Designed by James Radin. (Photo: Cote de Texas)
Once upon a time, when I was seriously considering buying a white couch, my mother dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “That,” she said, “is simply not practical.”
She was right. I had two children, a dog, and a cat . . . not to mention, a husband who worked with horses. We were a clean bunch, and our house was always neat as a pin, but white in our family room would be hard to keep clean. “Something darker and patterned would be better,” she said. “It won’t show the dirt.”
I bristle whenever I hear people say “at least it won’t show the dirt.” What does that mean? Is not showing the dirt a good thing? And if it is, why would it be? Who wants to live with dirt that doesn’t show? I have trouble wrapping my head around the if-you-can’t-see-it, it’s OK concept. The dirt is still there whether you see it or not. Wouldn’t it be better to see the dirt on a couch so you know exactly when and where it needs cleaning?
I never did get the white couch. It wasn’t a matter of being practical. I simply did not find a couch in white that called out and begged me to take it home. Instead I bought a white area rug that looked fabulous with the navy patterned sofa I did buy. My bath was a crisp white, and I had white kitchen cabinets, too. They easily showed dirt and fingerprints, but I cleaned on a regular basis. I didn’t mind. I like a clean house.
A Peaceful Retreat
Pure as the driven snow, white is pristine, peaceful, crisp, and clean. Not really a color, it’s a manifestation of the presence of all colors. Like a diamond, it reflects light . . . and rooms in white are generally bright and airy.
White walls, furniture, and flooring are offset by dark wood and distressed frames. (Photo: Hypevilla)
[above] This formal white living room looks good with dark flooring, a striped area rug, federal blue accents, and other vintage pieces. (Photo: Country Living)
[right] Elegant dining on a winter day can be changed easily for any season by using fresh flowers instead of the white-washed twigs. (Photo: Williams-Sonoma).
Layers of white . . . and neat, organized shelving create an inviting desk area
in the corner of this living room. (Photo: Ikea)
Same white room, two different looks
Painted brick and a beamed, vaulted ceiling add drama. The nice mix of modern furniture with an antique mirror give the room an eclectic feel. (Photo: Amazing Decoration)
[above right] Designer Christopher Peacock’s kitchen, with polished cherry flooring, gets a splash of bright color from an orange window shade. (Photo: Traditional Home)
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with dark Carrara marble and a handmade ceramic tile backsplash. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
[above] An awesome vintage piece, used for the headboard, makes a bold statement and mimics the pattern in the bed cover. (Photo: Jennyshus)
[left] A romantic corona sends a cascade of sheer fabric tumbling over an intricately carved headboard in this dreamy bedroom. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
Pine beams on the ceiling, hardwood floor, and toss pillows in watercolor hues on a cozy window seat with an ocean view . . . sigh. (Photo: Bright Bold and Beautiful)
[above right] White and polished chrome make for a totally contemporary, minimalist bathroom. (Photo: HGTV)
A deep soaking, freestanding tub by Waterworks with clean, sculptural lines. Pure heaven! (Photo: House Beautiful)
I am in love with the “white look”, along with the pictures you have posted in your winter white column, I have several other tear sheets I have pulled out of magazines. We just bought a small beach cottage and I want to decorate it in mostly white. I am trying hard to find white DISTRESSED wood flooring. I don’t want smooth. I did manage to find some tile I like that is made to look like wood and has bumps and everything in it, but the supplier does not have enough to do the area we need and they said it would take 8 weeks to have it shipped from Italy. You have a picture on your blog of a beautiful white floor. Can you point me in the direction of where to find it looking old and distressed? I know I can buy Pergo or something, but it will be smooth and I am not looking for that. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Hi Katie, I’m no expert, but the best way to get the look would be to either install wood and whitewash it or have it painted white. However, for a beach cottage I would go with luxury vinyl flooring. There is some textured LVP out, like COREtec, that have a whitewashed finish and coastal feel. Because LVP is durable, waterproof, and low maintenance, it’s a good choice for a beach cottage. Good luck with your decorating. I’m sure whatever you choose, it will be lovely.
My fave is the kitchen with the dark marble counter and sink. I could see that in my house.
I luv the corona with the sheer fabric in that bedroom! It’s a must have in mine! I want it!