White is usually the default color for a space. But there is a big difference between leaving a room unpainted, and thus having the walls remain white, and deliberately CHOOSING white as your color.

A white room can be beautiful, luxurious, and rich.  But more than just looking great, the color white affects us physically and mentally.

White represents innocence, goodness, cleanliness and simplicity.  It encourages us to clear clutter and obstacles – in our home and our minds. In feng shui, white is related to the metal element. Metal is about precision and elegance. This pure color evokes purification of our thoughts and our actions and aids in mental clarity.

Classic white is bright and can create a sense of open space and cheerfulness, but it can also feel cold or bland.  To assure that you don’t create a sterile, unfriendly atmosphere, here are a few tips:

• Blend several tints of white (ivory, beige, linen) in the room.

• Use various textures in your walls, floor coverings, and textiles to create an elegant, sophisticated room.

• Layer your whites: add a rug, chenille throw, pillows, frames, etc.

• Use other colors on the walls, but paint all your moldings white for a clean, fresh look.

• To create a beachy atmosphere, use white accents in accessories, wainscoting, and gauzy fabrics.

• Instead of pure white, choose creamy shades of white add to a cozy, warm atmosphere.

• Use neutral white as an accent to make your other colors pop.

To enjoy the psychological effects of the color white, you don't need a lot of it. Accents like cream-colored window frames and doors can lift the look and feel of a whole room.

If you love the feeling of crisp freshness, remember to choose white deliberately.  You can consciously add a sense of purity, cleanliness and spirituality to your home.

Here’s to hope, light, and fresh beginnings.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com