Turn your rooms on to summer by taking a shine to white. White paint, fabrics and furnishings could give your rooms a perfect summer look and used cleverly needn't be a magnet for sticky fingerprints.

There's something blissfully relaxing and enticing about white interiors. Not only are they undeniably calming, but opting for white walls and neutral floors is a much safer option too. Opt for a red wall and you might just regret it six months (or even six hours) down the line.

But if you're now muttering, "that's all very well, but how impractical", Karena Callen thinks you're wrong. She's intent on disproving that prejudice with her new book, At Home With White.

People are always saying: "Why would anyone contemplate decorating their home in the purest, most unforgiving of colours when they have muddy-pawed pets, furniture-clambering children with chocolate-smeared hands, or friends who all too often 'forget' to take off their shoes and tramp mud through the house?"

The answer is simple. White has magical properties that transform rooms. It has the unmatched ability to maximise space, radiate light and never dates like other colours.

Most importantly too it suits any style of decor - from cool contemporary through to sea-washed coastal or dreamily romantic rooms.

And Ms Callen briskly dismisses the practicality issue. "Washing machines, tumble dryers, cleansing agents, stain removers and washable paints mean there's no excuse for avoiding white these days," she points out.

"I adore the look of neutrals and the beauty of white rooms is that they're so versatile. There's no need for them to look bland or cold as you can choose accent colours or patterns that can be changed to suit the seasons, or reflect new trends.

"They'll never go out of fashion and make wonderful cool retreats for hot summer days."

Follow this guide to the styles

Classic white

This look is both elegant and eclectic, marrying old with new to produce a sophisticated, grown-up interior. Think of a gentrified Regency drawing room, or a charming French chateau and you're on the right track.

Tips

Colour: Brilliant white didn't exist until the 20th century so stick to shades that fall within the muted white and grey-white family.

Style: Paint shutters and floorboards white, and pick out original features such as dado and picture rails in a lighter shade than the walls so they appear to softly fade away.

Nobody wants to live in a museum, so mix refinery with witty details, such as an 18th century style armchair with a cotton loose cover, and a sleek aluminium standard lamp with a plastic shade.

Romantic white

Let your imagination run riot when furnishing a romantic interior. Don't shy away from theatrical or dramatic pieces and actively seek out furniture that tells a story or enhances a mood.

Tips

Colour: A palette of chalky, ice cream whites is a perfect starting point.

Style: An elegant carved wood dresser in mushroom white, or an Art Deco one in mirror glass is reminiscent of a French boudoir.

Add a colonial touch with a mosquito net hung over an old iron day bed.

Candelabra, floaty transparent fabrics like muslin and lace, and accessories like vintage clothes or sepia-toned prints set the scene.

Beach white

For those who are drawn to the sea, it's easy to create a beach retreat wherever you live with a blend of aquatic hues, rough wood and beach finds.

Tips

Colour: White, grey blues for paint, and splashes of navy, aqua or ocean blue in fabrics or accessories.

Style: Flooring is key: pick either highly varnished boat decking or painted boards in eggshell blue, green or lime wash.

Tongue and groove boards on walls give a beach hut look, and are well complemented by Roman blinds in creamy canvas sailcloth. Storm lanterns, carved wooden boats and beachcomber treasures like driftwood give a seaside feel.

Modern white

Simple lines, calming neutral tones and tailored upholstery are the staples of this style, proving that contemporary needn't equal austere.

Tips

Colour: Cool whites have bluey undertones and are best for crisp, clean modern interiors.

Style: The new take on modern relies on using materials in surprising ways, so replace a wood skirting board with a stainless steel one or use polished concrete for a kitchen worktop.

Furnish with remakes of design classics or an eclectic combination of antiques and store-bought items.

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