WHITE ON WHITE: INSIDE OUT & OUTSIDE IN

 




One of my very good friends in Boston, has a white on white bedroom.  Every time I visit her I find this space so relaxing and inviting.  In the summertime her room feels cool and fresh, and in the wintertime it seems to glimmer like a fresh snow flake.  I love a white on white room during any time of the year, but particularly in the summertime.  White on white is definitely a clean and classic approach to summertime decor.  In addition to white on white, I often feel the need to bring the indoors out and outdoors in.  This is the one time of the year where there are no boundaries.  There is no snow or winter chill to trap us indoors. I love to open windows and doors, dine outside, shower outside, and bring fresh green plants inside.    Here is some white on inspiration, showing how you can bring the inside out and outside in:

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WHITE ON WHITE: WHAT TO WEAR

"The only completely stationary object in the room was an enormous couch on which two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon. They were both in white, and their dresses were rippling and fluttering as if they had just been blown back in after a short flight around the house." The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald 

White on white fashion always reminds me of the fabulous Mrs. Daisy Buchanan. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite novels, particularly due to F. Scott Fitzgerald's magnificent use of symbolism.  Throughout novel Daisy's character is carefully built up with white's associations to purity, light, and innocence.  Her memorable first appearance is at the Buchanan house, as she lounges in her billowing white dress.  Breezy, clean, and cool this is the perfect fashion inspiration for any summer day.  

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WHITE ON WHITE: OBSESSION

I love white on white during any time of the year, but especially in the summertime.  Summertime favorites include breezy white interiors, cool white fashion, and white sun bleached  treasures from the seaside.  White has always been a favorite color of mine.  Maybe this is because there are so many different kinds of white.  Cool whites with a hint of blue to warm creamy whites, each variation leading to a different effect.   

One of my favorite sources of inspiration for summer white is the seaside.  Throughout my apartment and at my parent's house, I have numerous collections of seashells, stones, and other treasures.  Some of  my collections include beautifully colored shells, but my favorites tend to be all white.  Sun bleached oyster shells fill a canister at my bedside, a white rock collection serves as the perfect bookend on my bookshelf, and three white sea urchins sit on a shelf.  I just can't seem to get enough of white on white!

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SEA FOAM: THE GOLDEN STEP ROOM

Growing up, we would frequently take trips to nearby sites and museums.  One day, my mum and I ventured to Gloucester,  Massachusetts. This historic fishing town is bursting with inspiration, making this one of the most popular residences for New England artists.  Beauport, also known as the Sleeper-McCann House, was once the home of Henry David Sleeper, one of the first American professional interior designers.  This perfectly situated retreat, served as an ideal setting for entertaining guests, and showcasing Sleeper's talent as a collector and designer. 

My favorite room at Beauport is the Golden Step Room.  Even though my trip to Beauport was many years ago, this room remains one of the most memorable spaces I have ever been in.  The room features an almost blinding  combination of light reflections from the sea below, and a crisp palette of white and sea foam green.  The built-in cabinets, window sills, and table settings display Sleeper's collection of aquamarine glass, majolica, and Wedgewood.  Across from the stunning seascape, sits an eight-foot tall model ship for which the room is named.  As a guest of the Sleeper residence, you would probably find me in this room during most hours of the day.  

For more information on visiting Beauport visit www.historicnewengland.org
Image via Historic New England website 

SEA FOAM: AT THE MET GALA

A little over a month ago, model Liu Wen wowed Met Gala spectators, with a sea foam green, Zac Posen gown.  The stunning, 1950's inspired strapless ball gown, featured a structured bodice with a dramatic voluminous skirt.  In addition to it's unforgettable form, the dress was in a vibrant sea foam green.  This unique color was perfect with Liu Wen's soft complexion and made it one of the most memorable dresses of the evening.  

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SEA FOAM: MERMAID ASHORE

After a recent trip to Nantucket, I can't seem to get the sea out of my head. The scent of salty air, the cool breeze, and the sound of crashing waves...this is my favorite place.  There is something so spectacular about the ever changing color of the sea.  On sunny day, green plays a leading role, where as a stormy day can lend itself to a very gray and turbulent sea.  In addition to color, the sea is constantly adjusting to reflecting light, making Venice one of the most spectacular cities. 

Growing up in Western Massachusetts, the nearest ocean was two hours away, but this didn't stop me from day dreaming about the sea. I am a mermaid ashore.  Whenever I am by the sea I feel at home, and when I'm away, I'm longing to return. 

When I was younger, I would frequently request day trips to the coast.  I would start my yearly countdown for our Martha's Vineyard vacation, the day after we returned, and my room was always filled with beach treasures.  My heart was at the seaside and I knew that I would one day live closer.  My college search sent me looking for an architecture school at the coast.  I somehow managed to fall in love with a school in the middle of Upstate New York, however, Seneca Lake served as a perfect substitute for four years.  After graduation, I moved to Boston, a perfect city for any sea lover.  I am close to the Cape and Islands, and for those days when I am truly missing the sea, I stroll along the Boston Harborwalk. On a gray rainy day or a sunny summer day, I find the seaside to be one of the most inspiring and therapeutic places on Earth.  

 

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