Stark white or gentle wisps, whitewashing has held up to the test of time for reasons some may not fathom. Before any discussion can be had about this hot topic, how about defining whitewashing. The results when searching whitewash are: “a composition, as of lime and water or of whiting, size, and water, used for whitening walls, woodwork, etc.” This is a technique that has been around for many years, yet still remains a staple in design. Here are three reasons why we think whitewashing has prevailed.

3 REASONS WHY WHITEWASHING IS A POPULAR DESIGN TECHNIQUE

BALANCES A NATURAL APPEARANCE AND Finished look

 Whitewashing can be done with a heavy hand, but this technique is typically used to, as its name alludes, apply the white and “wash” off excess. The draw for a thin layer of whitewash is the visibility of grain.  This is where natural meets finished. The light color allows the texture to peer through giving that complete, smooth, yet raw feel. Designers and homeowners adore this technique so much that it is not only limited to furniture.  A whitewashed Portuguese hotel was featured in Azure Magazine, emphasizing its natural setting among the countryside of Portugal. Both its exterior and interior are splattered in a whitewash. Allowed to pop from its landscape of natural greenery and twigs, the white creates a gentle contrast while allowing bits of dark and texture to be pulled from its depths. The result? A naturally refined look.

OLD OR NEW, A FRESH LOOK.

If you look up whitewashing it is almost a guarantee that any article breeching the subject cannot resist mentioning how any piece of furniture, old or new, gains a fresh look when whitewashed. This is the saving grace of this artistry. Have an old piece of furniture that needs updating? Whitewash it! New furniture? Make a crisp statement with….whitewash! According to an article written by Consort, they predict that whitewashing would be one of the top five trends of 2017. The reason for this? Its alleged capability to give a room a “sense of renewal.”

A CLEAN, TIMELESS CONCEPT.

Scandinavian design is often known for its minimalistic, open, clean, and organic aura. It is no secret that, among a few others, one way to open up a space is by keeping the wall colors or its accents light. In keeping up with the trend, whitewashed finishes are being paired with white products, walls, metals, etc to produce that clean aesthetic. No matter the variation of design throughout the years, there has always remained room for a crisp, minimal design. Eporta Journal mentions how the large majority of this clean, Scandinavian influence can be seen in wood choices. Seemingly, one design style picks up the love of whitewashing after the other. Thus, its ever present, timeless state of being.

WHY WHITEWASHING?

Now, you must be wondering why we wrote a whole blog about whitewashing. Why did we pick this technique over the many others?  Here is your answer.  One of our top goals, along with quality work, is showcasing current trends.  Often customers are encouraged to visit our showroom to see the sample pieces in person. There is something to say about being able to truly see, touch, and compare the various details and designs we offer for our custom tables.  Having said that, we’ve been itching to get a whitewashed table in our showroom to give variety. At last, it’s here! There is a brand spanking new whitewashed table sitting in our showroom!

To take a look at this new piece, browse our current inventory and you’ll find it under Round Whitewash Anchor Pedestal Table.  Interested in seeing more of our work?

Explore our table collection to browse examples of the different types of tables we’ve built in the past. For more information on the various table customization options available to you, view our table options page.

If you’re interested in building a piece of custom furniture with us, contact Rustic Elements Furniture today!  We’d be more than happy to speak with you about your next custom furniture project.