Adding Neutrals

A white room filled with white furnishings is too much of a good thing, but if you add natural textures and a rich array of neutral colors, white becomes the clean, serene backdrop for comfort and relaxation. White sets the stage for a sleek contemporary look, but it's also the key to modern country style.

To achieve that livable quality, include the full range of wood tones, from blond to cherry to ebony, when you select tables, picture frames, and accessories. Leave golden pine floors bare, or add sisal or jute area rugs for extra texture. Use wicker baskets for storage and select weathered wood or rusted metal accessories to introduce still more types of surfaces.

To maintain a mostly white envelope, add these touches sparingly. For a stronger color impact, bring in more neutrals. In addition to the expected browns, beiges, grays, and black, neutrals can include olive, ocher, blue-gray, and muted gray-green -- colors readily found in nature.

Is white practical? If you love white but think it's not for you because you have a houseful of kids and pets, don't be too quick to dismiss it. Walls painted with satin- or eggshell-finish latex can be wiped to remove jelly handprints. Washable cotton slipcovers on the sofa and chairs will make a major impact on the room's appearance and offer easy maintenance.