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During the fall and winter months, we desire a cozy, warm, welcoming space. We need the snuggle of warm blankets and textured throws to cuddle up with in the evenings. Our homes benefit from the flicker of candlelight and woodsy fragrances. But in the spring, there is great peacefulness that comes to our spaces as we slowly begin to remove those heavier layers, and thoughtfully replace them with a little intentional white space. Here’s how…
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What is White Space?
White space is the intentionally blank areas that give your eye a moment to pause. It is used in journalism, editing, writing, and also in retail and home design. When our senses (sight, sound, smell) are continually bombarded with things to look at, smell, and hear, we can quickly become overwhelmed, and consequently, we notice far less because we can’t take it all in.
In this instance, the idea of less is more, is completely true. That’s why white space is so valuable, both in the written word, but also in our homes. As we live in a smaller space (1,200 sq feet), we have to be intentional about what we bring into our home. That means every piece must be carefully considered.
While the text-book definition of white space refers to the clearing of spaces, I refer more to the use of white in our spaces for this instance. Just as browns and blacks can be powerful allies during the fall and winter months, whites, creams, and ivories can be equally as powerful during the spring and summer. So let’s investigate the power of white space in our homes.
Add florals
While fall and winter stems are beautiful and add amazing texture to our spaces, spring beckons us to celebrate renewal and new life. We come out of hibernation, and the world literally beams with new life.
Adding florals, real or faux, is one of my favorite ways to add intentional white space to home. I love a good white *hydrangea. While all of the colors are beautiful, the white ones add a punch of contrast that draws the eye, but intentionally feels like white space. They simultaneously add interest, and give your eye a place to rest.
Select greenery with variation
If florals are not your thing, fear not! You can bring in the feeling of the outdoors with simple greenery stems. I have several spring *ficus stems that honestly feel like the leaves are just beginning to burst forth! I love them because they are very sparse. You can mix them with other greenery stems for a bouquet effect, or style them by themselves in a beautiful vessel.
Any time you add greenery to a space, it immediately brings interest and life. However, when striving to create white space, choosing greenery that is a little more open or has a variegation to the leaves will also create the same effect. Together, they give the eye a place to rest, and bring calmness to the surrounding design elements in the home.
Choose vessels intentionally
While we think a lot about the florals and stems we add into our space, the vessels we use are equally as important.
Using black vases with white florals is always a stunning contrast, using a cream or *white vessel is a great way to add in less. Giving that less is more, giving the eye less to notice in this instance, lends a feeling of calmness to the space.
During the spring and summer months, try swapping out darker heavier vases for vessels that contribute to white space. Taupes, creams, and whites, are all great options. They allow the florals or stems to be the star of the show without distracting the eye, or adding to a feeling of clutter.
Use white in the kitchen
One of the easiest ways to create white space in the kitchen or dining area, is through the use of a table runner. If you aren’t one to use a full table cloth, adding a white or ivory table runner can lend a similar feeling without the overwhelming bulk of fabric.
A *table runner can also ground any centerpieces or tables capes you may create for the spring or for an Easter brunch. The beauty of a table runner is that it is easily removed for laundering, or stored away for later use. At the same time, a white or ivory table runner can lend white space to the dining area, giving the eye a place to rest.
Even the smallest touches like a white *marble salt cellar, or *travertine candle holders in shades or creams and ivory can add interest and white space, while being intentional and utilitarian.
Reset shelves creatively
When restyling shelves or display spaces for the spring, be creative about the use of white space. On styling surfaces like cabinets, bookshelves, or other flat surfaces, be intentional about adding actual white space (the removal of items), and think creatively about choosing white space (adding in carefully selected white pieces.)
The use of books in design is not a new idea. In fact, coffee table books are some of my favorite things to use as risers. You can use them stacked under a vase of flowers, under a lamp, or even stacked inside a tray for added interest.
When considering the use of white space in home styling, try swapping out heavier colored books for ones with lighter covers. Often these coffee table books come with linen covers or bindings and are stunning in their own right. When selecting *books to use indesign for the spring, books with cream or ivory, taupe or natural colored covers are a great way to add white space.
Creating white space
As we begin to lean into the fresh awakening of spring, giving our homes a little breathing room is a good thing. Being creative about the use of white space, both by decluttering and decreasing, but also by intentionally adding touches of white to our spaces, gives the eye a place to rest, and leaves our homes feeling fresh and renewed. As the seasons change outdoors, create that same feeling of a new beginning indoors as well. It will bring you a lightness of being and a feeling of peacefulness and calm to your home.
xo, Billie
Resources:
Florals:
- Ivory White hydrangeas: https://amzn.to/3NfW9QX
- Ficus Stems: https://amzn.to/4lnMCEc
Vases and Vessels:
- Small White Vase: https://amzn.to/4s3AMSg
- Set of 2 white ceramic vases: https://amzn.to/4rmfnCs
Textiles:
- Ivory linen table runner: https://amzn.to/4sB1BNk
- Hemstitch linen napkins (set of 12): https://amzn.to/3OZMsqE
Books & Articles:
- The Love of Home: https://amzn.to/40mVKPO
- House Rules: https://amzn.to/4b0T4gT
- House + Love = Home: https://amzn.to/4lkikCd
- The Art of Home: https://amzn.to/3P1UcZ1
- Simple Spring Favorites: https://forwardourmail.com/spring-favorites/
- The Versatility of a Good Color Palette: https://forwardourmail.com/the-versatility-of-a-good-color-palette/
Styling:
- Marble salt cellar: https://amzn.to/4djQF2a
- Travertine candle holder: https://amzn.to/4cyGXsC
- Marble tea light holder: https://amzn.to/4d8OxKI
