My colour fetish for all things WHITE! [Archive]

Mrs-M

1-11-12, 3:35pm

The thread (my current obsession: old kitchens) posted under the Housing Forum, got me to thinking about all things white, and how I naturally gravitate towards all things white. (Well, let's just say, a lot of things white).

My dream kitchen will be white.
I love my white dress slacks!
99.9% of the bulk of my undies are white.
I LOVE old/antique white-painted furniture!
I love the look of an all white home set upon a lush green landscape.
I love all white bedding!!!
Anyone else for white?

Kestrel

1-11-12, 5:13pm

Well, I don't usually choose white, but right now I'm "lusting" for a nice creamy white for our bedroom and bathroom. Many years ago we lived in government housing and our bedroom had, truly, six shades of white on the walls. Obviously, when they had some paint left over from another house or whatever they just painted what was available. We never painted over it (tho we could have) because we loved looking at it.

CathyA

1-11-12, 5:41pm

White definitely can make you feel clean and bright.
But we're much too dirty to ever have anything white.......except maybe undies. haha
When we remodeled a condo in town that we were trying to sell, the realtor said "All White!".......that's what sells.
When it was all finished, it looked beautiful, but I just couldn't imagine living there.
Like I said, we just live too hard to have white around.
But my dream kitchen would have lighter cabinets (not white). I'm pretty tired of dark oak.

Jemima

1-11-12, 6:19pm

I have a white vinyl kitchen floor and you are welcome to stop by any time and take it home with you. It's got a pebbled sort of finish and dirt just gets down in those little crevices and won't come out. I scrub the **#$!! thing on my hands and knees and it still doesn't look clean. I'm going to try mopping it with a strong bleach solution as a last resort. I'm not the original owner of this house and it's a good thing she's already dead or I'd make sure she was.

I do like white towels and sheets because they can be bleached and gotten spotless - in most cases. I generally don't like white clothing, except for a nice, crisp, tailored white shirt, but then I'm always into something messy - cooking, cleaning, gardening, painting, and numerous other sloppy activites. I do think a white wool blazer is very classy-looking.

KayLR

1-11-12, 6:21pm

My kitchen cabinets (upper and lower) are all white and I spend a great deal of time keeping them that way. :-(

Mrs-M

1-11-12, 8:41pm

Serendipity. You're going to LOVE a white bedroom! I know I did when I made the switch from dark, to plain white. Understated elegance. So clean and fresh and bright!

CathyA. That's the problem with dark woods. I find most things dark, to be heavy, tiring, and at times, overpowering. Often, in order to balance decorated darkness, one needs to incorporate bold colours along with darker patterned fabrics, which, IMO, only adds to the heaviness of a room that's already heavy. I'd rather start off with a white or light-coloured room, then add rich dark tones and contrasting fabrics to the setting, than try and offset a dark room with light. The later being the more difficult of the two.

Jemima. I know of such floors and you're right, impossible to get clean, impossible to make them look clean. Ditto on white towels and sheets and things!

KayLRZ. I'm sensing a little wavering on your part in relation to your contentment of white. As frustrating as it may be keeping white looking it's best, nothing IMO states refined purity better, than white.

peggy

1-11-12, 9:08pm

iris lily

1-11-12, 11:23pm

I am most interested in Mrs. M's one pair of undies that are not white. When she wears them and for what activity and the like, you know.ha ha! Just kidding! I can say this because I am female, but some man saying it would be kicked off the boards.

I have white kitchen cabinets and I love them. They are slightly off white, more like ivory. We recently painted them again and I entertained the notion of painting them a neutral, medium shade like taupe, but DH wouldn't hear of that. And I'm fine with them being white. They do require more cleaning. When the paint is worn down they are impossible to be cleaned, but now, freshly painted, it's not too bad.

I've got a white tiled bathroom floor upstairs which is filthy. One day I happened to get some bleach on the grout and it cleaned it all up, reminding me of the original color of that grout.

Jemima, I'm sorry for your kitchen floor, it does sound impossible.

redfox

1-11-12, 11:35pm

Once in awhile I see pics of white interiors, and it looks so very restful. I am, however, a color fanatic, and my house vibrates with it.

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 2:23am

Originally posted by Iris Lily.
I am most interested in Mrs. M's one pair of undies that are not white. When she wears them and for what activity and the like, you know.ROTFLMAO! Funny stuff!!! :laff: Thanks for the laugh, Iris! I needed it.

With white, I find anything/everything one incorporates into the rooms design and function, jumps right out. That's the part I like most about white. That, and the brightness factor.

Redfox. So true about white being restful and relaxing, but I do envy those like yourself who surround your living space with lots of colour. With colour comes lots of interest, and if it's done correctly, it doesn't have to be busy.

herbgeek

1-12-12, 7:12am

I love the look of white, particularly in contrast with other colors (white trim with colored walls), but I find it too much maintenance for me. And being a slob, I wouldn't ever dream of owning white clothing outside of T shirts or a crisp white blouse (which I rarely wear anyhow). The one time I bought an off white linen suit (summer job in college), it turned out to be my turn to change out the toner on the copying machine. Oy!

Rosemary

1-12-12, 7:34am

When I was looking for my first house in AZ, the trend was for all white interiors - paint, walls, kitchen cabinets, etc.
I didn't fall for the white carpet, but the tile grout I put in was a very pale off-white that immediately showed where we walked the most. I learned then to look for dirt-toned flooring. It's very dusty and dirty in the desert!

I do like a bright interior, but I go for light earth tones all around, with touches of other colors. And although I like the look of clean white trim, I'm with herbgeek on this - too much maintenance for me. I like natural woodwork, and it suits our style better!

goldensmom

1-12-12, 7:42am

I like most anything white. I painted the medium wood colored kitchen cabinets white a few years ago and it doubled the size of the kitchen. I guess it didn’t change the size but it looks bigger. My only bad experience with white was with a white kitchen floor several years ago. Just couldn’t keep it clean, I followed people and the dogs with a mop. When looking at a magazine display, my eye always goes to the cottage magazines with covers displaying rooms decorated in all white with a small accent color.

Speaking of white, need another snow dance here.

Float On

1-12-12, 8:35am

I follow a swedish blogger who is into all things white and is re-doing a house she recently bought.

Had the white vinyl kitchen floor and screamed and cried almost daily trying to clean that thing. Replaced with wood a few years ago and my floor care is minimal now. Did sand and paint the oak cabinets - the lower ones are a sage green from a $5 mis-tint can from Lowes and the upper ones are white. Love the look in my small galley style kitchen. It is time to touch up the cabinets (need to do that about every other year).

I love to wear white shirts but spend more time in black (I spill too much).

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 10:01am

Herbgeek. I know what you mean. I have a pair of white slacks I love to wear, yet whenever I wear them I arrive back home again with either a little brush-mark on them somewhere (a rubbing of dirt of dust picked up from who know where), or a dark soiled line on one of the pant-legs. There's just no winning. Seems no matter how careful I am, white on me always gets dirty, but I still try and wear white when I can.

Rosemary. Totally understandable in your situation. If I resided in a more warmer climate, I'd forego all things painted (for the most part), and surround myself with expansive areas of glass, and natural stone/brick/tile (both interior and exterior). I'm so glad I started this thread, because my husband has yet to tile my laundry room floor, and I have been looking at white tile for both the floor and the walls. I'm definitely going to rethink my plan, or at best, consider a contrasting grout colour.

Goldensmom. We have a really small home and you are so right about white, and the way it lends a sense of bigger and roomier. One weakness of mine has always been plain, painted-white English/Jacobean styled paneling. I love that look! Such a departure from the typical dark-oak found in old manor houses/mansions.

Float On. I was watching a design television show where they painted upper kitchen cabinets one colour, then did the lower cabinets another colour, and wow, it looked so good. I wish I was more daring (by nature) in the colour department. Check out this picture of an all white (with gold accents) dining room, complete with hand-carved table/chairs/cabinet (also white).
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DoRxwPqeIyQ/To9t7TD3ErI/AAAAAAAACJM/PGrWhT2HD2M/s400/carved-dining-room.jpg

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 10:04am

Here's the white paneling I was talking about.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFGMTlyucPA/TuhBI4AHCOI/AAAAAAABLbQ/5sKPk-s7M_E/s640/DSC_0360.JPG

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 10:11am

And last but not least, this.
http://www.furnituredesignidea.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Minerva-Dining-luxury-closet.jpg

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 10:13am

And this.
http://www.furnituredesignidea.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Minerva-Dining-luxury-table.jpg

Float On

1-12-12, 11:05am

Wow MrsM you really like ornate things. Very beautiful but I see lots of dusting chores in the nooks of all that woodwork.

http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/ This is the white blog I like, clean simple lines (less dust traps) fit me (and my lack of dusting skills) better.

IshbelRobertson

1-12-12, 11:31am

MrsM - whilst I like white - and have a lot of white-painted woodwork in my home... those photographs show the style of furnishing/decor which are my worst nightmare, particularly the gold/white room (how can anyone stand that much furniture in one room?!!!)

I do have white painted panelling like the photograph you posted - but NOT with that type of heavy, 'baronial' stuff in the room! I've got quite a bit of Georgian furniture and prefer the clean lines - so much easier to dust, polish!

redfox

1-12-12, 11:40am

I just bought eight panels of white linen curtains, custom made & lined with white cotton, at the Goodwill of course! They need to be cleaned, and since I only paid $4 a panel, I can swing that. They have ties at top, and the drop is to the windowsill. My plan is to switch out our winter curtains - deep chocolate brown velvet with a wide tone-on-tone stripe, and dropmto the floor - with these beauties at springtime.

I also have a beautiful wool dhurrie, woven with natural colored wool, grey & cream, which will replace the winter rug, a hooked wool that is tones of deep brown, pumpkin, russet red and khaki in a bold and modern floral. I'll pull the garnet & brown velvet pillows, and my Grandmother's Navajo rugs, which are draped across the couches & chairs, as they are so old they would not survive being on the floor (the winter room colors are based upon the tones in these heritage pieces), and bring in spring colors, pale blue, celery green, cream & white. All the furnishings except the Navajo rugs are from the GW.

I've never had white curtains before! They are really a pale pale cream, and they are gorgeous. They'll bring spring into the room when it graces us with its presence. Can you tell I am looking forward to this, even as I sit by the fire? :)

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 1:54pm

Float On. Only to look at and admire. :) Otherwise, the design and largeness isn't at all me (or for me), nor is the formality. It's really difficult finding pictures that simulate my ideals when it comes to white. So many pictures I came across looked like old run down, neglected rooms. I didn't want to post that, and what little in the way of furniture I found (that was white), looked like it was made out of pressed paper or plastic, so that too, was a no go. The pillow is magnificent!

IshbelRobertson. To be honest, the white & gold dining room looks absolutely gaudy to me, but I more or less exhausted my search for a likeable alternative and decided to post what I did. Everything is so over-the-top on the web. Not at all realistic or down-to-earth. And you are so right, it's way overly cluttered, and in a really bad way... How lucky you are having a home with white paneling! I am so jealous! Jealous, AND, envious! :)

Redfox. Your planned change-over sounds fantastic! As do the garnet and velvet pillows you have! Seems like you have all the right colours to work with to pull everything together in the room to make it right. Pale blues, yellows, and greens, are my favourite secondary colours. You just can't go wrong when you work with a colour pallet of the likes. One thing I have always loved related to window sheers, white window sheers to be exact, is having the decorative embroidered panel in-behind. Our Italian neighbours have just such window dressings in their home, and does it ever look classy.

IshbelRobertson

1-12-12, 2:05pm

It's only the panelling in one room that's painted white MrsM - the other areas which still have panelling are all in their original, unpainted wooden state!

Spartana

1-12-12, 2:14pm

I'm a white freak too ;-)! Every room in all my houses were painted white - white walls, white cabinets, white fixtures. I like it like that because, well... I'm lazy. I can just grab one can of white paint and always touch things up. I can use any other colors foir decorations to match and add some color and never have to make the big hard expensive changes. A couple of pillows, new curtains, some flowers or wall art and viola! new living space! I've been looking at some small (600 sf) condos lately and I'm always attracted to the all white kitchens and baths - makes everything look brighter too. Put some photos in my albums here of an "old folks" condo complex I've been looking at once I'm old enough to buy there. All white of course. Here's one of the all-white little kitchen, bath and living room.
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=607&d=1326390262

http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=609&d=1326390312

http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=611&d=1326390385

Wildflower

1-12-12, 2:16pm

Mrs-M, I think you would like the colors of my little house. It is all white with blue trim and a white framed storm door. We did get bold here lately and painted the front door itself a subtle burgandy red, which looks great behind the white framed storm door. I LOVE my white house - the paint color is actually called "bright white" and the blue is "scandinavian sky".

I used to have a white floor in my kitchen, but no more. It was too hard to keep clean. When my DD's were little girls I painted all of their bedroom furniture white paired with lavender walls for the oldest and pink rose walls for the youngest. They had white shelfs on one wall that DH built. It was a very pretty look.

I really do love white, but don't wear it often other than in the way of undies. Could never keep a white top or pants clean for longer than an hour or so, and white just isn't flattering to my coloring. It pales me out, although I know many that look wonderful in white. Which brings to mind - I absolutely love wedding dresses. After shopping with my DD for her wedding several years ago I now just love to look at pretty white bridal dresses. I especially like to look at antique wedding dresses. Love the intricate detail on some and how it stands out on white. Beautiful! :)

redfox

1-12-12, 2:28pm

If y'all haven't discoved Pinterest yet, check it out. It's a website that you sign up for, and then post fav photos on bulletin boards you create. One can search any category... It's sooo fun! I bet there is a "white rooms" board someone has started.

JaneV2.0

1-12-12, 2:46pm

Like Redfox, I just love color. I like variations of white to play other hues off--like unbleached muslin with multi-color quilt blocks. I do love white cotton shirts and blouses of all kinds. Zinc white is a bit too cool for me in most cases; I lean toward cream.

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 2:59pm

Question Ishbel. What is your preference related to wall-paneling and it's state? White (painted), or stained/waxed? I fall into the category of mixed, because on one hand, I like the richness of a stained/waxed paneled room (in the right setting), yet on the other hand, I LOVE white painted paneling! I'm thinking if I had the same style kitchen I posted a picture of in Iris Lily's thread on old kitchens, white paneling (without a doubt) would be it, however if I could have a room built for my husband, a gentleman's room if you will, I just know a wall or two fashioned in finely-milled oak paneling would be so befitting.

Spartana. Wow! The pictures are great. I love the white, but even more so, I LOVE the contrast of the hardwood floors in relation to the white! Lends such a richness to the room without being stuffy. (Stuffy as in showy). And the expansive windowed wall is incredible. In fact, if it were my residence, I'd have the blinds covering the glass doors drawn open, to allow for even more light, and to help bring more of the outside in. And to top it all off, a cathedral ceiling! Very nice.

Wildflower. Love the sounds of your home. I would have been in high school at the time, and there was this doctor who owned a sprawling, single-level contemporary home (all in white), and the front door was painted a glossy red. Such a regal look. I've also seen homes where the owners have selected other colours for the entry door, such as dark blue, Irish green, and even black. I'm a fan of them all! Kids rooms are a major weakness of mine! I'm talking major!!! Even as old-fashioned and outdated as it may be today, playful wallpaper in a kids room still makes my heart go pitter-patter. Transforms an ordinary room into an imaginary room, and yes, all things bridal never fail to spark my interest whenever I'm window-shopping. Impossible to pass-by without looking... :)

Mrs-M

1-12-12, 3:08pm

Just noticed your post, Redfox. Thanks for the website recommendation!

JaneV2.0. Whenever I think of interior settings done up in with colourful furnishings, additions, and decor, I think of large, framed, vibrant abstract artwork, the ones with the raised painted surfaces (my favourite) that take up an entire wall, along with a selection of other interesting patterns and colourful pieces. A mix-mash of this and that to keep everything moving. I think I could live with colour, too.

goldensmom

1-12-12, 3:26pm

Speaking of white, need another snow dance here.

Because this is a ‘white’ thread, earlier today I asked for a ‘snow dance’ as we’ve not had snow in weeks. That was a matter of hours ago and I want to report that it is snowing. To whoever did the ‘snow dance’- thank you.

JaneV2.0

1-12-12, 3:46pm

I do like abstracts, along with lots of texture in accessories. Mid-century modern--which certainly encompasses white on white--and contemporary, along with what you might call "vacation cabin cozy" are my favorite styles.

madgeylou

1-12-12, 9:30pm

i like white walls with pale wood and colorful furniture and accessories -- danish, mid-century style. we have pastel colored walls in our house right now and i like that, too.

i don't wear much white because i've got a ghostly complexion already, and white near my face totally washes me out. but earlier in the week i wore a white dress with hot pink and purple diamonds on it with a raspberry colored sweater, white tights, and white heeled oxfords.

it was awesomely fun! (pic here (http://www.weartheshift.com/blog/2012/01/09/on-the-upswing/) if you're interested.) but i really had to pay attention to what i was doing. no wiping wet hands on my legs ... no brushing against the car when i got in and out of it. white tights are high maintenance! worth it sometimes, though.

Mrs-M

1-13-12, 9:55am

Goldensmom. Oy! Absent-minded I am! LOL! I seen your request for a snow-dance, but got so wrapped-up with this thread I totally forgot to send you assurances for such a dance. :) Absolutely, I will do a snow-dance for you and my kids, today. Everyday they wake up, they look out the window and say, "when is it going to snow"... It's become depressing watching them and listening to their exasperation over no snow this year.
http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/christmas/christmas-snow-smiley-emoticon.gif

Mrs-M

1-13-12, 10:05am

Jane. Vacation cabin cozy, is my kind of thing! I believe I'd be able to let my hair down and express my more daring side if we owned a secondary property. I'm thinking bright and vibrant woven area rugs, a little Mojave Western (a little), lots of natural decor, and hardwood throughout!

Madgeylou. Great pictures! Totally fun outfit! And the white tights go so well!

Sad Eyed Lady

1-13-12, 10:29am

Mrs-M, have you seen the February issue of Country Living? It is called "The White Issue" or something of the sort, and it is about the use of white. If you would like to email me your mailing address I would gladly send my copy to you. I am finished with it and always look for a new home for very gently used magazines!

goldensmom

1-13-12, 11:02am

domestic goddess

1-13-12, 4:23pm

No white clothing for me; I can't keep clean. White is ok for an accent color, but too much of it makes me feel something akin to sensory deprivation. White rooms make me want to draw on the walls. Though I may be painting my bedroom an off white, but there will be lots of color in other places in the room. And I do think it will make a nice backdrop for my cross-stitched sampler, which is on a darker linen.

domestic goddess

1-13-12, 4:29pm

Dear Mrs. M, no snow dance for us, here in the Chicago area. We have a little snow, and the kids are playing in it now. I don't really want anymore.

iris lily

1-13-12, 9:09pm

Remember everyone, that when Mrs. M and I get our uber ornate furniture, we will have someone in to clean it for us.

Now, after 22 years of living in this house where the living room was unpainted, DH is actually finishing the room. How I got that to happen is another story. But since he is finishing the room he has taken charge of the color scheme and he insisted on white woodwork. I think that is unfortunate, I wanted at least a cream tone so that grey dust wouldn't sit heavily on it, but no go.

I reminded him that while I am still working full time, I WILL be hiring household help and that includes 1X annual Big Clean which will mean dusting and wiping down all woodwork. My friend who cleaned my house moved to California and I am heartbroken and miss him, but another house cleaner will be relatively easy to get. I just miss him.

Oh gosh my newly painted crisp white woodwork is gorgeous--the crown molding and bookcases are sublime! I will post photos when it is done. Yowza, I fell like a princess.

Kestrel

1-13-12, 9:59pm

If I had my druthers I'd have mission/ranch/craftsman/rustic Amish furniture, creamy white walls, and color in art and fabrics and the like. No fuss!

Mrs-M

1-14-12, 11:18am

Shalom. You are such a sweetheart. :) I will get a hold of you.

Goldensmom. I'm glad my snow-dance is working for someone, because it isn't working for us! LMAO!

Domestic Goddess. You mention up a great point Re: white walls, and the blandness they can so often emanate. Wall decor, whether it be a few prints, pictures, a painting (or two), a woven wall-hanging, a large built-in wall cabinet, or even a large tapestry, is key to softening the wall-space of any white room. In my experience, having something to draw the eye away from all the white areas is the difference between being able to create a warm and inviting space, as compare to a cold, institutional type.

P.S. Re: the snow, wanting less comes with age. :) I'm there too... With you all the way!

Serendipity. I totally agree. I LOVE old rustic antique wooden tables with the big bulbous legs and heavy tops! Refined elegance in the simplest of forms. (Painted white, of course)! :) There's something so inviting that bench-seating and old wooden table and chairs provide.

Mrs-M

1-14-12, 10:06pm

Iris Lily. Age really is settling in lately! LOL! I miss SO MUCH that I read!!! Seen your post this morning, yet somehow, stumbled over it at the time I posted by entry.

Oh yes, Iris, I love fireplaces, too! And you're right, we'll leave the cleaning to a professional. :) Gosh, the white woodwork, crown moldings, and bookcases you speak of, has my heart a pounding! Yes please, pictures when you can.

P.S. You do know that you won't be allowed to go out and work your garden and Irises anymore, getting all soiled and dirtied up, and then tracking all that mess in. :laff:

Tenngal

1-16-12, 2:45pm

I came to the realization that I love light colors and it is not practical for me. I've had children and currently two pugs who like to sit on the chairs. The dark brown leather chairs we last bought have been so super easy to take care of that I wish I had done this years ago. I love light upholstery and would love a white bedspread. Maybe one day..............