7 tips to balance white space
Photographs & products: courtesy Magnolia Home Products
(www.magnoliahome.co.in)
White is one of the smartest colours to use to illuminate a room by reflecting light. In addition to enlarging an area visually, a white palette imparts instant sophistication and creates a calm environment. While designing a compact space, ideas revolve around tricking the eye into making the area appear more spacious. Such strategies can transform an area that feels cramped and claustrophobic into one that feels cosy and aesthetically pleasing. Focus on maximizing light and space, while paying attention to colour scheme, scale and visual weight. This can make quite a difference. Neutral colours, or even pale colours can also be used to create a feeling of generous space. Architect Sanjukta Nandy gives tips on how to combine elements with white to optimize the space to the fullest.
1. Use mirrors for an airy feel
The best way to use mirrors in compact spaces is to hang them in central locations to create a focal point. This reflects light and creates a nice ambience. Mirrors can also be placed behind a light source such as a candle or pendant lamp. Positioning a mirror across from the window will reflect light and give the illusion of another window making for an airy feeling.
2. Combine floral upholstery with white for an easy-going look
For optimum use of small space, adding colours is an excellent option. Team up curvy floral printed couch with pastel tones, hand-painted table and some rustic classical wall decor to get a brisk, carefree look in a compact space.
3. Attain a transparent look with light-coloured furniture and vibrant highlights
Make your white walls stand out with furniture that has an antique distress finish, stain layers or light colour polish. It gives an instant upgrade to any decorating scheme and makes a powerful style statement at the same time.
4. White and creative furniture adds flexibility to a space
To attain a buoyant look, use innovative sitting options such as silver-polished or white, light-weight metal stools.
5. Focal furniture and pale flooring creates a great impression
Too many design elements in a room kills the sense of spaciousness. Although smaller items take less space, having them scattered all over the room is not necessary. When decorating small rooms, create a central point with one prominent item or feature that will draw attention, like a beautiful armoire and limit the rest of the decor to an absolute minimum.
6. Matching furniture for a harmonious space
When the space is small, choose matching furniture such as the same polish or colour of the sofa and the centre table visually binds the space and this harmony creates a spacious feel. Sitting furniture with a woven texture tones down the look and complements the colour scheme.
7. Grab attention with bold and white hues
Opt for a vivid colour in a small space to steal the show. An armchair draped in a striking, singular colour with a monochromatic cushion can make for an eye-catching selection.
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Sanjukta Nandy
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Comments
Debasis Gupta
2016-06-02 17:52:09Very nicely illustrated and explained. For the common people, white is usually a non color and the sentiments to use it are damp. But after reading this piece, I'm sure people would master up courage to play with white and soft colours to make small spaces look spacious and sophisticated.
