White is the new bold

Sometimes, just like your wardrobe undergoes a transformation from season to season, your home also requires a makeover. It is essential to make the interiors of a home pleasant, as well as calm, and also protect the exteriors from the adverse effects of nature.

The best way to invigorate your home decor is to incorporate fresh colours in your home. If you are worried about what colour to choose and want to play safe, white is the option for you. White works extremely well for Indian homes as interior paints. The colour white celebrates simplicity and purity to create beautiful forms and spaces that meet the changing needs in new and sophisticated ways.

White also reflects the colours that surround it. White goes with almost everything, be it timber skirting or a white marble floor. Choosing paint colours can be a pain, especially when you’re confronted with a palette full of different shades that look almost the same to you! Look closely at a wall painted in a cool white and a wall painted in a warm white, and you’ll immediately notice that the two aren’t alike at all.

Although it’s hard to go wrong with a white base, picking the right shade of white does make a difference.
Here’s what you should know to ace in the game of whites:


Warm whites

If you want to create a welcoming atmosphere, choose warm whites that have a little red or yellow in them. These hues create a soft and relaxing atmosphere, so they are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
l North-facing rooms generally have cool natural light, so you will need to compensate by choosing a warm white.

To make your living room feel cosy and friendly, try using apple white or peach white.

Warm mauve and lilacs are also wonderful relaxing colours for your home. If you’re dreaming of having a soothing bedroom ambience, choose a hue like violet white or blueberry white.

If you’d prefer a warm, sunny look throughout the day, then pick a white with tones of cream and peach.

If you want your room to appear larger, then choose a white that tends towards a warm blue, perhaps with a hint of purple.


Cool whites

Cool whites have blue, grey or green undertones, making them look crisp and clean. For a serene, contemporary look, try using cool whites to create strong silhouettes and sharp lines. You will find that they also do a great job of showing off striking accessories and artwork.

South-facing rooms usually have plenty of strong light from sunshine, so you may find it helpful to choose a cool white that balances glare.

If you’re looking to create a lively atmosphere, choose a cool white with a hint of orange or gold. If you want to evoke a relaxing ambience, then add a little bit of calm green, such as sage, into your white.

Calm greens and blues are perfect for encouraging a good night’s sleep. If this is your priority, choose a white with a hint of teal or moss. But for a revitalising lift to get you out of bed in the morning, pick a white with a touch of gold, such as light caramel.

To make the most of a small space, it’s best to choose a cool white such as pearl or almond. Or for contemporary look, pick one with a touch of green or blue.

(The author is general manager, decorative paints, South Asia Cluster, AkzoNobel India)