11 Rooms with White Walls That Are Anything But Boring

In the last ten years very neutral color schemes have become super popular. And look guys, I love white walls as much as the next person (obviously). They feel fresh and bright, and give you a blank slate. I get it. I do. But it seems that everyone’s love of neutrals has been diluted down a bit. But white walls does not have to mean boring! In order for white walls to not fall flat you need PLENTY of texture, color and depth in the room. These rooms are some of my favorite examples of rooms that still have a punch of interest, but keep the freshness of white walls that we all love. What do you think? Is there a certain style or strategy that you like best?

My favorites from some talented designers:

1. This nook by Amber Interiors is the perfect example of a very neutral color scheme that still feels very interesting. The walls, trim and chairs are all an off-white. But what makes this room captivating is the layers and layers of texture and styling. They achieved a lot of depth by painting the back of the built-ins a dark color. Although all neutral in color, the wicker lamp, boucle chairs, linen accents and antique rug draw you in and make you want to stay awhile. Know what I mean?

2. I am obsessed with this bedroom. The walls, bed and most of the bedding are all crisp and neutral. But the curtains and accent pillows introduce a richness in both color and velvety texture. This is a great way to start to play with color, without a big commitment. Pillows and curtains are much easier to swap out than painting a whole room or replacing your bed.

3. This laundry room feels so fresh and so clean! It’s very common in the south to paint your porch ceiling sky blue. Painting the mudroom/laundry room ceiling light blue is a fun way to incorporate this trend indoors. Plus, you get some color without feeling like the ceiling is coming down on you. Add some vintage art and you have a cheerful laundry room with plenty of character!

Image: Whitney McGregor for Southern Living

4. Sarah from Room for Tuesday is a master of modern sophistication. This dusty blue trim feels elevated and the bright white walls keep it fresh. I love that she chose the dusty blue, rather than a greyish-beige. It feels elegant with just a touch of playfulness. Styled differently obviously, this concept would be adorable for a nursery.

5. This room feels like the definition of “pop of color”. I’m typically very cautious when people say “pop of color” because it often means a random, super bright pillow thrown on the couch. Jeffrey Bilhuber knows what he’s doing: the color in this room feels balanced. Accents of magenta, blue and chartreuse are placed throughout the room, rather than sporadically thrown in one or two spots. Rant over.

6. A little mid-century modern, a little boho. What’s not to like? Studio Ashby used different textiles and contrasting colors of olive and pink to create interest. Plus, the juxtaposition of the sleek brass light with the antique art is a fun contrast.

7. This room feels like a similar concept to our living room. The walls and window treatments are neutral , but the built-ins are an easy way to incorporate a color. They also layer in small and medium florals throughout the room to keep things interesting.

8. This room from A Glass of Bovino layers millwork, curtains, wallpaper, modern art and lamps - all in a white and off-white color scheme. If your heart is set on a very strictly neutral color scheme, think about how you can layer in as many elements as much as possible.

9. Jean Stoffer can truly do no wrong. The ceiling, walls and millwork are all the same shade of crisp white, along with a couple of the pieces of furniture. You can’t stop looking at the cool shape of the light fixture and the velvet chairs in saturated green. She also mixes styles perfectly, which prevents all the white from falling flat.

10. Everyone loves white tile. I love how Grace carried it all the way up the wall. The bright turquoise vanity is the real showstopper and is all it takes to set this bathroom apart. She also repurposed an antique dresser with an interesting silhouette and shape.

11. Keyanna uses her styling pieces as the interest in this space. She keeps the walls, shades, curtains, daybed and light fixture all very clean. The shelves almost blend into the walls, allowing her accessories to shine. This is a great strategy if you have a lot of knick-knacks, but want to keep the visual interest to a minimum.