Color of the Month: Decorating with Winter White

What exactly is winter white? That’s the $64,000 question, and the answers are hotly (excuse the pun) debated. Some say that winter white is a warmer, softer shade of white, with brown, yellow, or gold undertones rather than bluish ones, also known as off-white or cream; others assert that winter white is simply white of any shade in more wintry forms, cozy fabrics like sheepskin and chunky knits.

We say both camps have a point! Incorporating winter white in the home is much like incorporating it into your wardrobe – more subdued shades rather than bright white, textiles like corduroy, wool, and leather, and touchable surfaces such as tufted upholstery and intricate wallpaper.

Because winter white (as a shade) is not as vivid as pure, optic white, there’s a reduced risk of the antiseptic, sterile vibe that often comes with an overload of white. As a result, winter white is often a great alternative to white. A warmer, creamier white can be more visually interesting and easier on the eye, while still maintaining the neutral qualities of white – it serves as the perfect main color or accent color to virtually every shade (including all wood tones and metallics for further warmth) and in any dose.

These gorgeous homes and pieces feature warmer and/or textured whites to show you how to wear white all year round – yes, even after Labor Day!

In the kitchen and dining areas, think cream or antique white cabinets or walls and add texture to seating:

Kitchen by Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc

Dining Room by Mary Cook

Dining Room by Nicole Sewell Design

Dining Room by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Kitchen by Stonewood, LLC

Dining Room by Debbie R. Gualco
Even if your living room lacks a cozy fireplace, the decor can make up for it (if you have the fireplace, even better!):
Living Room by Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor

Living Room by Summerour Architects

Living Room by usona

Living Room by Kathleen Bost Architecture + Design

Living Room by Alexander James Interiors

Photo credit: Arc Photography

Living Room by Rivers Spencer Interiors
The bedroom is the ideal place for a bit of warming up. After all, can you get out of bed on a cold winter morning without dragging and whining? Didn’t think so.
Bedroom by Martha O’Hara Interiors

Bedroom by Joel Kelly Design

Photo credit: Monika Hibbs

Photo credit: Kat Alves Photography

Bedroom by Burnham Design

Bedroom by Design-OD
The bathroom may seem tricky, but it’s far from impossible. It’s a great place for texture and complementary warm tones:
Bathroom by Eisner Design LLC

Bathroom by Dijeau Poage Construction

Photo credit: Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography

Bathroom by Custom Homes
Ronbow Vintage Le Manns Vanity

Powder Room by Denise McGaha Interiors
Warm up easily with awesome standalone furnishings and fixtures:
Armchairs And Accent Chairs by Baxton Studio

Indoor Benches by vanCollier
AF Lighting Chain Link Table Lamp

Floor Pillows And Poufs by Fratantoni Lifestyles
Arteriors Herst Rectangular Snow Marble/Vintage Brass Lamp

Floor Pillows And Poufs by Bliss Home & Design

Wallpaper by Brewster Home Fashions
Arteriors Vagabond Cream Crackle Porcelain Lamp
Now you can really start dreaming of a white winter!
yael