of a room long after the paint has dried. The secret, it seems, lies in understanding that white is never truly ‘just white’. As interior textiles and soft furnishings expert Eva Sonaike knows, the most successful white schemes are built on subtlety. Working with Dulux Heritage’s timeless Chiltern White as her starting point, she shares the decorating decisions that make the biggest difference to how a room looks and feels.
hite has long been a default choice for walls, prized for its simplicity and versatility. But ask any interior designer, and they’ll tell you that choosing the right white is rarely an easy decision. Far from just acting as a blank canvas, the right white can soften harsh light, bring warmth to cooler spaces, and shape the mood
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In partnership with Dulux Heritage
Why White Is Never ‘Just White’ – The Heritage Shades That Transform a Room
Anyone can paint a room white – but getting it right is an art. Discover how interior textiles and soft furnishings expert Eva Sonaike uses Dulux Heritage's timeless whites to create spaces full of warmth and character
‘With so many nuances, choosing white can feel pretty daunting. But rather than searching for one universally ‘perfect’ shade, think instead about how you want each room to feel'
The Art of Decorating with White
While it's often described as a neutral, there’s nothing bland about the way white shapes a room. The slightest shift in undertone can soften a space or sharpen it; make a north-facing room feel warm and cocooning, or invite a sun-filled room to glow. The question is not why white, but which?
Much like a capsule wardrobe built on shades of cream, ivory, and oatmeal (rather than one flat tone), the most successful rooms layer complementary whites to create moments of subtle contrast and depth. A ceiling painted in one shade, woodwork in another, and walls in a third shade might appear effortless at first glance, but it’s these thoughtful variations in tone that stop a scheme from feeling flat or clinical.
Rather than treating white as a singular colour, Dulux Heritage celebrates its many guises. From the soft warmth of Chiltern White to the freshness of Chalk White, the gentle creaminess of Linen White, and the elegance of Roman White, every shade has its own character. And when used together, they create schemes that feel layered, timeless, and utterly inviting.
White in Different Lights
One of the reasons choosing the perfect white can feel daunting is that it is never a static colour. Morning light brings out different undertones than in the evening; north-facing rooms can mute warmth, while south-facing spaces amplify it. Artificial lighting then adds another layer of complexity to consider – meaning a paint colour that feels soft and creamy in one room of your home may appear cooler – or warmer – in another.
That’s why testing paint is just as important as choosing it. Dulux Heritage’s own Lighting Tool makes it easy to visualise how each shade behaves throughout the day and under different lighting conditions before you even pick up a paintbrush – taking much of the guesswork out of finding the right white for your home.
It’s Not Just the Colour – It's the Finish
One of the easiest ways to add depth to a white room is by varying not only the shade, but also the finish. Rather than drenching every surface in the same sheen, designers often use different finishes to create shifts in light and texture. Think walls in a soft Velvet Matt to absorb light and create a cosseting backdrop, with Eggshell bringing subtle luminosity to woodwork, cabinetry, and any architectural details.
Smooth and velvet to the touch, the effect is subtle rather than showy, but it gives a room an elegant richness that a single flat finish rarely achieves.
Finding Your White
With so many nuances, choosing white can feel pretty daunting. But rather than searching for one universally ‘perfect’ shade, think instead about how you want each room to feel. Is it soft and cocooning? Fresh and airy? Calm and cool? The answer often lies in considering the room’s natural light, the materials you’ll be pairing it with, and the emotion you’re hoping to create.
Dulux Heritage’s curated palette takes much of the guesswork out of the process, while its Lighting Tool helps you explore how different white tones will behave throughout the day before making your final decision. Whether you’re refreshing a single space or embarking on a full-scale reno, the best white isn’t necessarily the brightest or even the trendiest; it’s the one that makes you feel the most at home.
Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director, Little Greene
The Finishing Touches
If a timeless white paint with elegant undertones provides an enduring backdrop, it’s the layers that tell the story. As the video moves from Eva’s mood boards to the finished scheme, she shows how rich patterns, sculptural ceramics and warm woods can all sit comfortably alongside woven textiles and collected objects, creating a space that feels personal rather than just perfectly styled. White isn’t there to steal the spotlight; it simply helps to tie a whole look together whilst permitting everything else to shine.
Rather than decorating with white in isolation, Eva builds up her scheme around the oh-so soft Chiltern White, treating it as the foundation for layers of colour and character. The cool muted tones of Country Sky bring depth and definition, while earthy accents of Masters Gold and Red Ochre introduce a warmth that echoes through Eva’s vibrant textiles and handcrafted accessories.
The balanced warmth of Chiltern white allows these richer tones to take centre stage without overwhelming the space, while subtle tonal shifts between walls and woodwork add depth and contrast. The result is a room that feels warm and welcoming – proof that decorating with white isn’t about avoiding colour; it’s about creating the perfect backdrop for everything that makes your house feel like a home.
One of the easiest ways to add depth to a white room is by varying not only the shade, but also the finish. Rather than drenching every surface in the same sheen, designers often use different finishes to create shifts in light and texture'
Ready to find your perfect white? Whether you’re drawn to the understated warmth of Chiltern White or are inspired to explore the full Dulux Heritage collection, their online tools make choosing your perfect shade refreshingly simple – from seeing how your shade changes throughout the day (and night) to finding your nearest stockist to pick up a Dulux Heritage Colour Card or tester pot before making your final choice.