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What is white good for anyway?

From the Resene decorating blog

Purity, wholesomeness and innocence are the emotions people typically feel when they see the colour white.

However, there are times when it can seem a little 'loud' or 'obnoxious'. Ever get a headache when you walk into a room adorned with white furnishings and walls that look as if they were washed with bleach?

What is white good for anyway?
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That being said, bleach white is only one rendition of this colour. Between Resene Albescent White and Resene Half Whiteout, a variety of hues are available for selection.

In order to know how to appropriately use this colour, you need to understand the science behind it. There are times when it should be leveraged as a dominant or a submissive shade when paired with other hues. It all depends on the type of effect you're looking to create.

The positives

First, let's focus on the positive aspects of white. Because it can inspire thoughts of purity and innocence, some people may interpret the colour as a symbol of a fresh start. It is completely untouched or untarnished, capable of being shaped into something new.

This concept relates to the fact that white is the presence of all colours. No colour dominates the other, as each one shares an equal space within a focused spectrum.

In addition to this concept of equality, white can instigate cleansing emotions, as if a person is undergoing a spiritual awakening. Perhaps this is due to the fact that white reflects light as opposed to absorbing it.

When it's a bit too much

There are times when white can make people feel isolated, even vacuous. Sometimes, when people experience these emotions, they can feel anxious or uncomfortable. Being in an all-white room with artificial lighting may inspire the need to escape from something.

Why? All-white rooms typically suffer from a lack of depth. The dimensions aren't emphasised in a manner that makes a person feel as if they're in a defined, comfortable space. While white usually isn't oppressive, too much of it can be incredibly unsettling. More anxious people may even encounter subdued panic.

Lacklustre dimensions and plainness also reminds some people of sterility. This suggests that white doesn't have much potency – a factor many homeowners look for when searching for colours.

What works well with white?

Thankfully, white isn't that difficult to work with. Depending on which paints you pair it with, you can inspire different emotions in yourself and any house guests you may invite over:

Just like its opposite, black, there are both negatives and positives to white. The key is figuring out how to use it to suit your home.

Colours mentioned in this blog...

April 21, 2015

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