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White Done Right: A guide to navigating Craig & Rose’s whites

White is anything but simple and we understand that selecting the perfect white is an art form. Our curated collection of whites — crafted with undertones to harmonise with light, space, and style, our collection offers endless versatility.

White Done Right: A guide to navigating Craig & Rose’s whites
design
06
Feb '25
06.02.25

White is anything but simple.

At Craig & Rose, where rich heritage meets modern design, we understand that selecting the perfect white is an art form. Our curated collection of whites — crafted with undertones to harmonise with light, space, and style, our collection offers endless versatility. Whether crafting a serene sanctuary or a bold architectural statement, discover how our whites adapt effortlessly in your home.

The Foundation: Harmonising Undertones

White is a chameleon. Its subtle it’s nuances — the whisper of cool blue, the hint of a golden cream, or the quiet neutrality that lets another colour’s sing. These undertones are the invisible curators of mood, shaping a room’s atmosphere long after the paint dries.

Step 1: Identify your room’s existing elements:

  • Flooring: Is your oak floor oiled by honeyed patina (warm) or does your polished concrete lean cool with grey undertones?
  • Furniture: A mid-century teak sideboard radiates warmth, while a steel framed sofa portrays cool modernity.
  • Fixed Finishes: Marble countertops with veining? Note if they’re icy Carrara (cool) or a creamy calacatta (warm).

The Golden Rule:

At Craig & Rose, precision in undertones transforms spaces into cohesive narratives. Consider your room’s existing elements as characters in a story—each must complement the other.

Warm wood panelling? Pair with Regency White (antique ivory) Chalky Emulsion on walls—its honeyed undertones echo aged timber, creating a dialogue between heritage and warmth. Cool grey sofa? Frame it with Dutch White (balanced grey white) Eggshell on skirting boards, where the paint’s subtle grey-blue undertone sharpens modernity without sterility. But tread carefully: a cool grey carpet paired with Pale Mortlake Cream gloss woodwork (golden undertones) creates visual discord. The clash of warm and cool here draws attention to imbalance rather than intention.

Step 2: Break the Rules (Strategically)

If you crave contrast, intentionally mix undertones, then bridge the gap with art, textiles, or decor in complementary shades.

Warm Isabelline walls against cool steel shelving? Introduce linen cushions in Dutch White (balanced grey) to mediate. Cool Pantry White trim in a warm room? Add artwork with slate blue frames to echo the undertone.