Should You Paint Your Walls White?
March 12, 2021
I have to admit, when I painted all the walls white in our newly remodeled home, I began to second guess myself. They seemed so stark! Did I select the wrong shade of white paint? Even though I’m a certified paint consultant, and I did a great deal of research on white paint, I felt they were just too white–what was I thinking! But once I started furnishing and accessorizing all the rooms and spaces, I began to see the beauty in my white walls. I love the brightness of white walls. I love how they instantly updated our home. And I love how fresh they make a room feel. I concluded I painted my walls the perfect shade of white!
I think white paint will always be a classic choice, but if your home has dated fixed elements, such as brown or gold granite counters or olive green carpet, you can’t just start painting everything white. The white walls won’t relate to anything and your fixed elements will look even more dated. But there are plenty of non-white paint options that can bridge the gap if you’re not ready to change your counters or carpet. If you’re planning to remodel or build new, then you’re in luck and you have many paint choices of white, off white, cream and more!
Maybe your walls are already painted white, but you’re feeling they’re boring. Well, you actually have a lot of decorating options to choose from to fix that. You can accessorize with contrasting decor–think bright colors in art, black framed prints, or a dark piece of furniture. For a more subdued, neutral look, accessorize with wood tones, natural fibers, wood frames, woven baskets, etc. I actually do both in my home. I have a black chandelier, a dark wood dining table, my floors are light hardwoods, all my area rugs are either wool, jute, or sea grass. I have black framed prints, and wood mirrors. To bring life to all this whiteness, I have a lot of real plants and I often buy seasonal flowers. I try not to go overboard and turn into a crazy plant lady, but I do love to add greenery and floral whenever I can.
Are you thinking about painting your walls white (off white or cream) but not sure which one would look best? Or are you struggling with how to decorate your existing white walls? Send me a message and let’s discuss some great paint options and a few decorating ideas!
