White can be unashamedly opulent. White can be witty. White can be tranquil and at the same time shimmer with luxury.

Inspired by white in nature? Pearly beaches and white washed seashells. Puffy clouds with a silvery lining. 'Let there be White', you said in a purist revamping mood.

But, instead of a transforming your home into a tranquil temple of white, you created a white elephant, a dust-trap without soul, a home so clinical you now yearn for the glorious chaos of colour.

Using white is not so easy after all. Our experts give their views on white and the do's and don'ts of decorating in white...

Views on White:

White is the love of her life, says Melanie Robinson, director of Decorex SA.

"White is never out of vogue. It might gracefully step back from time to time when trends dictate a colour binge. It then re-emerges, fresh and striking."

You can do anything you want with white, according to David Strauss, interior designer. "Go classic or contemporary, tranquil or vivacious. Best still, blend it all together."

How to use white?

• Strauss's first step is to add light. Then add contrast: balance old with new, sophistication with simplicity, city vibe with serenity and contemporary design with craftsmanship of days gone by.


• Be bold: use sheer white UV resistant curtains on the verandah.


• Soften white with grey and silver. Think reflecting surfaces, pearly white finishes, fresh lilies, chandeliers, clear glass, crystal, contemporary and antique mirrors.


• White in the kitchen: Although the hygienic white look works well in a kitchen, all the white surfaces can be unwelcoming. Introduce reflection with hard-wearing clear varnish on the walls. Introduce natural elements in green — a bowl with artichokes or limes.


• White in the living room: Maximise white by painting doors and frames white as well. Then bring in touches of colour and loads of texture. Opt for simple white blinds. Sand-coloured tiles will complement a white interior, while natural woven rugs will go a long way to hide a dated white tile floor. Go for one striking colour washed painting, add a velvet clad chair and switch on the lights.

So what's the trend?

Anne Roselt, international colour trend forecaster, colour therapist and Plascon colour manager gives her take on white:

White is the décor world’s answer to the "Little Black Dress" — reliable, timeless and chic. White signals hope, it's positive, it's clean, it's light. It is the basis for any look you want. Yet, white is never simply white.

Too much white can make a place look sterile and bland. It is about finding the right white amongst literally hundreds of shades of white.

Choose paint with a yellow undertone rather than a blue for a softer white. Roselt recommends selecting one or more of the variety of whites available that have just the slightest touch of colour in them which make them more friendly and comforting without the glare. Plascon Cashmere is available in a number of soft whites.

• White is very patient — it mixes it with glitz, flowers, natural elements, color and texture.


• White floors are the ultimate luxury. To get the look without the tears try Plascon Glatex 8 White on the floor for wash and wear.


• Play with shadows. This changes the white canvas with the sun, wind and evening shadows. White’s luminous qualities heighten the effect of shadows, magnifying lines and curves. A lampshade, punched with lacy patterns will scatter the room with whimsical shadows, adding some interest.


• Move it! The shape of furniture and accessories can become sculptural when etched against a white background.

Practical tips for living with white

Just because it is white, you don’t have to have the same reserve that wearing white is associated with — the issues of what you can sit on, what you can eat and avoiding anything that will taint your white attire.

Follow these and your white sanctuary will stay a place of beauty:

• Create storage so clutter and be kept at bay.


• For a warmer softer white, age it to show character.


• Bring in natural colour with flowers and plants, it will liven up the room without being too overpowering.


• Ditch solid room dividers, a white fringe curtain will section off your space still allowing light in, so will a laser cut pattern.


• Slip covers for sofas are great — pop them in the wash anytime and your sofa will have a new lease on life.

White loves colour. With the black and white theme being all the rage, accent is black think a wrought iron fire poker or magazine holder, black vase, black and white damask chair cushion or a stack of black covered book. The applications are endless...