Antique white
Nothing better enhances the look and feel of a room graced with fine antique furnishings and old wood floors than a mellow, yellow white. The whites in this spectrum are reliable, providing sunny warmth to northern interiors.
• Kimberley's perfect pairing: Antique white Parchment
Para Paints' Notepaper P834-4 is a finely aged white that takes on the soft appearance of parchment paper, providing the ideal backdrop for antiques and rich wood tones. Look to Europe for historic examples of softly yellowed white for walls and trim. This choice works best where there's some sunlight present. It plays off lively raspberry, grassy green and lavender beautifully.
Blush white
With a mere suggestion of rose beneath the surface, this variation is lusty and youthful -- and flatters nearly all skin tones. Although blush whites have a touch of femininity, when paired with strong neutrals like chocolate brown, charcoal grey and black, they make a handsome masculine statement.
• Kimberley's perfect pairing: Blush white Mink
Farrow & Ball's Dimity 2008 provides a hint of blush. White strikes
a feminine pose when pink is just below the surface. Oyster white is ideal
for powder rooms and bedrooms as it flatters most skin tones. Or for drama, play matchmaker with a soft pinkish white plus mink or charcoal.
Read more in Decorating & Design and Design Lesson
