topic Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE? in Home

TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Oznell — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:41:42 GMT

White's still going strong in home decor, although "bright" white kitchens are less in demand.

White is a classic, whether it falls in or out of favor-- especially a soft, not "in your face" white. Rooms that are entirely white, with no relief from other colors, have had their day in the sun and appear less frequently now.

Would love to hear your feelings about white.

Some rooms that use white well, I think--

This hallway gets nice contrast from the different shades of wood, the beige stair runner and curtains, and the shimmery gilt mirror and picture frames.

A living room that incorporates a little color with the white, and is bathed in natural light--

Classic white kitchen, with beams. To me, it could have a little more contrast, either in natural wood or painted wood.

Mud area made lively with pillows, baskets ( adding both texture and color), whimsical antique bench, two-toned brick floor.

Love the classic simplicity of this dining spot, below--

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

If you can the tolerate the amount of white in the rooms above, here's a test. How about an all-white, romantic leaning shabby living room--

It's from antique dealer Lindsay Abernathy's house, her beloved "rose covered cottage".

I do think that dining here would be dreamy--

Lindsay's cottage is darling, but the romanticism is veering more "frilly" than I'm comfortable with, and the white is a bit too pervasive for me. It's another case of, I'd love to tour the cottage, but not live there myself.

But the soft whites in the rooms before hers, I could happily live with, in at least some rooms.

How much white can you take-- lots, some, none?

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Bonkers1 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:46:22 GMT

I could handle some soft white mixed with cream.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Desertdi — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:48:56 GMT

Ummmmm, NO. I need color!

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

JYWilliams — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:49:30 GMT

I like some white but I need some color added also.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

rockygems123 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:00:47 GMT

@Oznell

To me usage of white is like black and used sparingly not on huge planes.

White walls make sense sort of but I still believe any large plane and decor can be softened and made relatable with a tone or tint added.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Mary Bailey — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:02:00 GMT

Over the last 3 years I've had most rooms painted white.

Just the two smaller bedrooms will be painted in color. The smallest, yellow the other one seaglass green. I can't decide if I'm going to color drench them or have white ceilings.

I have wall art so there is still a lot of color.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

We rescue cats — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:11:39 GMT

All our walls are white, but none of our furniture is, I add color in the window treatments, furniture and floors. All our wood trim is walnut, so I wanted white walls and ceilings to brighten things up.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Sunshine Kate — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:26:04 GMT

I noticed online today there's a new homebuilder has photos of new homes his company is building.

Interior of home (there was no furniture/decor), is solid bright white. There is not one spot of color anywhere.

It wasn't an inexpensive home either, rather pricey.

If I purchased it, (NOT), I would then need to hire a contractor and re-paint the whole home in colors that would suit me. Would be expensive after purchasing a new home.

I like the photos you added, Oznell. Even though a lot of white, the colors of decor make it nice. (Especially with the little white pup, my favorite).

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

happilyretiredgirl — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:26:19 GMT

I favor white walls and color with furniture and other decor.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

TheMemphisVette — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:33:18 GMT

i noticed the textures really stand out more

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

DSD2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:40:53 GMT

@Oznell I love it all.

In the third shot, the kitchen, the only change I would make is to have the hood a light blue instead of black.

Love the rose cottage and the adorable white pooch.

Never too much white for me, it's pristine, serene and luxurious.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:55:20 GMT

I'd like visiting all-white, but I definitely wouldn't want to live in it. Too harsh.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

shoptilyadropagain — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:51:45 GMT

To answer your question..... very little!

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Imaoldhippie — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:01:06 GMT

I think by now everyone knows my response. If not, its boring, boring and more boring. Shows no creativity at all.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Meowingkitty — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:40:47 GMT

White walls are fine. White furniture is a big no. Not a fan of anything white. Heck I don't even wear white underwear.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

millieshops — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:57:50 GMT

I like the white, but I could be attracted to that home in other colors because so many of the rooms have beautiful natural light.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

DREAMON — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:02:53 GMT

I prefer off white. I don't care for stark white at all. I like whites and creams with a touch of black to keep the eye moving and add interest with contrast.

I add another color to the off white and black but not several colors.....I like a calm color home.

Greenery is always added...I love it.

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Oznell — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:09:32 GMT

I meant to ask, and forgot-- could you share your favorite white paint colors, if any?

I've tried a fair number of whites, including some of the newer ones, like "Simply White", etc., but my favorite is still "Cloud White" by Benjamin Moore. It's definitely an off-white that reads as "white", but soft, creamy, with a teeny tiny bit of a beige-y undertone.

To me, it's mellow enough to look good, not harsh, with the old woods of antiques, and in older houses.

It's a little bit warmer than its cousin, the ever popular "White Dove", which is slightly gray-er and cooler. Also a classic-- in the right space, beautiful.

For a REALLY warm white, which again, often suits houses that are older and have other, warmer colors in their hard finishes ( fireplace stone, countertops, etc.) an old standby like "Navajo White" can be mellow and enhancing. Sometimes too "yellow" in some circumstances, but so much depends on the light, etc.

There are so many whites!

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

Oznell — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:11:47 GMT

That sounds beautiful, @DREAMON !

Re: TO WHITE, OR NOT TO WHITE?

stevieb — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:14:42 GMT

Though some of these offer pleasing vignettes, several are too white for me. I especially don't care for the kitchen nor have I ever been much of a fan of the over-bleached shabby chic look, despite there being some pretty elements.