The Power Of White Paint
Are you on the fence about whether to paint your walls white or not?
I know you might be hesitating because you think your home would be cold or sterile or boring with white walls. I need to tell you…it’s just the opposite.
I recommend white or off-white paint 99% of the time for my clients when they're doing a refresh. They usually snap back right away with “Oh no, no…I don’t like that all-white look…that won’t work for me or my family.”
But then we chat about how they want to feel in their home.
Calm
Rested
Light
Happy
Inspired
Mindful
And that’s when I tell them that white paint can give them all of that. It can actually boost their overall wellbeing - physically, mentally and emotionally.
I know, you're thinking that's a bit much...it's paint for pete's sake.
But here are the facts:
White lightens a space a let's us feel the spaciousness and air around us, which is comforting.
White harnesses positive energy, so say the Feng Shui masters.
White is balancing, according to colour theory.
White is calming and serene, which lays the foundation for a calming experience.
White is restful to the eye and the brain, which helps us be more mindful and take in things around us more clearly (that's why we crave white space on a computer screen too).
White is a blank slate on which to let colourful furniture, accessories, artwork, photos, collections and other meaningful pieces come to the forefront of our vision, giving us more joy every day.
White is easier to paint and clean on the walls - no more cutting-in while painting and no more trying to match colour touch-ups means fewer sore muscles, less frustration and more relaxation.
White tones down any strong wood tones or undertones that might be showing up in finishes like cabinets and flooring, which means less money shelled out for expensive renovations (and that's always good for wellbeing!).
So you see, white really can be powerful when used in the environments we spend most of our waking hours in.
Here's more proof of how powerful white paint can be when creating a calm, healthy and beautiful home:
This is the home of an online client who got my help to pick a wall and trim colour for her home. We chose UNTINTED WHITE for everything! Eggshell for the walls, semi-gloss for the trim/woodwork/cabinets and matte for the ceiling. Gorgeous, yes?
Click for more photos of this stunning home
Here’s another example. This is the kitchen of a client who was feeling stressed because she didn’t feel good in her kitchen but didn’t want to replace perfectly good solid wood cabinets. We chose Sherwin Williams Pure White paint for her walls and a white subway tile backsplash. Now she feels "at home" in her kitchen.
And below is the basement of a client who now feels much calmer and happier because she and her family finally use their downstairs space - now that it's bright yet also cozy. We chose CIL Marshmallow on the walls.
I’ve used white walls in my various homes of the years with great results. I change up my dècor often; sometimes it’s very neutral and calming and sometimes there’s lots of fun colour for punch. White walls work equally well with either style.
Are you convinced?
If you’re finally ready to pick up the paintbrush, download my free guide on choosing the right white (or off-white) paint for your home. Then enjoy your light, bright and beautiful space!
