Is white the absence of color? I heard someone ask this question the other day, and it really made me think. It was prompted by the delivery of our new book, Cottage Style: A Palette of White.
When I was growing up, white was significant in so many ways. You could not wear white shoes before Easter of after Labor Day. Why? It was just because Mom said so. It was tradition. It was also wonderful when you were old enough to wear white gloves to church. And let’s not forget those evening gloves that went just past the elbow with the tiny pearl button at the wrist. I will always cherish the tiny strand of white pearls Mom and Dad gave me for Christmas when I was a teen.
White to me is a very inspiring color. Crisp-white linens on the beds are beautiful, and white towels hanging in the bathroom are very refreshing. White china with carefully pressed white napkins at the side is always elegant. White-on-white monograms are always fashionable and look perfect at the table.
As I was turning the pages of the book, I came to the section where my son Eric and his wife, Katie’s, house was featured with the title “Shades of White.” The lovely white cabinets and white tile in the kitchen and dining area is very serene. I thought it was brilliant. They love to entertain, and the white is the perfect color for this room. The centerpieces they use are varied in color depending on the occasion. The white showcases their color choices for events.
Another section I loved is the feature on Diana Hansen of White Flowers. She and her husband, Eric, live in a beautiful all-white house. It is breathtaking with the monochromatic colors throughout. You will get great decorating ideas from this book, just as I have.
White is the perfect color when you are looking for a refreshing way to brighten your rooms. So I pose the question to you: Is white a color or the absence of color?
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