Just because you chose a white monochromatic aesthetic for a room doesn’t mean you won’t have decisions to make. In the absence of multiple colors, you can explore your desires through textures, surfaces, lighting and unique eye-catching decor. If you want the clean, noise-quieting feel of a white midcentury dining room, here are some things to consider:
Visit the paint store with an open mind. Your first venture to the paint counter will reveal literally hundreds of shades of white. Pull a few swatches to take home and ponder. If you want a soft, creamy, cooling effect in your home, steer toward whites that have blue undertones. Try to avoid those with a yellow tint as they will look aged before the paint is dry and will only get worse once you turn on your incandescent lights.
Explore textures and surfaces to create depth and intrigue. Although high-gloss finishes are gorgeous, you’ll want to include other types. For example, offset high-gloss floors with wallpaper that has a matte finish, or geometric shape repeating throughout. The use of mirrors will create an expansive feeling that carries the eye beyond the edges of the room.
If you choose a resin table, it too will reflect light and objects that add to the visual experience. Accompany the table with chairs that include a wood element to create a grounded feeling for the ensemble. Place a minimal amount of colorful decorative items on the table, or a piece of art on the wall for that touch of color.
Illuminate your area with soft light. Remember, great lighting makes you, your guests and the lovely meal you’ve prepared look good. A dimmer switch is a practical fix to meet the needs of most every skin tone. Lighting fixtures can accentuate a theme by repeating a shape that occurs somewhere else in the room, or they can be a unique stand-alone piece.
It’s important to avoid poorly positioned spotlights that shoot blinding light into your guests’ eyes. Hang your lamp at a height that lights the desired area yet avoids hitting people in the head.
