Yes; white is a color and
a significant one at that. White may be described, ironically, as the mere
absence of color when referring to pigments and in light, white is the presence
of all colors.
Have
you ever thought of painting an entire room white?
If you peruse through
home magazines, you might have noticed the strong movement toward all white
rooms inclusive of large artwork of black and white photography.
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| Farrow & Ball. 'All White' estate emulsion used on ceiling and walls. 'All White' estate eggshell used on woodwork. |
One color used on walls and woodwork, white in this instance, generates a sense of calm in the
room. To do this, you use the same shade of white but change the finish sheen
levels. Gloss for the trim, matte for the walls and ceiling, and Satin for the
floor. Or you can create a dreamy effect by choosing similar shades of
different whites using different sheen levels to layer the room's architectural features. Both methods produce a clear, clean look.
Combining black with white will create an unparalleled neutral landscape. Black juxtaposed to white is powerful yet soft, yin and yang. Using black as an accent to an all white room brings an air of formality, elegance and sophistication.
White can exaggerate
the size of the room as there are no contrasts to draw the eye. An all white
room builds inner focus, centers your thoughts therefore creating a feeling
of freedom and uncluttered openness. There is nothing to distract your analytical or creative thought process.
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| BDDW - Lake Credenza in White Lacquer and Osage Orange |
Some may say white is
cold and antiseptic. That is only true when the proper aesthetic accents and
details are not added. Here you see how the ‘osage orange’ wood door front becomes a
significant feature in the space and literally “floats” against the all white backdrop.
White
has been used as symbolism all throughout history.
The angels in early art
were always draped in white.
Greeks wore white to
cause pleasant dreams.
In the Hindu Upanishads,
the white color of the fire is considered to be the color of the water.
In ancient Ireland white
represented south.
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| Bonnie Edelman Photography |
To the Navaho white
denotes the eastern mountains and the creator of the day, and to the Hopi it
denotes the east.
To the Chinese white
represents the west as well as being the symbol for metal and the traditional
color for mourning.
In Siam white elephants
are sacred.
A white flag is raised as
a token of peaceful and friendly intentions or as a symbol of surrender.
White is purity,
goodness, light and innocence. It is considered perfection. White is generally
positive and simple.
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| Chateau - Fleur Blanc Polished Water Jet mosaic. Artistic Tile. |
White Inspired.
