Outdoor Whites

If I were permitted only two colors to decorate with, without hesitation, my choices would be various hues of white and soft shades of green.

Both colors have remained basic staples of my home-decorating style—for most of my adult life.

Both colors speak tranquility and restfulness to me.

Not only do I use those colors substantially indoors—throughout the cottage—but I surround myself with their beauty outdoors, as well.

For instance, my wicker settee—with its chippy, white paint and comfy, white matelasse-covered cushions—creates a wonderfully relaxing spot on the front porch.

Surrounding it with other decorative elements, like this vintage beaded-board box—one of our creations—adds to its overall charm.

You've seen this little guy before, but I can't resist introducing him to you again.

He's one of my favorite garden adornments!

I could have chosen to give the vintage windows, I used for my yard conservatory, a fresh coat of white paint, but I preferred the timeworn appearance of the existing whites.

Sometimes I use whites to soften the lines of pieces that seem too stark—

as was the case with the pieces I used for my serene tablescape in the field.

Other times, I use white as an anchor amidst a sea of color.

I find that no matter where I use them—inside or out—shades of white introduce an element of calm repose.

Joining Kathleen for White Wednesday and Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.