White Hot!

by Susan Jensen Smith on February 26, 2009

white hotIs white becoming the new black? I’m seeing it everywhere, and I love it! 

White plays great with classic black, and can nudge a traditional room a bit more transitional. Once associated with stark apartment walls, white is taking center stage! 

Crisp white cabinets and bead board really makes the beautiful black granite pop.  Just a very clean look, accented beautifully with a simple vase of flowers.

 

black and white kitchen

While many associate white with modern or contemporary décor, white is actually very universal in style.  It serves as a wonderful base for shabby chic!

white shabby chic

 

White may seem a bit stark for a bedroom, but note the architectural element on the wall behind this bed – it really softens the room.  Opting for diffused task lighting can warm up a white bedroom as well.  Side note: I just love the silver night table and head board!  In fact, I love this room so much I gushed about it on HomeGoods Openhouse blog today.

Romantic White Bedroom

 

How about white in a transitional family or living room?  By anchoring it with earthy neutrals, it makes a soothing backdrop for a comfortable room.  (Not sure about the antlers, however – LOL).

white family room

 

And here’s a white living room with a fun pop of color:

white living room

 

All this white inspiration is giving me fodder for redesigning my youngest daughter’s room.  But that’s another post for another day. ;)

How do you use white in your decorating? (Or if you don’t, do you plan to?)

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Hooked on This Remodeled Craftsman Bungalow « Hooked on Houses
March 1, 2009 at 9:02 pm

{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }

Janice February 26, 2009 at 12:24 pm

To me, white = clean! And who doesn’t like things clean. I love to use white when home staging bathrooms.

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yourhomeonlybetter February 26, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Hi Janice – I especially love white bath towels…very crisp and bleachable! LOL

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Annie Doherty February 27, 2009 at 4:05 am

Hi Janice
agree that white is everywhere.

I am writing a Trends report for a meeting of Property Stylists & Home stagers/decorators in the UK and white is almost at the top of my list.
Grey is probably going to take top spot…still making my mind up on the order.

It’s so big in kitchens over here, almost every advert shows a white kitchen and is also being seen in Boardrooms (Glossy white furniture) which seems strange but true! Maybe the companies do not want to be seen having expensive dark wood in these troubled economic times??

The trick is choosing the right white and not letting yellow tones clash with pinky tones….ugh!!

Loved your thoughts and pictures.
Thanks

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yourhomeonlybetter February 27, 2009 at 6:57 am

Hi Annie – Great insight, and great tip about avoiding the yellow/pink confusion!

Let me know when you’re done with your trend report – I can’t wait to read it!!

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Holly February 27, 2009 at 11:56 am

I love the photos!
Besides all of my walls being builder beige still (not quite white) I have a white slipcovered sofa. And I agree with–and have– the white bath towels.

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Maya@Completely Coastal February 27, 2009 at 1:31 pm

I will have a white kitchen for sure…, and I love all the crisp white trims and white furniture and accent pieces in my home.

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Cass February 27, 2009 at 1:35 pm

I used white trim on woodwork throughout my old house — white trim always looks to me like crisp white collar & cuffs on the room!

And my sheets and towels are white, except for towel sets that guests use, that coordinate with the colors in the individual guest rooms. (Easier to keep towels separated then.)

Nice post, thanks — Cass

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yourhomeonlybetter February 27, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Hi Holly…read Annie’s comment to make sure you don’t mix pinks with “builder beige!” LOL

Maya – nothing says “coastal” like a white kitchen!

Hey Cass — I love white trim to, but it’s hard to stop once you get started.

So far white towels are in the lead…I need new towels, I’m thinkin’ white!

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Leila February 27, 2009 at 4:11 pm

I love white, but I never seem to get there, somehow :)

But I do have white towels. Just make sure your water doesn’t have a lot of iron in it, or they will never really look good :(

Nice post!

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SoBella Creations February 27, 2009 at 4:13 pm

I love the white kitchen.

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yourhomeonlybetter February 27, 2009 at 4:25 pm

Leila – I hear ya…it’s tough to do one room crisp white, but then leave the moody shades elsewhere. I think it’s a commitment thing. LOL And another vote for white towels! Didn’t know about the effect of iron in the water…thx!

Hi Sobella – me too…sadly my hubby (like so many men) don’t believe in painting natural wood. ;(

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stephanie February 27, 2009 at 6:47 pm

I’m hooked on white, too! Love it! My bedroom has been basically white for 3 yrs. now, with only pale shades of pink, lavender, & sage green accents. Very serene.

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

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yourhomeonlybetter February 27, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Hi Stephanie, Oooh, that sounds romantic too!

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Tamara February 27, 2009 at 7:46 pm

I really love that headboard with the white!

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the BLAH BLAH BLAHger February 27, 2009 at 8:26 pm

I’ve had a long relationship with white. I used to only like white walls so my furniture and accessories popped. Now I have colored walls and white furniture – how I’ve changed. Ha! A white kitchen with darks countertops is just dreamy to me!!!

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yourhomeonlybetter February 27, 2009 at 8:41 pm

Hi Tamara – I wonder how hard that would be to make? Don’t think I could talk my hubby into it though, a little to girly for him. But I LOVE it!

Hey BBB – sounds like you’re all about contrast! :)

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suzy homemaker February 27, 2009 at 9:55 pm

I think I’m actually a off-white fan. White makes me see my children’s fingerprints everywhere…..Thanks for sharing!

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yourhomeonlybetter February 28, 2009 at 7:55 am

Hi Suzy – I can so relate to that! But I have to say, now that my kids are almost 4 and over, they lay off the walls more. ;)

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Katie at Clean and Classic February 28, 2009 at 10:20 am

Beautiful! So crisp, clean and light. I love your pictures! Thanks for sharing!

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Kimm March 1, 2009 at 7:07 pm

I love to use white in decorating, it’s restful for the ‘ole eyes. I especially love white dishes.

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yourhomeonlybetter March 1, 2009 at 7:40 pm

Thanks Katie!

Kimm, my “next” dishes will be white for sure.

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Elaina March 3, 2009 at 4:40 am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Elaina

http://www.craigslistpostingtools.info

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Trudi Alwine March 4, 2009 at 6:12 pm

I really like the white living room and the colors in it. In my first home, I painted all my walls white. That just what we did… Now I have no white walls. I must say your post is enticing.

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yourhomeonlybetter March 4, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Hi Trudi! Does get ya thinkin’, doesn’t it. But I wonder if just one white room in a house of colors would feel out of place…it almost has to be the attitude of the whole house. Hmmmm.

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Kathi April 1, 2009 at 5:42 am

I’m about to go on a painting spree! I’m sick of all of my old dark wood furniture and am going to paint most of it WHITE! Any suggestions on a paint color? There are SO many “whites!”

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admin April 1, 2009 at 6:30 am

Hi Kathi – it depends on what else is in your home – cool or warm tones. Just don’t mix the two! What style are you going for? Tip: join HOMEdigz.com and post some pic – I bet the members could give you lots of ideas!

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sue@solsticehome April 3, 2009 at 8:44 pm

Hi Susan
great concept for a site..i’ve joined will start posting soon.
as to white..you’ll probably see some white posts from me…love it! soon (hopefully) doing a white bedroom & yes I def use white towels!
sue

sue@solsticehome’s last blog post..out & about…sandwich cape cod…check this house out!

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Susan April 4, 2009 at 7:05 am

Hey Sue! I can’t wait to see your new bedroom – be sure to post before and after pic on HOMEdigz! :)

Susan

Susan’s last blog post..The Decorating Geek behind HOMEdigz.com

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