I like ivory and cream shades. I could take white in clothes (well, keep in mind that we're talking about the one who gives any white shirts she buys, a 3-6 month life expectancy. Spaghetti is not our friend.) I could take white in cars. I could take white ... animals. White food and drink. Even houses that are white on the outside. But for some reason, houses with a lot of white on the inside just don't/didn't do anything for me. Didn't float my boat. Didn't toast my bagel.
Shudder.
When I tried to pinpoint the exact reasons for my great white hatred, I came up with a couple main ones.
1. I'm about as cold blooded as a person can get, and not be a reptile. And I don't mean that in the cruel, heartless sense of the phrase. (Quiet in the peanut gallery.) Honestly, one of the comments I hear most from patients during a workday is "Oooh, your hands are cold!" So, I think that white has a very definite 'chilly' association, and in general, I despise chilliness.
2. I perceived white as 'belonging' to the particular decorating styles that aren't very 'me': modern, cottage, or nautical types. While my decorating style is super eclectic, those three are pretty far down the list. I'm not much into minimalist or industrial, or what I mentally refer to as the "beachy cottage."
3. Plus, I think I subconsciously I look at white and see extra cleaning. Again, my history with white shirts and spaghetti.
So for pretty much ever I've been envisioning my future house. And it never had much white in it. Keep in mind it doesn't bother me much when other people use white ... even, you know how white doors and trim have been 'in' for awhile now? I just became more sure that I would never use it for myself.
"Toooo much white," said Liz.
But lately I like to think I'm becoming a little more balanced. Instead of seeing white as a mere stark void of color, I am beginning to appreciate its potential. White can really kind of 'clean up' a room visually ... in proper doses.
In general, I think a home should make people feel comfortable and welcome. To me the most comforting and welcoming rooms actually are a tiny bit cluttered ... just enough to make it lived in. Books and woodwork and curiosities and lots of texture, and being surrounded by well loved, well used, and well appreciated things. To keep from being oppressive, perhaps a little white might come in handy now and then. :)
I like this pretty well, except for the white chairs. The floor, the black curtains, and the different wood tones attract me.
I could deal with this kind of white. It has a layered look to it, and warmth.
A bit too primitive, but I really love the weathered whiteness and the contrast of the dishes in the dark cabinet.
Dark walls, white floor. (I still don't like the white trim much. Or the stark industrial style.)
White walls, dark trim, wood floor. Cool!
The white bedding really looks inviting against the dark walls and the wood floor.
There. A glimpse into my journey toward my perfect decorating style. What is your opinion on white? And why?
