Glenn Close Shares the Designer-Approved Paint and Wood Combo That Future-Proofs Her Living Room and Creates Timeless, Cozy Style

What do the acclaimed 1987 motion picture Fatal Attraction and white-and-wood design schemes have in common? They're both instant classics. It's natural, then, that Glenn Close, star of the aforementioned thriller, utilizes white paint and wood details in her home for stunning results.

This design choice is particularly apt as we head into fall and winter, offering a sense of enduring warmth and coziness against the impending chill.

The award-winning actor shared a glimpse into her home on her Instagram page, and the background stood out to us for its timeless yet traditional sensibilities. White, painted brick walls are framed by oak wood fixtures, tapping into a modern farmhouse ambiance. This aesthetic is perfect for creating a welcoming retreat as the days shorten and we seek comfort indoors.

Shop the wooden living room edit

You don't need a whole renovation to get Glenn's look – wooden accessories bring a hint of this natural texture to your room in a way that's accsessible to all. These are some of my current favorites.

'White paint offers a crisp, clean backdrop that allows wood's organic warmth to shine,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'The contrast between the two elements creates visual interest, enhancing the texture and grain of the wood while keeping the overall look fresh and airy. This balance of warmth and coolness is key to the timeless appeal of the combination.'

The beauty of white and wood is its versatility. White, the ultimate neutral, is a blank canvas for further textured and colored additions, like seasonal throws or deep, autumnal accent pillows, while wood is sturdy and inviting.

'White paint and wood accents can be tailored to fit almost any interior design style,' she explains. 'Whether it’s the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism, the cozy appeal of farmhouse chic, or the sleek sophistication of modern design, this pairing adapts effortlessly. White can be the unifying element that allows different wood tones to coexist, creating a cohesive look that is both timeless and trendy.' This adaptability means the look can easily transition through seasons, perhaps with the addition of pinecones or seasonal greenery as the holidays approach.

She continues, 'When combining white paint and wood accents, consider the balance between the two,' Lichtenstein says.

'In a room with predominantly white walls, incorporate wood through flooring, ceiling beams, fireplace mantels, or furniture. Conversely, in a space with wooden walls, ceilings, or floors, white-painted furniture or cabinetry can provide the perfect contrast.'

While Close has opted for a medium-toned wood, Lichtenstein says that mixing and matching different kinds of woods is a great way to incorporate further visual interest into a minimal, white space.

'Don't be afraid to mix different wood tones within the same space,' she suggests.

'White paint acts as a neutralizer, allowing you to experiment with various shades of wood without the room feeling chaotic. For instance, a light oak floor can be complemented by darker walnut furniture and medium-toned wooden accessories. Similarly, live-edge willow wood benches can be complemented by pine ceiling beams with the Shou Sugi Ban finish and a live-edge maple wood table.'

We recommend introducing additional natural materials to a white and wood space for further accents, which is especially comforting during the cooler months.

Textured fabrics such as linen and rattan look fantastic as placemats on wood dining tables or woven baskets (like these from Wayfair) on white carpets, respectively. Additionally, utilize white paint to highlight natural architectural features, such as wood beams, for a perfect pairing.