Cottages of White

What is your personal style? I am often asked that question, and I have to stop and think about it. I love English-style furniture, French fabrics, and antiques. I went through a period in my life where every room was wall papered, and that phase lasted only a little while. Truthfully, I find that I like to make small changes all the time to keep my home fresh.

During the past five years I have gone from jewel-tone walls to very neutral shades of cream and taupe. I love color, and I love texture. So I find myself adding color to my rooms with accent pillows and rugs when I have neutral walls. Neutral color schemes came from the resurgence of French Country textiles and stone. Aren’t you amazed at the zillions of grey, beige, cream,taupe, and white shades of paint?

Your personal style and colors in your home must really be colors and style that you are passionate about. I used to laugh at acquaintances, in a town where I lived years ago, that would redecorate their homes annually and then call their friends to see the transformation. And you guessed it, they would go home and almost duplicate their friends’ choices, whether they like it or not, just to be “in style.” It was a competition. The first time a painted polka dot mantel appeared in a Mary Engelbreit photo, it only took weeks for all the circle of friends to have one! It was hilarious!And only one of them had a home where the polka dots were sensational.

To me the most marvelous homes are those that reflect the personality and true style of the people living there. I have several friends who have all-white houses, and they are stunning. White is a soothing color and the perfect backdrop for any accent color you choose. This pristine color palette inspired a new special issue of The Cottage Journal, Cottages of White. This beautiful issue truly celebrates the stunning beauty of white. I just love every page of the wonderful use of white in both décor and paint.

What is your favorite style?