What does the celebrated film from 1987 say A fateful affair and white-and-wood design schemes have in common? They’re both instant classics. It’s only natural, then, that Glenn Close, star of the thriller mentioned above, uses white paint and wood detailing in her home to stunning results.
The award-winning actress shared a glimpse of her home on her Instagram page, and the setting caught our eye with its timeless yet traditional feel. White-painted brick walls are framed by oak furniture, giving it a modern farmhouse vibe.
“White paint provides a crisp, clean background that allows the organic warmth of the wood to shine,” says designer Nina Lichtenstein. “The contrast between the two elements creates visual tension by highlighting the texture and grain of the wood while keeping the overall impression fresh and airy. This balance of warmth and coolness is key to the timeless appeal of the combination.”
The beauty of white and wood is their versatility. White, the ultimate neutral, is a blank canvas for further textured and colorful additions, while wood is sturdy and inviting.
“White paint and wood accents can be adapted to almost any decorating style,” she explains. “Whether it’s the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism, the cozy appeal of farmhouse chic, or the simple elegance of modern design, this combination adapts effortlessly. White can be the unifying element that allows different wood tones to coexist, creating a unified look that is both timeless and on-trend.”
She continues, “When combining white paint and wood accents, be sure to maintain a balance between the two,” says Lichtenstein. “In a room with predominantly white walls, you can incorporate wood into flooring, ceiling beams, mantels or furniture. Conversely, in a room with wood walls, ceilings or floors, white-painted furniture or cabinetry can provide the perfect contrast.”
(Photo credit: Jillian Kliewer Interior Design / Photography Stephen Paul)
While Close opted for mid-tone wood, Lichtenstein believes that mixing and matching different types of wood is a great way to add visual interest to a minimalist, white space.
“Don’t be afraid to mix different wood tones in the same room,” she suggests. “White paint has a neutralizing effect and allows you to experiment with different wood tones without making the room look chaotic. For example, a light oak floor can be complemented by darker walnut furniture and medium-toned wood accessories. Likewise, willow benches with a natural spruce edge can be complemented by pine ceiling beams with a shou-sugi-ban finish and a maple table with a natural spruce edge.”
Wooden and cream kitchen preparation set
This elegant and warm prep kit has everything you could need and is easy to organize.
The ideal accessory for the host at large dinner parties.
Kitchen containers in white and wood
This container offers sufficient storage space for all dry goods or cutlery.
In a white and wood room, we recommend bringing in additional natural materials to add further accents. Textured fabrics like linen and rattan look fantastic as placemats on wooden dining tables or as woven baskets on white rugs. Additionally, use white paint to highlight natural architectural features like wooden beams for a perfect combination.
