Winter White

photo from istock

There are few colors that capture my imagination like white in the winter. The wind blows fresh snow into our gardens, and white frost greets us on our windows in the morning. The world slows down.

In January, the color white is a promise of simplicity. I am enchanted.

Even without a snowfall, white clouds in a winter sky have a stunning clarity.

The purity of white, its neutrality and its ability to blend with any other color makes it perfect in design, and art, and architecture. A white house, for instance:

photo from istock

A white bedroom is so very peaceful.

I have always said that the most beautiful rooms are white plus one other color. That combination creates instant serenity, a feeling of airiness and openness that no other color can offer.

Benjamin Moore chose their Simply White (OC-117) as their color of the year for 2016.

If you use white plus one color, a great tip is to choose one fabulous fabric, then repeat, repeat, repeat! Less is often more. The eye needs a place to rest.

White has always been the color of new beginnings, a clean slate. It represents innocence, making it a perfect color for weddings. (At least here in the United States. In China, red is the color frequently chosen by brides!)

The tablescape, below, is from my wedding. I used white roses, white hydrangeas, white tulips and white lilies of the valley in silver chalices, along with white votive candles and white shells. It still takes my breath away.

White is also associated with cleanliness, sterility, and safety, making it an excellent choice for kitchens.

Dogs look marvelous in white!

G.G., Tuffy, and Ellie. Also Trudy and Frank

Although some people (Women on Fire founder Debbie Phillips and her husband, Rob Berkley) prefer white cats.

Wilbur

I love my white bedroom on Nantucket.

White is soothing in a place to sit and read.

It’s perfect in a dining room.

I’ve always loved white sofas…

white starfish…

or starfish with white…

the beauty of blue and white…

White is the perfect color for marshmallows…

photo from istock

for snow hares…

photo from istock

for outdoor furniture…

for flowers…

photo from istock

and lamps.

As someone who has always lived on the coast, either in Connecticut or on my beautiful Nantucket Island, I think I like it best in sand–

and shells–

photo from istock

and sea.

photo from istock

Luckily, I don’t have to choose.

White is beautiful everywhere.