Latest News

The Five Favourite Whites of Australia's Best Kitchen Designers

As we scour through the specifications of all of our award entries, we see that a few whites routinely appear in the two pac selections.

1. Dulux Natural White – This warm and neutral white is often used for its adaptability in both traditional and contemporary settings. Danielle Bonello-Dunsford (Danielle Victoria Design Studio) applied it beautifully in this stunning small kitchen entry.

When is White Warm, Cool or Neutral?

White can be warm, cool, or neutral, depending on its undertones and the context in which it is used. Here's how to distinguish them:

Warm Whites

Characteristics: subtle peach, pink or yellow undertones.
Appearance: creamy, soft, and inviting.
Examples: Dulux Whisper White, Dulux Antique White USA, Dulux White Dune Half, Dulux Hog Bristle Quarter, Dulux Hog Bristle Half and Dulux White Beach Quarter.

Cool Whites

Characteristics: Often carry blue or grey undertones and are helpful in tempering bright light.
Appearance: Crisp, clean, and modern.
Examples: Dulux Vivid White (with some cautions – scroll down for more info), Dulux White on White, Dulux Lexicon Quarter, Dulux Lexicon Half, Dulux Lexicon, Dulux Terrace White.

Neutral Whites

Characteristics: Balanced undertones, neither too warm nor too cool.
Appearance: Versatile and adaptable to different settings.
Examples: Dulux White Polar Quarter, Dulux Natural White, Dulux Snowy Mountains Half, Dulux Casper White Quarter, Dulux Charmed White, Dulux White Exchange Half

Factors Influencing Perception of Colour Temperature

Lighting
Warm lighting (incandescent or yellow-toned) can make whites appear warmer.
Cool lighting (LED or daylight bulbs) can make whites look cooler.

Surrounding or Adjoining Colours
Whites may shift in perception depending on adjacent colours. For example, a neutral white can appear warmer next to blues or cooler next to yellows.

Teaming Whites with Timber

As you can see in the images above, teaming white with timber creates a balance of brightness and warmth. To achieve a cohesive and stylish look, consider the following factors:

Undertones and Colour Matching

Undertone

Choose a white paint or laminate with undertones that complement the timber's colour. For instance:

• Warm Timber (like oak or walnut): Pair with whites that have warm undertones (see above for examples).
• Cool Timber (like ash or birch): Opt for cooler whites with grey or blue undertones.

Texture and Finish

Consider the texture of both the timber and white materials. Glossy white finishes pair well with smooth or lightly grained timber for a modern look, while matte whites and textured woods create a more rustic or Scandinavian style.

Natural, unfinished or lightly stained timber adds warmth and organic appeal to stark white surfaces.

Proportion and Balance

Balance the use of white and timber to avoid one overwhelming the other. For example:

• Use timber for cabinetry or accents, with white on walls, benchtops, or splashbacks.
• Alternatively, use white cabinetry with timber benchtops or open shelving.

Design Style

Modern and Minimalist: Opt for light-coloured timbers and pure whites to emphasise clean lines and simplicity.

Rustic or Industrial: Pair darker, rougher woods with softer or creamier whites for contrast.

Scandinavian: Combine light timber and warm whites with simple, functional designs

Lighting

As indicated above, lighting significantly impacts how colours are perceived. Timber's natural tones and white's reflectiveness can change under warm versus cool lighting, so test the combination in various lighting conditions.

Durability and Maintenance

Consider the practicality of finishes (read more about this below). Timber benchtops may require more maintenance, while white cabinetry can show stains or fingerprints. Select finishes that balance aesthetics with functionality.

By selecting the right white shade, timber type, and proportion of materials, you can create a bright, inviting, and timeless kitchen.

When to specify Timber Veneer or Woodgrain Laminate

A timber veneer is a thin slice of natural wood (usually less than 3mm thick) glued onto a substrate, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particleboard. It provides the look and feel of natural timber while using less material.

Advantages

1. Natural Appearance: Since it is made of real wood, timber veneer has the authentic grain, texture, and variation of natural timber.
2. Sustainability: It uses less wood than solid timber, making it eco-friendlier and more cost-effective.
3. Customisable: Veneers can be stained, polished, or finished in various ways to achieve the desired look.

Disadvantages

1. Durability: More prone to scratches, dents, and water damage than laminates.
2. Maintenance: Requires careful cleaning and periodic refinishing to maintain its appearance.
3. Cost: It can be more expensive than laminate due to the natural wood used.
4. Limited Design Consistency: Variations in wood grain mean it may not be uniform. This could be a downside for specific design preferences (or a positive in others).

In contrast, timber laminate is a synthetic material made by bonding layers of paper or plastic resin to a substrate, printed with a high-quality image of wood grain, mimicking the appearance of natural timber.

Advantages

1. Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive than timber veneer while achieving a similar look.
2. Durable: Resistant to scratches, moisture, and general wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic or heavily used surfaces.
3. Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal upkeep.
4. Design Variety: Offers consistent patterns and can replicate exotic or rare wood grains without the environmental impact.

Disadvantages

1. Artificial Appearance: Although high-quality laminates can look realistic, they may lack the depth and texture of real timber.
2. Non-Repairable: Laminate surfaces are difficult to repair once damaged and often need replacement.
3. Environmental Impact: Made from synthetic materials, which can be less eco-friendly compared to veneers.
4. Limited Longevity: May not age as gracefully as real wood products, potentially fading or looking outdated over time.

Choose timber veneer for its natural elegance and authenticity, ideal for premium or classic interior designs. Opt for timber laminate when cost, durability, and ease of maintenance are more important, such as in high-traffic areas or budget-friendly projects.

More about specifying pure whites

Dulux Vivid White is a highly reflective and bright pure white often chosen for its ability to create a clean, modern aesthetic. However, there are several potential downsides to using it as a wall colour:

• Harshness in Natural Light: In spaces with abundant natural light, Vivid White can appear overly stark or glaring, which might make the environment feel cold and sterile rather than inviting.
• Shows Imperfections: The high reflectivity of Vivid White can make wall imperfections, like dents, uneven textures, or plaster cracks, more noticeable. This requires comprehensive (often time-consuming) wall preparation to achieve a flawless finish.
• Lack of Warmth: As a pure white without any undertones, it lacks the warmth that other whites like Dulux Natural White or Antique White U.S.A. offer. This can make spaces feel more sterile, especially in areas with cooler lighting
• Compatibility with Furniture and Décor: Its starkness may not pair well with specific colour schemes or natural materials. Warm or earthy tones in furniture and décor might clash with its cool, crisp appearance, leading to a disjointed look
• Maintenance Challenges: Being a bright, reflective white, it can easily show dirt, scuffs, and stains, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance

For a balanced approach, Vivid White may be recommended for easy-to-maintain cabinets (i.e. two pac), ceilings and trim, but should be carefully considered for walls.