The Power of White Walls

This weekend everyone will be all about red, white and blue--and rightfully so.  But today, I'm going to focus on white--crisp, white walls that is.  

When most people see a white wall, they immediately think it is unfinished and that it must be painted, even if said paint will be off-white.  Stark white walls are often unheard of in the U.S., but I think we could all be missing out on something.

Here are just a few great things about white walls and reasons we should all give them a second look before picking up that paintbrush.

1. They work it out.  White is a great color for workspaces.  With a calm, unobstructed background, your creativity can take center stage with no distractions. 

Image by Holborn via A Merry Mishap

2.  They let the textures talk. This living room, while lacking in color, is not lacking in interest and texture.  The white walls bring the furniture and accessories to the forefront, allowing your eyes to focus on them first.  White walls are not a necessity for mixing textures, but they will do a great job of highlighting the various finishes in a space. 

Design by Sherry Homerich.

The exposed beams in this kitchen would be lost if competing with a bolder wall color.  Here, they make the room.

Image via Adore Home Magazine

3. They help achieve balance. Let the colors do the talking.  Unlike the living space above, this room is full of color.   But thanks to the white walls and ceiling, the room isn't overwhelming.  When using bold art and furnishings, balance the space with a light backdrop.  These walls almost act like those in a gallery, letting the colors be the main feature.

4. They let you play.  Nurseries and playrooms are some of my favorite spaces for doing white walls. Whether you want to achieve a calming, neutral space or you want to showcase the fun, bright things in child's world, white is perfect for both.

This nursery designed by Christine Dovey is still one of my all-time favorites. 

Image via Adore Home Magazine

Image via Pop Sugar

5. It works for all.  Whether your style is more modern, traditional or somewhere in between, white works for all spaces.  If you thought white was just for sterile, contemporary spaces, hopefully we've proved you wrong!

A traditional white living area.

White ship lap in a bathroom designed by Lauren Liess Interiors via DecorPad.

White meets modern in this contemporary living room.

This California mid-century home embraces white.  Image via A Cup of Jo.