The Wonder of White

Domino

When I get down, I find myself perusing back issues of Domino. My friends all think that I'm crazy that I have lugged all my issues of Domino from Charleston to NYC to Philadelphia--but they're necessary. Tonight over pasta with meatballs and glasses of malbec, I opened up the February 2007 issue of Domino. Hoping to "Conquer Clutter", instead I found photos of Kelly Rutherford's home office, her WHITE home office (desk shown above). It got me thinking about the color white, or rather the absence of color, and how much I adore it!

House Beautiful

Although white seems like it might have been passed down through the ages, the color white is a very modern phenomenon. In the 18th and 19th centuries, white was not considered as a color in the home design of the upper class.  Whitewash, which was made using chalk and water, was used to coat the interiors of the homes of the lower classes. In the homes of the upper classes, color ruled the day! 

Metropolitan Home

Today, white has become a color statement in and of itself. Benjamin Moore makes hundreds of "white" colors to choose from for paints, and the amount of different "white" twill available in fabric stores is astonishing. As in this living room above, white can formulate an entire decorating scheme, and make a statement in itself. White used to be the accent color used to lighten darker rooms, but now, darker colors have become the accent, and white has become the mainstay of many palates. 

House Beautiful

One of the best things about white is its diversity. It complements almost any color. As a result, when white is used as the anchor in a room, as it was above, there are many colors that can be utilized as the accent color.   

Metropolitan Home

Many of you have rented apartments wherein you have inherited white bathrooms. Do not fear the white bathroom. All it requires are some accent colors: a candle here, a hand towel there--and you should be good to go!  However, one can also capitalize on the white bathroom, and exploit its whiteness, as seen in the photo above. There is something about a perfectly white bathroom that truly speaks to me, however, it is imperative that if you have an extremely white bathroom, that you keep it extremely clean. 

House Beautiful

A kitchen is another place that many of you apartment owners may have inherited a white kitchen ... do not worry.  Kitchens are food preparation areas, and hence they require cleanliness. White speaks to cleanliness. The seemingly more white the kitchen, the seemingly more clean the kitchen. However, the clean, white kitchen is a double-edged sword. You must keep the kitchen clean!

House Beautiful

The inherent problem in any truly white space is cleanliness. White not only shows dirt, but white seems to attract dirt, so unless you are a very clean person, or you are someone who enjoys the company of a dust buster and lint roller, than perhaps the truly white space isn't for you. But it sure looks fabulous, doesn't it? However, white is cheap, and many rental apartments come equipped with white walls and a "no paint" clause.  Do not despair, white can be super chic!