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White Space | 10 Simple, Chic Examples for Your Dorm or Apartment


When faced with the blank white walls of a dorm or apartment, it can be hard to see the potential. You linger on the "What If's" and how lovely your space could look if you were allowed even just to paint one wall. But hold it right there. White doesn't have to be boring. White walls a blank canvas upon which you can paint your style and personality. Even Rachel Ashwell agrees.

So in the spirit of all you lovely ladies moving into your white-walled dorms and apartments, I'll be featuring White Spaces that showcase a lot of different decorating styles, ideas, and ways of organizing. From the cluttered, creative, and chaotic to the modern, minimal, and tranquil... and everything in between.

To start off, I've rounded up ten rooms that are simple yet chic so that you can see how easy it really is to make your mark on the blank canvas that is your living space.

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Get eclectic by forgoing a color scheme, mixing floral patterns with graphic prints, and embracing taxidermy.

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Stay clean and minimal with a surprise up your sleeve. Sleek lines, a light toned curvy chair, and ta-da! A bold, gold-framed chalkboard lends a punch of black and an ornate touch.

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Mix vintage and color to bring out character. Minimize clutter and let furniture do double duty.

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Live in the pale. White, light wood tones, and a pop of pastel accented by kitschy knick knacks keep the colors soothing but display interesting.

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Go bold. Pick a color (like red) and go for it. But not all over. Just in strategically placed punches.

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Mix and match the pillows. Let black be your backdrop. And add art.

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Let books work as art, bringing in visual interest and color. Keep the rest simple, but with a little mix and matched flavor.

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Combine the crispness of white with bright, bold colors and patterns. Then add a wood touch here and there to bring the colors and print back down to earth.

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Go glam. Metallic finishes, ladylike curves on furniture, and lush texture make for an elegant, dramatic space... even with all the white.

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When in doubt, and if you shy away from color... pull the classic B&W card. It never fails.

Which of these are your favorite? And how do you deal with white walls?





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