while the deep charcoal wall adds depth and creates the most dramatic foil for the pure white crockery. Who knew the plainest bowls, plates and jugs could look so stylishly sculptural?
Black is the perfect backdrop to white and this striking monochrome kitchen ticks all the right practical and aesthetic boxes. The white, handleless units are streamlined and functional, while the deep charcoal wall adds depth and creates the most dramatic foil for the pure white crockery. Who knew the plainest bowls, plates and jugs could look so stylishly sculptural?
Layer different textures
This is perhaps the perfect winter white boudoir. Using layers of buttermilk, white and ivory, the faux-fur throw and velvet headboard add wintry feel-good textures to the crisp cotton and satin bedding, and show how white can be as cosy as any other rich colour palette. The cluster of chunky church candles and pretty chandelier enhance the captivating mood.
Snuggle up to more sheepskin ideas
This is perhaps the perfect winter white boudoir. Using layers of buttermilk, white and ivory, the faux-fur throw and velvet headboard add wintry feel-good textures to the crisp cotton and satin bedding, and show how white can be as cosy as any other rich colour palette. The cluster of chunky church candles and pretty chandelier enhance the captivating mood.
Snuggle up to more sheepskin ideas
Highlight with grey
You can’t beat white for the bathroom – it’s fresh, invigorating and timeless all at once. But make sure it feels soft and inviting throughout the winter, too, by adding accents of grey – whether through marble or tiling. Use bathroom linens to add warmth, too, perhaps switching to dark neutrals in the winter months, and don’t forget the power of candles to instantly cosy up the mood.
You can’t beat white for the bathroom – it’s fresh, invigorating and timeless all at once. But make sure it feels soft and inviting throughout the winter, too, by adding accents of grey – whether through marble or tiling. Use bathroom linens to add warmth, too, perhaps switching to dark neutrals in the winter months, and don’t forget the power of candles to instantly cosy up the mood.
Make it classic
What could be more welcoming on a winter’s day than an Aga? This white number offers all of the cosiness but in a clean, crisp way that works with the contemporary units. White metro tiles add texture, while open shelving offers the opportunity to display favourite crockery in cosy cream.
TELL US…
Do you warm to winter whites? Please share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
What could be more welcoming on a winter’s day than an Aga? This white number offers all of the cosiness but in a clean, crisp way that works with the contemporary units. White metro tiles add texture, while open shelving offers the opportunity to display favourite crockery in cosy cream.
TELL US…
Do you warm to winter whites? Please share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
This effortless winter white scheme is proof that if you want to breathe new life into a tired room, simple is sometimes best. The textured tongue and groove walls and relaxed linen covers prevent the room from looking too dazzling, while wall lights and a floor lamp add cosy pools of light.
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