White walls, long considered a timeless and bright choice in interior design, are now being criticized by professional decorators as a major design mistake. Many homeowners continue to leave their walls pristine white, believing it creates a clean and timeless result, but according to several interior designers, this approach can unfortunately achieve the opposite effect and give homes an unfinished appearance.
Dounia, known as secret_deco on TikTok, has spoken out against this common practice in one of her recent videos titled "Never Do This with Your Paint Again." She describes the widespread use of white walls as a "catastrophe" from a decorating perspective and explains why leaving walls white is problematic for interior design. According to the expert, white walls tend to make rooms feel cold and impersonal, creating the impression that renovation work suddenly stopped midway through the project.
The interior designer emphasizes that white walls lack character and warmth, making spaces appear neglected and unwelcoming rather than timeless. The absence of color nuances on walls deprives rooms of depth and ambiance, leaving them feeling incomplete and unfinished. This stark approach fails to create the sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere that most homeowners desire.
To address this common decorating error, Dounia proposes a simple solution: opting for neutral shades that she considers the "true timeless colors." Colors such as beige, linen, and taupe can transform a space by giving it a more polished and chic appearance. These modern and elegant tones not only provide warmth but also give interiors a high-end, luxurious feel that white walls simply cannot achieve.
These neutral colors contribute to creating a more inviting and refined atmosphere while remaining versatile enough to complement all decorating styles. Whether paired with contemporary furniture or traditional pieces, these sophisticated hues serve as an ideal backdrop that enhances rather than competes with the room's other design elements.
Another frequently overlooked aspect of interior decoration is the ceiling treatment. Dounia emphasizes that ceilings are just as important as walls and strongly advises against leaving them white. "This is where everything comes together," she explains, noting that the contrast between white ceilings and colored walls creates an awkward, disjointed look that adds no value to the overall decoration.
For a more harmonious interior, the designer encourages following the "total look" trend, where walls and ceilings are painted in the same color. This approach creates a cohesive, enveloping feel that makes rooms appear more sophisticated and intentionally designed. Alternatively, choosing a ceiling color that is either lighter or darker than the walls can add visual interest and dimension to the space, creating depth and architectural appeal that pure white cannot provide.
