Living with Winter White
![Designed by James Radin. (Photo: Cote de Texas)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white1.jpg)
Designed by James Radin. (Photo: Cote de Texas)
Once upon a time, when I was seriously considering buying a white couch, my mother dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. That, she said, is simply not practical.
She was right. I had two children, a dog, and a cat ... not to mention, a husband who worked with horses. We were a clean bunch, and our house was always neat as a pin, but white in our family room would be hard to keep clean. Something darker and patterned would be better, she said. It wont show the dirt.
I bristle whenever I hear people say at least it wont show the dirt. What does that mean? Is not showing the dirt a good thing? And if it is, why would it be? Who wants to live with dirt that doesnt show? I have trouble wrapping my head around the if-you-cant-see-it, its OK concept. The dirt is still there whether you see it or not. Wouldnt it be better to see the dirt on a couch so you know exactly when and where it needs cleaning?
I never did get the white couch. It wasnt a matter of being practical. I simply did not find a couch in white that called out and begged me to take it home. Instead I bought a white area rug that looked fabulous with the navy patterned sofa I did buy. My bath was a crisp white, and I had white kitchen cabinets, too. They easily showed dirt and fingerprints, but I cleaned on a regular basis. I didnt mind. I like a clean house.
Decorating with white
Pure as the driven snow, white is pristine, peaceful, crisp, and clean. Not really a color, its a manifestation of the presence of all colors. Like a diamond, it reflects light ... and rooms in white are generally bright and airy.
![(Photo: Hypevilla)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white2.jpg)
White walls, furniture, and flooring are offset by dark wood and distressed frames. (Photo: Hypevilla)
![(Photo: Country Living)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white3.jpg)
[above] This formal white living room looks good with dark flooring, a striped area rug, federal blue accents, and other vintage pieces. (Photo: Country Living)
[right] Elegant dining on a winter day can be changed easily for any season by using fresh flowers instead of the white-washed twigs. (Photo: Williams-Sonoma).
![(Photo: Williams-Sonoma)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white4.jpg)
![(Photo: Ikea)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white5.jpg)
Layers of white ... and neat, organized shelving create an inviting desk area
in the corner of this living room. (Photo: Ikea)
Same room, two different looks
![(Photo: Country Living)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white6.jpg)
![(Photo: Country Living)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white7.jpg)
![(Photo: Amazing Decoration)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white8.jpg)
White, painted brick and a beamed, vaulted ceiling add drama. The nice mix of modern furniture with an antique mirror give the room an eclectic feel. (Photo: Amazing Decoration)
![(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white9.jpg)
![(Photo: Traditional Home)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white10.jpg)
![(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white11.jpg)
Floor-to-ceiling soft white cabinets with dark Carrara marble and a handmade ceramic tile backsplash. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
![(Photo: Jennyshus)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white12.jpg)
[above] An awesome vintage piece, used for the headboard, makes a bold statement and mimics the pattern in the bed cover. (Photo: Jennyshus)
[left] A romantic corona sends a cascade of sheer fabric tumbling over an intricately carved headboard in this dreamy bedroom. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)
![(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white13.jpg)
![(Photo: Bright Bold and Beautiful)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white14.jpg)
Pine beams on the ceiling, hardwood floor, and toss pillows in watercolor hues on a cozy window seat with an ocean view ... sigh. (Photo: Bright Bold and Beautiful)
![(Photo: Traditional Home)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white15.jpg)
![(Photo: HGTV)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white16.jpg)
![(Photo: House Beautiful)](http://www.ouremptynest.net/wp-content/uploads/white17.jpg)
A deep soaking, freestanding tub by Waterworks with clean, sculptural lines. Pure heaven! (Photo: House Beautiful)