WINTER INSPO
F ew colours can be more divisive in a home decor scheme than white. Done wrong, too much white can suggest sterility and a soullessness that has no place in a home. However, perceptions are changing in the home decor realm towards a white- forward outlook. As we move into 2026, a chalky colour scheme comes to the fore to add depth and warmth to a space. It’s even been recognised by colour expert Pantone, whose colour of the year has just been announced as Cloud Dancer – a lofty white to symbolise calm, focus and quiet reflection. Suzanne Hayes is an interiors expert and the director of Headboards & Interiors, a UK-based design studio known for its refined and understated approach to both soft furnishings and bespoke headboard design. With many years of experience helping homeowners elevate their spaces through incorporating tasteful, thoughtful colour palettes and considered textures, Suzanne has a particular eye for creating calm, cohesive schemes. “People often think of white as the absence of colour, but in interiors it behaves more like a framework,” she says. “It gives you an incredibly adaptable base that can evolve with you, whether you switch up the artwork, change your soft furnishings or adjust the lighting. “White is great for people who like their spaces to do multiple jobs because it never competes with what you place in front of it.” Clean and serene There is also an element of mindful seasonality behind embracing white in
WHITE ON THE MONEY Glasswells (left) and The Cotswold Company (right) show white can be used to draw out and enhance other colours as it is never trying to compete with the rest of your interior
the home at this particular time of year. The shade has long been associated with clarity and relaxation, creating a calming atmosphere within a home. “White is typically synonymous with cleanliness and spaciousness, which is why it’s used in wellness spaces to create a fresh and healing aesthetic,” explains Ethan Fox, an interior design expert at Furniture World. “Modern homeowners are often looking to create a space where they can relax and unwind after a busy, stressful day, and white provides a perfect, serene environment to do this. We are now seeing a shift towards interior designs that prioritise mindfulness and intentional styling.” The most important consideration in any home design project is how we want a space to make us feel, and this is where white plays a key role. “White is also known for its ability to maximise space by making a room feel bright and airy,” Ethan adds. “A spacious home is essential when moving into the dark winter months, as you’re bound to spend more of your time indoors.”
KICK BACK White can be both subtle and relaxing – perfect for bedrooms as shown by the Secret Linen Store (right) and sitting areas from Lime Lace (left)
78 JANUARY 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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