Chilly White in the Hot Summer

 

It's humid as hell in New York City, and there's really no better way to cool down than to look at pictures of an icy-white apartment in Skåne, Sweden... or you could probably just eat some ice cream too. Either or, your choice. This nordic-inspired interior is grounded by dark wooden floors, topped with bright white walls that are made even brighter by the natural light flowing through the white curtains. The area's brightness makes the space feel fresh and bold. Although the white walls  and contemporary furniture pack a punch of modernity, the scattered artwork on the walls and resting against the walls make the room feel lived-in and comfortable. The lack of color used in the space isn't so much apparent because there's texture throughout, especially with the natural elements placed around the apartment, like the wooden block side table, and the plants used in each room. This space would be warm and inviting during the winter months because the white palette would compliment the snowy weather, while the same space in the summer is oddly refreshing from the stark white walls.

Scandinavian White

 

Most have probably gathered that I'm sucker for American fashion, and European design. My eye is generally pleased by European interiors because of the minimal color used, and the modern yet classically appointed features. Who doesn't love some wall moldings with a bright piece of contemporary art, right? And if region of Europe has exactly what I'm looking for, it would Scandinavia. The beautifully unstated interiors in Sweden are often white in color with beautiful light coming in through large windows into even larger rooms. Scandinavian design is very beautiful in terms of light and airy spaces, but can still feel masculine because of the clean lines in the furniture. Sweden may be cold, and it might have wintery white homes, but they are most definitely warm and inviting.

 

All photos courtesy of From Scandinavia With Love

White Below Your Feet

Going neutral doesn't have to mean beige, and neutral also doesn't have to mean boring; white on white is a super sleek yet old-world look that gives a modern edge with classic vintage beauty. White walls, with white wooden floors may seem a bit sterile, but when the wooden floors are a bit distressed and the planks are casually separated, the clean white walls become less stiff and the white floors become more comfortable, creating a calm and somewhat whimsical feeling. A lot of people might say that white walls and floors must call for huge pops of color elsewhere in the room, but I would suggest toning down the dramatic color choices to a few very choice pieces, because the contrast may be too harsh. Keep the white tones consistent, but add color sporadically and in low doses. The overall feeling of a room with white walls and white (wooden) floors should feel like a reclaimed barn brought into the twenty-first century.