1. 74 December 2014 | gardenandhome.co.za
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TEXTKarienSlabbertPHOTOGRAPHSDavidRoss
decorating with white
The lightest
Everyone dreams of having a white room,
but contrary to popular belief, it takes skill to
achieve the right effect. We asked Jo’burg
interior designer Ockert Snyman of Jacket
Interiors for advice
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2. gardenandhome.co.za | December 2014 75
1Starting point
“Always start with the bigger furniture pieces,” says
Ockert, who decorated this home in Westcliff, Jo’burg, in a
combination of whites, creams and neutrals. “After creating
the ‘framework’, begin adding texture and pattern to ensure
depth and dimension. I like to use natural linens and
cottons like this Roma linen from St Leger & Viney teamed
with cushions in damask linen, also from St Leger & Viney.”
2Set the tone
“When decorating with white it’s important to work with warm
tones to prevent the room from looking clinical and sterile. Choose
whites like Plascon Double Velvet Dried Leaf (EC25) or Frothy Milk
(EC7). Don’t restrict yourself to one shade, use a combination of pearl,
alabaster, snow and warmer tones of ivory for a balanced look. Here,
I added a patterned fabric, Lizzo from St Leger & Viney, on the two
armchairs to break the white,” says Ockert.
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3. 76 December 2014 | gardenandhome.co.za
Source Jacket Interiors jacketinteriors.co.za
3Vary the finishes
It’s important to mix matt and glossy finishes
to prevent the room from looking flat. “A Duco
finish like this one used on the matching pair
of drinks cabinets makes the furniture look
contemporary and sophisticated and is a good
contrast to the Roma linen-covered ottoman and
sofa. In the living area (pictured above right), the
rough texture of the coffee table with leather straps
contrasts with the smooth ceramics,” he says.
4Bring in natural textures
“Make sure there is a good textural balance
by using different layers,” suggests Ockert. White
and natural materials such as raw wood, reed
blinds and driftwood are a great match as white
shows off the beauty of the wood grain. Large
leafy plants also add a feeling of freshness.
5Reflections
To bring in a touch of glamour you can’t go wrong with
mirror. “I like to use it as wall cladding and in the form of
large overscaled mirrors like the multi-panelled one used here
in the entrance hall,” says Ockert.
6Finishing touches
Glass, white ceramics and silver all work well in white rooms.
Always group accessories rather than dotting them about singly as
they look more striking this way. “Choose those with interesting
finishes like these jars with their richly textured surface design,”
says Ockert.
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