Feel calm and collected with minimal white

Until the 19th century, only a few women could afford a wedding dress made from costly white fabric. But when Queen Victoria wore white silk, satin and lace at her wedding in 1840, she started a more general fashion trend and these days, white is traditionally the first choice for a Western bride.

In many cultures, white (whether it’s worn for weddings or not) is the colour of purity, simplicity and spirituality, which makes it the perfect option for a space in which you want to think, read, relax or simply free your mind from life’s worries.

For a truly peaceful haven, keep your colour palettes minimal. For a fresh, modern feel, blend bright whites with similarly toned cool neutrals, such as dove grey and velvety limestone, or for a slightly more traditional interior, pair white with smoky warm neutral hues, like sandstone and rich taupe.