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

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.

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.

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. 

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

Image via Pop Sugar

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.

A traditional white living area.

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

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

White meets modern in this contemporary living room.

White meets modern in this contemporary living room.

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

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



Design Trend :: Indigo Hmong Textiles

Indigo batik textiles seem to be showing up in many design publications these days. Of the indigo batiks, the vintage Hmongs are my favorite.

The Hmong are an Asian ethnic group living in the mountainous regions of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and China. The beautiful Hmong textiles known as Paj ntaub or "flower cloth" are created using a traditional wax-resist method known as batik. Wax is applied in intricate patterns to a piece of cloth, typically made of hemp or cotton. The cloth is then soaked in natural indigo dyes. The wax acts as a resistant by preventing the dye from soaking through the cloth. After the fabric has been dyed and the wax removed, the beautiful design is revealed. Colorful embroidery is sometimes then added to the fabric.

The Paj ntaub traditionally were applied to skirts worn for funerals, courtship during New Year festivals, as well as baby-carriers, and men's collars.

Image Via Dellshop

Image Via Dellshop

Image source unknown

Image source unknown

Image Via TribalCollection
Image Via Amber Lewis

Image Via Amber Lewis

Image Via Amber Lewis

Image Via Amber Lewis

Image Via Honestly WTF

Image Via Honestly WTF

Image Via Design Love Fest

Vintage Hmong fabrics, as well as ready-made pillows and other soft goods, can be found on Etsy and eBay. Several home décor retailers have caught on to the trend and now offer knock off versions.

Serena and Lily's Camile Scroll pillows

Serena and Lily's Camile Scroll pillows

I bought these pillow covers last year for my sunroom. Can't wait to finally get to use them!

So, what do you think of the trend? Love it or leave it?

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