By Cheryl Lai-Lim
June 02, 2021
As the saying goes, less is more. These white rooms prove that the serene shade is still striking in its own right
Rooms with a white palette often exude a serene and elegant ambience. Painting your walls with a fresh coat of white paint has plenty of benefits: a white room reflects light from the windows which creates the appearance of more space; it’s the perfect backdrop for a plethora of decorating possibilities; and it creates a balanced ethereal setting that is restful for the eyes.
There’s also a common misconception that a white palette necessarily means the use of a single hue. White paint is available in varying shades and undertones, ranging from an eggshell hue to off-white tones. Selecting the right white paint makes the world of a difference; always be sure to test your shade of choice and see how it changes throughout the day to find the right shade for your home.
Below, we gathered some of our favourite examples.
Related: 8 Ways To Design A Cosy, Clutter-Free Bedroom That Minimalists Will Love
This monochromatic living room in a London duplex apartment features a creative mix of furnishings in various textures and materials for a richly layered look. Designed by interior designer Rebecca James, the Parisian-style space is softened with bespoke sofas and a sectional upholstered in an off-white fabric.
A round Concho coffee table created from Cordova shell limestone and white oiled oak adds depth and texture to the room, while a glamorous gold-leaf side table by Clotilde Ancarani provides a ritzy note. The furnishings are paired with a textured rug from Tai Ping that ties the space together.
Related: Home Tour: A Calming Apartment in London With a Peaceful White Living Room
Elevate an all-white interior by showcasing the beauty of natural marble. The stone material adds a grounding quality and brings a classic sophistication to rooms. Designed by EHKA Studio, the Stiletto House boasts a free-flowing design language paired with a minimalist colour palette.
White marble is used in several spaces, such as the living area and bathrooms, to convey a sense of luxury. The result is a timeless elegance that is dramatic yet understated.
Related: Home Tour: The Stiletto House In Singapore Is All About The Curves
With a rare tranquility that is not often found in the city that never sleeps, London-based interior designer Nebihe Cihan crafted a calming refuge in a three-bedroom apartment located in New York. The home boasts several large windows overlooking the city, and Cihan’s minimalist design approach highlights the spectacular city views.
The white palette in the master bedroom enhances the allure of the cityscape. Rich and tactile Flexform furnishings in earthy tones, such as the Grandemare bed, Guscio armchair, and Feel Good ottoman, adds to the cosy atmosphere
Related: Home Tour: This Minimalist New York Apartment Is Simply Dreamy
Featured as the cover story of Tatler Homes Singapore’s April issue, British designer Lee Broom’s New York penthouse is a contemporary space influenced by the award-winning designer’s background and love for theatre.
The living room, Broom’s favourite space in the apartment, is an ideal blank canvas for the designer’s many iconic creations. Inspired by the flood of natural light and the view of the Long Lines Building, Broom selected a monochromatic palette for the room. Wood accents warm the space, whilst a sculptural White Street sofa wrapped in an ivory Dedar bouclé takes centre stage. The sculptural furnishings and lighting pieces create a visually arresting impact and further add to the room’s panache.
Related: Home Tour: Inside Lee Broom’s Stylish, Monochromatic Penthouse in New York
This Parisian apartment’s white colour palette recreates the serenity of grand museums in Paris. Keeping to her client’s request for a minimalist interior, Stéphanie Coutas, founder of SC Editions, crafted an elegant home that’s characterised by clean lines and a streamlined look.
The white living room holds a cosy appeal with Minotti sofas and a custom-made silk rug from Maison Stark. The design team integrated the family’s treasured antique cabinets into the lofty space, adding a historic charm. A glittering bespoke lighting piece designed by SC Editions draws attention to the mirrored ceiling. With 150 glass pieces delicately suspended from the ceiling, the light fixture makes for an eye-catching focal feature within the space.
Related: Home Tour: A Museum-Inspired Minimalist Apartment
White kitchens are a classic and timeless option, withstanding the test of time with their chic ambience. Interior designer Alison Henry adds her personality and depth to her contemporary kitchen by incorporating a mixture of textures and materials.
Nickel detailing throughout the light-filled kitchen creates a stylish and sleek appearance, while the island and backsplash wrapped in Calacatta Caldia Italian marble amplify the refined aura of the kitchen. Aluminum island stools, upholstered in soft white leather, adds a touch of cosiness. The combination of materials create a statement-making visual even in a white-on-white environment.
Related: Home Tour: A Light-Filled Georgian House with Stunning White Rooms
This historic Geneva property is home to an art-loving couple who wanted to exhibit their extensive art collection. To do so, Barcelona-based interior designer Jaime Beriestain created a backdrop that consists of neutral white, grey, and cream tones. This pared-back palette allows the vibrant artworks to shine.
The blue mirror, which is the centrepiece of the living room, injects a dose of style into the space. Beriestain took cues from the colour of the artworks in his selection of accent pieces; here, the electrifying blue art piece is matched with coffee tables by Yves Klein.
Related: Home Tour: A Geneva Apartment Full Of Historic Details and Modern Art
