Some summer afternoons the sun beats down so relentlessly that white is the only acceptable color—to wear, to eat (hint: gelato), and to cool off the walls.
The Greeks get that right, with whitewashed walls that reflect light and keep interior temperatures comfortable even under a hot Mediterranean sun. Here's a simple recipe we spotted for making your own whitewash that may revive limp spirits enough to get you thinking about adding a dash of blue to the color scheme. For step-by-step instructions, see Greenchicafe:
Above: Whitewash can be used on plaster, concrete, masonry, and stone walls. Image via Travellerspoint.
Above: Whitewash is a mix of hydrated lime and water. For proportions, see Greenchicafe. Image via Bungalow Blue.
Above: A gallon of white wash will cover 250 square feet of concrete or 270 square feet of plaster. Image via Bungalow Blue.
Above: For accent trim, consider Annie Sloan Greek Blue Chalk Paint; it's £18.95 for a one-liter can or £5.95 for a sample pot from Annie Sloan. Image via Finding Silver Pennies.
N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published July 16, 2012 during our A La Plage issue.
More Stories from Gardenista