White as a Design Element

Color has a tremendous affect on the human psyche, as does the absence of color.  The more chaotic a client’s lifestyle, the more likely their preference will be for a soothing home environment.  One of the most effective techniques for creating that calm is through the absence of color.   This bedroom is such an example.  Every surface is covered in white but because the shades of white are subtly different and because texture was introduced, it appears soothing instead of sterile.  The walls and closet doors are painted in the same color but, the walls are flat and the closets are high gloss.  The bedding is ivory-colored silk and the window shades are bright-white linen.  Roughly-ribbed off-white wool carpet covers the floor and the silver accessories add brightness without chroma.  Black is the sole accent used to anchor the eyes as it travels around this wonderfully tranquil room.