Bring the outside in
“Bringing the outside in” is always a good strategy in design to link beautiful exteriors with beautiful interiors. When I write this phrase, I’m sure you imagine serene interiors with natural finishes and pops of green. Well – not exactly. If you’re remotely close in location to where we are, northwest of Chicago and most recent home of the Polar Vortex, you know looking outside for us right now means a sea of white. 2018/19 is proving to be a winter white wonderland here in Illinois, so I thought I’d take a new twist on bringing the outside in and show you some updated wood finishes we saw last October.
Trend #5 is – you guessed it – White furniture!
While we Midwesterners are a bit sick of winter white at this point, I hope you read this post with an open mind and take away that white wood finishes are a nice way to brighten up a space and add contrast. Wouldn’t this new piece be fun against a dark wood floor?
With the goal to lighten up dark leather pieces, a white end table like the one is this photo would be an easy way to do it. Then adding a little pop of color to this high contrast neutral palette makes for an updated more modern look. Pam’s shoes provide the pop of red in this photo, but you could easily do it in your space with a red pillow or lamp.
From a Composition Perspective
Contrast draws the eye. If you’ve done even the very first design consultation with me, I’ve probably trotted out that phrase. In my opinion it is one of the key elements of design that has to be right in order for a composition to come together.
The eye sees contrast before color so where pieces change from light to dark, we see it. This is where the new white finishes can be fun. They give a nice value change if you have dark furniture. And a dark lamp, picture frame or accessory will pop off a white surface. Even within the finishes of some of these pieces you can see the contrast of dark against the white. These curios below have a white back with a dark finish. I think the white background will really highlight the items on display – even crystal would show up against it. (note the light finish on the dining table also)
If you’re hesitant to adopt this trend – do it in small doses. Here’s a fun white bar stool and nightstand.
Spring is around the corner and we will be back outside enjoying green views before you know it. Which reminds me…watch for our upcoming post on Instagram on our new outdoor furniture line. 😊
Stay Warm,
Angie
New Perspective Design offers a variety of interior design services.
Contact us via the website form www.newperspectivedesign.com or call 224-678-9040 for more information.