Beware the Ices of March

So, we thought we were going to get through this glorious winter relatively unscathed, right? Damn that Puxatony Phil- one month to the day after he saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, Mother Nature finally co-operated and dumped a few inches of snow on us. When the snow turned to rain yesterday, I figured this morning’s commute would be on dry roads with nary a snowflake in sight. Imagine my surprise when I opened the back door to let the dog out and saw this picture!

The beauty of the freshly fallen white snow contrasting with the red and black of the barn got me to thinking about the color white and how it translates to design. White stands for purity and innocence- think angels and brides,

goodness and cleanliness- think doctors and nurses or good vs. evil

and brilliance and light. To the human eye, brilliant white can be painful and blinding, which is why, in decorating, it is best to add even the smallest amount of contrast, so that the room does not appear to be too stark.

According to Benjamin Moore (my absolutely all-time favorite paint), the white color palette is their top-selling paint choice, and boy, do they have white paint choices! White Dove, Linen White, Cloud White, China White, Decorator’s White, Najavo White, Atrium White-the list is endless- all clear and natural and absolutely versatile. Whites can be the blank canvas for modern, traditional, french country, shabby chic or farmhouse country design.

It can be sleek and sophisticated or friendly and warm, depending upon the hard and soft furnishings. It can fill a room with light or create a dramatic frame for a window or dark-hued wall.  Here are some of my favorite white spaces on Pinterest. Enjoy!