White Now

One look at what’s coming out of such influential trade fairs as Maison & Objet in Paris and the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago this year says it all: White—all white—is hot. And as this trend takes the design stage in the Twin Cities, we can’t help but wonder, why?

Much of the reason behind white today is straightforward: We’re all after simplicity and serenity. White is easy on the eyes and comfortably classic. A mostly white interior is cohesive, too, creating a calm backdrop or binding agent that allows a home’s architecture, art, and furnishings to shine.

But white doesn’t mean static. Texture is much of what makes a mostly white interior intriguing. Here are four product categories to consider when applying the approach.

Sophie Side Chair by Oly Studio from Nola Home

Photo courtesy of Oly Studio

Fabric
The character of a course-weave wool, a smooth silk, or a nubby linen comes to the fore with a white palette. Illustrating the trend are floral appliqué pillows by Ankasa ($269.95-$549.95) from Que Sera, Galleria in Edina, 952-924-6340; and the Sophie side chair ($995) by Oly Studio from Nola Home, Mpls., 612-374-4066

 

Wood
Bleached-white wood floors and white furniture with subtle detailing gives a room a luxurious, low-contrast look. So does white architectural millwork: When paired with walls, also painted white, the look is classic.

Hand-carved marble tile by Robert Kuo

Photo courtesy of Ann Sacks

Tile and Stone
White stone and tile, though timeless, is right on trend, too. Textural gradations can be subtle or natural, shown in graining, for instance. Or, they can be more dimensional, as is shown in hand-carved marble tile by Robert Kuo for Ann Sacks, a division of Kohler Interiors. Ann Sacks available through Fantasia Showrooms, Mpls., 612-338-5811

Dandelion pendant fixture by Moooi

Photo courtesy of Moooi

Fixtures
Light fixtures and cabinet hardware introduce subtle texture and dimension without stealing the show. The white Dandelion pendant by Dutch manufacturer Moooi, recently used by Minneapolis designer Andrew Flesher on a local project, introduces texture through layers of powder-coated steel circles. Moooi, distributed by Super Orange, Albuquerque, NM, 515-266-5245

 

Pops of Color
If the whiteout trend is too white for you, feel free to find your own balance. Add color in the form of a pop here and there—perhaps with pillows or accessories. Or go for something a little more pronounced, such as painting an accent wall a contrasting color.