This glam family home shows that to decorate with white is an art form
This home is a masterclass in how to decorate with white - white walls, a white kitchen, a white bathroom and just the right amount of accent shades throughout
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

THE PROPERTY
Although a common theme in modern interior design, learning how to decorate with white is not as easy as it sounds. There's picking the right shade, and then there's choosing the accent tones that bring it to life.
This modern home (opens in new tab) in Springfield, New Jersey, was refurbished and decorated by Victoria Bell Design (opens in new tab), taking around nine months to gut it and start again.
The house's original plan was a version of a split level. The kitchen was tiny and walled off and the living room and dining room were conjoined. The dining room and living were carpeted wall-to-wall.
To make the main floor flow better, Victoria knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, and extended the kitchen so it became the hub of the house. Then, she made the living room into the dining room and added on a family room, with the windows on every wall, vaulted ceilings and beams.
In addition to changing and adding to the layout, she ripped out all of the carpet on the main floor and restored the hardwood floors underneath.
See Also: Beyond the pale - how to decorate with white (opens in new tab)
Kitchen
Among the things to consider when designing a kitchen, colour and storage are both key.
Victoria wanted to make sure the kitchen became the heart of the home, so keeping the palette to a bright white kitchen (opens in new tab) meant it felt inviting and fresh, while stripping back to the hardwood floors stops the white from seeming too clinical.
By keeping the kitchen cabinets bright white, sink and window fittings feel like a cohesive part of the design - nothing stands out or is jarring to the eye.
Kitchen islands for modern homes are as practical as they are aesthetic. Here, this island is slim enough to not take up too much floor plan, with an overhang just big enough to allow stools to tuck under.
Dining room
With a gently textured wallpaper, dark blue shelving and Ghost chairs by Kartell, the grown up dining room is sophisticated and characterful without being a break from the white seen elsewhere in the home.
See Also: Stylish White Living Room Ideas (opens in new tab)
Family room
The family room has windows on every wall, vaulted ceilings and beams. The result is a light and bright living room, given charm by the jewel green L shaped sofa.
Bathroom
It's easy for an all white bathroom (opens in new tab) to feel clinical, but this one has details which make sure it has personality. The black bathroom taps are a modern touch, and the antiqued edges to the mirror give a sense to time worn warmth.
The black fixtures carry over to the shower room, a contemporary touch next to the sleek white tiles.
See more work from Victoria Bell Design here (opens in new tab)
All images by Raquel Langworthy (opens in new tab)
See Also: Black and white bathroom ideas for a modern, monochrome look
(opens in new tab)
Shining a spotlight on the now and the next in home design and decor, Livingetc is the UK's best selling high end and contemporary home design magazine. As a brand, Livingetc showcases the world's very best homes, breaks and makes the trends, and has access to leading international designers for insight and ideas. It was first published in 1998, and is currently edited by Pip Rich.
-
-
How can I make a KALLAX unit look more expensive? 6 simple tricks to get this IKEA favorite to feel more luxurious
These easy alterations will turn your IKEA KALLAX from listless to luxe, even if you're a DIY novice
By Lilith Hudson • Published
-
Natural gas grill vs propane: is there any difference between the two types of gas grill?
Wondering whether you should choose a natural gas grill over propane? We look at the differences in cost, convenience, and more
By Caroline Preece • Published
-
Tour a mid-century house in Philadelphia with a modern take on Mad Men style
This mid-century house in Philadelphia is a modern take on mid-century design and the perfect backdrop for this enviable collection of art and objects
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
This modern Edwardian house in Melbourne is small but mighty
It may be small, but thanks to its ingenious design, this Edwardian house in Melbourne makes family living a breeze
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
Old meets new in this apartment in New York's East Village - a former community centre built in 1860
The owner of this loft-style apartment in New York's East Village mixes ancient and modern with timeworn pieces, design classics and his own abstract art...
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
Explore this super-contemporary coastal house in Cornwall
This coastal house in Cornwall is all about drinking in the uninterrupted views of nature at its most raw, most pure…
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
Explore this spacious detached 1900s house in southeast London with stylish modern interiors
Edgy textures, luxe materials and a mix of vintage and bargain buys transformed a blank detached 1900s house in southeast London into a home full of personality.
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
This large house in west London is minimal yet playful
A firefighter’s pole in the kitchen and a slide down the stairs? This house in west London proves minimalism can also be fun.
By Livingetc • Last updated
-
Inside A Clever Garden Room That Doubles As A Chic Guest House
This striking garden room design incorporates a sleeping area, kitchenette, loo and shower, as well as plenty of storage space, making it ideal as both a self-contained guest house or a restful retreat to escape to.
By Lotte Brouwer • Published
-
This light and bright Victorian terrace in west London is relaxed yet stylish
This chic Victorian terrace in west London is full of clever ideas that allow it to evolve.
By Livingetc • Last updated