Q: This may sound like a stupid question, but what exactly
is “winter white?” A friend of mine claims she decorated her living room for
the holidays in winter whites, but I went to her house, and it looks like
regular old white to me. There's really nothing winter about it; in fact it's really summery, whether she calls it winter white or
not! How do you create a seasonal winter white look?
Thanks,
Reyna S.
A: Your poor friend! She probably didn’t realize that decorating in winter
white isn’t just about putting white stuff in the room and calling it a day. It
is about creating a vibe or mood, not only through the use of white, but though
the use of color to offset it. Winter white is the look that a pure, white
snowfall creates. Think of a blanket of white powder against the backdrop of a gray-black
night. Think of children skating on an ice rink, bundled in heavy down coats
and wool hats. When you imagine these scenes, a few things come to mind: heavy
texture, deep color, and lots of material to keep you warm. That being said,
your memories and notions of this season should be applied to transforming your
room into a winter-white wonderland. Here’s what you need to know to get
started.
1. Heavy textures and fabrics
Texture is so important. There’s a big difference between
wearing a white or cream-colored wool coat in December, and wearing a white
linen sundress. No matter how you dress it up, it’s still a summer piece. Volume
creates coziness and makes you want to curl up in front of the fireplace. To get
the look, opt for silks, velvets, or really anything heavy-hanging. Try to
avoid linens and anything else that looks free flowing and wispy. Choose a puddling
drapery or white silk roman shade in the teardrop/hobbled style. It will give you that
feeling that you’re being enveloped in warmth. Antique-looking white pieces like the chairs shown here are also great investments, and will work every season, depending on the rest of the decor. Housewares.com offers these unique chairs, and they even ship to Canada.
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2. Pair your whites with deep hues
A splash of color goes a long way. There are two ways to do
this. Either you can design a completely white room with pops of rich color, or
you can opt for mostly color and use white accents. For the former, choose
white furniture and accessories (even a white chandelier!) paired with a few
beautiful chairs and ebony wood blinds, which will create a sleek, clean
look. It will also make your room appear more spacious. The white table with white roses resting on top makes the room look modern. The Planet Dinette Table by Calligaris table from Jensen-Lewis in New York, is a great piece and will compliment beautifully.
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For the latter, choose beautiful fabrics of red and gold in
different prints like paisley and plaid. Don’t be afraid to mix and match
prints; together; they will add sumptuousness. Then select some simple accessories,
like white blinds, and white bedding like gorgeous white hotel bedding from
Restoration Hardware and you’ll be set. Create a beautiful living room with a
collection of chocolaty browns coupled with a modern white couch and white
cloth tapes against oak-colored wood blinds.
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All you need to do is to recall what you love about winter, then
base your design on those colors and touches. You’ll end up with a distinctive
look that encapsulates winter white and how soft and beautiful it can be.
Happy Decorating,
: Avoid decorating in florals and small prints
for winter. Try to follow the foliage of the season. If it doesn’t bloom or
grow in the snow, avoid draperies, bedding, and upholstering with patterns of
it.
