White Done Right: Contemporary Style

Since white reflects light back, pay attention to how light enters a room, and when natural light is present, like in this bedroom by designer Van Tullis. The kind of light bulbs used have a considerable effect on a white palette because incandescent bulbs contain more of a yellow cast, where fluorescents often emit either a pink or blue hue. "I personally like a halogen bulb over an incandescent bulb; it’s a little bit more pure light, more like natural light," says Heldenbrand. Natural light provides a warmer spectrum. Since walls absorb various shades based on light conditions, Heldenbrand recommends experimenting with three two foot by two foot panels of white wall coloring to see how various light hit them at all hours. "By the next day, you’ll have eliminated two of those colors, just because you don’t like how several of them look."