Alabaster Dream: 3 Reasons to Embrace Soft White

Color holds a powerful connection to our mood and well-being. We can feel invigorated, relaxed, inspired, and even disheartened simply by being exposed to certain shades. Because of this, color is one of the most fundamental elements of interior design. While we often find ourselves drawn to certain color schemes, it is important to consider how each tone will influence our feelings, as well as how it will impact the scale and proportions of the room itself.

When you find a color that truly resonates with your inner being, you may find monochromatic interior design appealing. The process is a true artform that requires an expert eye for nuance. While this tonal approach is often thought of as simply repeating a single shade, it actually works best when slight variances in tone, saturation, and finish are applied to the hue. In this way, the color itself becomes the focal point of the design telling its story through fine texture, elegant details, and expert layering.

When it comes to color, many are drawn to the inviting glow of alabaster. Often interchanged with ivory, cream, ecru, and crisp winter white, alabaster is a warm white with soft yellow undertones making it ideal for any room or interior design style – and often more approachable than bright white. In natural light, alabaster feels bright and airy. By evening, it takes on a comforting warmth that is inviting and cozy. The light shade can make small spaces feel bigger while its hint of earthy undertones provides just the right amount of depth to accentuate architectural details. If alabaster sounds like a dream to you, consider these reasons to wrap your home in a monochromatic feeling of peaceful comfort.

Stylish Simplicity
Focusing on a single color provides a design-forward approach to simplicity. However, creating depth within the space requires variation in saturation, texture and finish. Pulling from a palette of slightly different hues within the same color family adds dimension while still maintaining harmony. When considering color variances, apply the hero hue to the largest expanse within the room such as open walls, cabinetry, and flooring. Complementary shades can be used in areas such as moldings, furnishings, or decorative accents. Scaling finishes from matte to high gloss can also provide nuance even when applied to the same shade.

Structured Details
Tonal design provides the freedom to experiment with detail while remaining harmonious. Woodgrain, bold marble, and tactile fabrics create movement and detail without overpowering the continuity of monochromatic design. Even patterns and prints can be incorporated when pulled from the monochromatic palette. Incorporating accents from an adjacent color family provides delicate contrast when working within a large space.

Layered Textures
Layered textures further enhance visual interest within a monochromatic design. Materials such as wood, stone, and metal can be mixed throughout the space when pulled from similar undertones. The uniform color scheme provides a canvas that emphasizes often overlooked design qualities such as the profile of a cabinet door or the elevation of ceramic tile. Even light creates a beautiful interplay against a monochromatic palette. Combined, these layers of texture and detail establish a sculptural quality that adds depth and dimension to a monochromatic design.

Finding Inspiration
Whether you gravitate toward bold and bright or soft and muted, designing in color is truly about feeling. Color is all around us and finding inspiration can come in many forms. Spend time in nature, look through cherished photographs, and examine your wardrobe. What colors stand out to you and what feelings do they invoke? As you seek the inspiration to shape your home’s design, explore a collection of Wood-Mode projects or request an idea book to help move you toward your life of beauty.