An equal combination of all the colours, white is the colour of purity, innocence, wholeness, cleanliness and simplicity. Like black and other neutrals, this go-to neutral works well with every colour and is commonly combined with brighter accent colours.
In design, white is generally considered a neutral backdrop that lets other colours have a larger voice. It isn't boring, it's a dramatic colour that can be cosy when paired with fluffy cushions, fresh flowers, area rugs and furniture pieces with distressed finishes.
Classy lounge room by La Vie Interiors featuring a Bay Milk
White is flexible, providing a blank canvas that demands accessorising. Having white walls or flooring like a white or cream area rug means you can add colour elsewhere around it to tie in the room. Colourful, eclectic styles actually rely on white as a foundation, to make other hues pop. It also makes changing up your décor easier, like simply swapping out throw pillows to match the season.
Morocco Ivory Charcoal shag rug
If you think white is too cold, warm it up with textures like wood, fabrics, framed mirrors, marble, rugs and chevron and herringbone patterns. If you feel it's still too clinical, take a step away from the smooth, clean finishes in your room and opt for pieces with more detailed touches.
Bay Milk cream rug styled by Imagine in Colours
While white makes the perfect canvas, don't underestimate its power to stand alone either. Mixing different shades of white like ivory and cream together, without too many shots of colour, will make rooms feel open and uncluttered.
Since white is associated with freshness and cleanliness, it is a good colour to have in the kitchen. It's also a popular choice for linen because it achieves the fresh and clean hotel-like feel.
White works the other way around too. If you have a rich wall colour, choose white furniture to create contrast and lighten up the room. Because it's such a versatile colour that won't go out of fashion, white and cream is used in all décor styles like modern, country, rustic and coastal.
Click here to see our range of white and cream designer rugs.
