How to Warm Up a Monochromatic Space
Although a white-on-white interior may be a hallmark of minimalism, a pale palette can have a warm side, too. “Many people shy away from an all-white color scheme because they are afraid it will look sterile or unwelcoming, but that doesn’t have to be the case,” says Nicole Heininger, who founded the Los Angeles design firm 30 Collins with David Corbin. The trick, she explains, is not thinking about white as a static absence of color but as a starting point for layering a rich range of materials and tones. Here, she shares her studio’s secret recipe for creating neutral spaces that are cozy and inviting.
Photo: Nicole Heininger1/4Add softness
Use tall, flowing curtains to soften a white room, Heininger says. “It’s tempting to use crisp roller shades or leave windows exposed, but adding soft linen drapes keeps a white room from feeling harsh.” Nubby textures—of a wall hanging, a sheepskin, or pillows, for instance—also achieve that goal.
Photo: Nicole Heininger2/4Think in layers
Mixing textures is key in a largely monochromatic room. “Materials such as stone, ceramic, and glass can all be white, but each has a different characteristic inherent to its materiality,” says Heininger. That interplay of different surfaces creates visual interest in a room.
Photo: Nicole Heininger3/4Pay attention to tone
Remember that there’s a whole spectrum of whites, from cool to warm. If your goal is to create a casual, welcoming space, choose one with a hint of yellow or pink, says Heininger; whites with a tint of gray or blue are better for ultramodern, minimalist interiors. Pairing glossy white moldings with flat-painted walls also helps adds depth.
Photo: Nicole Heininger4/4Bring in warmth
A few wood and brass accents go a long way toward making an all-white space inviting, says Heininger. “When done correctly, the result is warm, confident, and soft.” One or two neutral (but not white) furnishings also break up the palette without interrupting the sense of airiness.
