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25 Mar 2023

Home & Garden

Living with Winter White

Designed by James Radin. (Photo: Cote de Texas)

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.

(Photo: Hypevilla)

White walls, furniture, and flooring are offset by dark wood and distressed frames. (Photo: Hypevilla)

(Photo: Country Living)

[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).

(Photo: Williams-Sonoma)
(Photo: Ikea)

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

(Photo: Country Living)
(Photo: Country Living)
[above left] A simple white pedestal table, slipper chairs, and framed art on each side of the china cabinet create a smart, sophisticated dining area. [above right] Add slipcovers and a tablecloth, an area rug, chandelier shades, sconces on the wall, and hang a couple of plates for a whole other, more-casual and romantic look. (Photos: Country Living)
(Photo: Amazing Decoration)

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)

(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
(Photo: Traditional Home)
[above left] Open shelving with dinnerware, baskets, and cookbooks offer handy storage. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens).
[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)
(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with dark Carrara marble and a handmade ceramic tile backsplash. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

(Photo: Jennyshus)

[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)

(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
(Photo: Bright Bold and Beautiful)

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)

(Photo: Traditional Home)
(Photo: HGTV)
[above left] Vintage flooring, a soaking tub, and a floor-mounted faucet give this bathroom period style. (Photo: Traditional Home)
[above right] White and polished chrome make for a totally contemporary, minimalist bathroom. (Photo: HGTV)
(Photo: House Beautiful)

A deep soaking, freestanding tub by Waterworks with clean, sculptural lines. Pure heaven! (Photo: House Beautiful)

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Comments

  1. Karen Demarcos says

    Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    My fave is the kitchen with the dark marble counter and sink. I could see that in my house.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Borrough says

    Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    I luv the corona with the sheer fabric in that bedroom! It’s a must have in mine! I want it!

    Reply

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Patricia and TomTom and I downsized and are savoring the simple joys of living. We’re redecorating our empty nest, learning to cook for two, traveling here there and everywhere, and enjoying every minute of it. Read more

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