Decorating with Pantone's Colour of the Year: White room design ideas

Experts at the Pantone Colour Institute, a global authority on colour trends, comb the globe each year to gather inspiration for their widely anticipated Colour of the Year – a colour they believe will be a defining one for the months ahead. Their choice is guided by everything from social-economic conditions to popular travel destinations, and in turn influences design across all industries, from film to fashion to home interiors.

Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2026 has proved controversial, for its absence of colour and what it might signify. Cloud Dancer, described by Pantone as an inspirational 'soft' and 'billowy' shade, is seen as clinical and socially tone-deaf by others. Interior design experts have warned that using this white in the home could feel stark rather than serene, at odds with the warmth that underpins the other major interior trends for 2026.

When used correctly, white can be a soothing presence within the home, with the added advantage of making spaces appear larger. It can even be cosy in the right conditions! If you've been inspired by Pantone's expansive shade, browse these classic white room design ideas and follow our tips for preserving warmth and depth when decorating with this challenging colour.

A room-by-room overview

·         Bedrooms: White-grey paint colours, like Cloud Dancer, are best for bedrooms. The cool undertones promote peace and pair well with the cool blues recommended for sleep spaces, from joyful sky blue to cocooning navy.

·         Living room: For communal spaces designed for socialising and relaxation, warmer whites with yellow or beige undertones are cosier and more inviting.

·         Bathroom: Contrasting with black in a monochrome design is chic – think geometric Art Deco tiles and Parisian flair – and helps avoid white bathrooms looking too clinical. Alternatively, seek to create Scandi-inspired cosiness by introducing warm neutrals.

Key ideas for white room design

White walls with matching décor are a bold choice in any room. They can establish an airy sanctuary or make a glamorous statement of serenity and order, but the lack of colour will lay bare any flaws in the design. Before you make the move, explore our tricks of the trade for nailing the use of white in your home interior design.

Layer multiple shades

Even if one type of white is advisable for a living space, this doesn't mean you're limited to one colour. Layering multiple shades from the same family (cool or warm) adds surprising depth, helping to retain the all-important home haven feel. For example, decorating ideas when having white walls in the bedroom include using milk-white linens for freshness and a grounding grey-white carpet between cool and neutral. In the living room, mix buttery whites that evoke sunlight with beige-backed cream and ivory.

When combining such closely related colours, the key to achieving a congruous look is (ironically) in contrasts. Match crisp with creamy and muted with bright, and play around with shapes, silhouettes and patterns to highlight the range of shades.

Celebrate natural light

One of the best ways to stop a white room from appearing clinical is to celebrate natural light. Having that light reflect off the white décor significantly enhances the overall brightness in a way that even the best layered lighting scheme cannot replicate.

Keep windows clean and clear of clutter or furniture, using sheer curtains or adjustable blinds to maximise how much sunlight is able to enter. Positioning a mirror opposite windows will help to reflect light around rooms and make the spaces feel larger and more open. During the winter, you can use SAD lamps in bedrooms to mimic natural light on dark mornings. When considering white living room décor ideas, prioritise lamps because dim areas will look cold and grey in the absence of natural light.

Feature natural materials

Bringing in natural materials as well as natural light will help to maintain cosiness. Introduce light wood furniture like Hammonds fitted living furniture with an oak finish, perhaps balanced against wooden floors (or laminate or vinyl lookalikes) or sandy carpets where you want more warmth. Choose a rattan or wool rug over something synthetic like faux fur, and feature marble in counters or table tops and stone around fireplaces.

Consider the smaller touches, too. Opt for natural fabrics like linen and cotton when selecting curtains, cushion covers and throws. Integrating houseplants and floral motifs is a subtle way to add pops of colour without spoiling the overall white design.

Prioritise texture

When you can't use colour to establish depth and dimension, texture is all-important. Blend as many different materials as possible, using the contrasts to create natural zones within the room.

For example, break up white walls with Hammonds white fitted living furniture to encase ornaments and media equipment and place a white sofa with embroidered cushions and knitted throws opposite. This balances hard and functional with sofa and welcoming, and separates the room into distinct yet linked parts. Experiment with using painted wood or exposed brick in functional zones and layering fabrics in rest-and-relaxation spots, like on beds and seating areas.

Get tailored white room design ideas from our experts

Feeling inspired by these foundational white room design ideas, and ready to make Cloud Dancer your colour of the year? Get in touch and book a free design visit with one of our experts to discuss the palette, layout, fitted furniture and other décor that would work best in your space for a cosy, non-clinical finish.