I didn’t always live with a tone on tone palette celebrating a rainbow of whites at home. As newlyweds living in our first home (a Chicagoland condo), I was crazy for all things French country and colorful. Teal floral wallpapered bedroom walls, blue stripes in the bath, mauve floral in the kitchen, and more pink flowers in the dining room. As parents raising young children in a suburban Chicago bungalow, we enjoyed bold periwinkle, sunny yellow, Swedish red, and RH silver sage. I didn’t discover the beauty of mixing whites until the boys entered adolescence. (Is there a relationship between the chaos of parenting teens and the tender solace of white?) Let’s discuss.
![Serene white and light grey European country kitchen with Viatera Muse quartz counters, calacatta gold backsplash, and Pavilion Gray painted cabinets - Hello Lovely Studio. #eiderwhite #modernfrench #europeancountry #viateramuse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_5518-1.jpg)
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When You Love a Rainbow of Whites
There’s no doubt that if my tastes leaned more toward bold color, high contrasts, and frequent refreshes, blog traffic and business would be more profitable. But when you grow fond of a particular look that can withstand time and aren’t overly attached to profits, it is deeply satisfying.
![Grisaille tree wallpaper in the entry and dining room of our modern French home - Hello Lovely Studio. #treewallpaper #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5513-1.jpg)
Here at the Georgian, the walls are varying shades of greige while trims are bright white. When we moved in, I wasn’t sure how long the grey would stay. Will the walls be turning white like our previous home?
![Serene white decor in breakfast nook with window seat and Belgian linen upholstery - Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendecor #breakfastnook #windowseat #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #belgianlinen #frenchcountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/001-hello-lovely-studio-white-serene-kitchen.jpg)
Maybe. After all, white is perfect for creating an ethereal, spacious, quiet mood!
![Serene white French country and European inspired kitchen with window seat and Belgian linen accents. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendesign #serenedecor #kitchens #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitekitchens #romanticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00019-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-marble-subway-tile-white-oak-hardwood.jpg)
But which white is the right white?
![SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5539.jpg)
I field questions like this every single day…and it depends on a variety of factors. Pssst. If you SUBSCRIBE, you’ll have access to my library of experience and help. Simply hit “reply” to the email with your daily blog post and ask your design questions!
![Serene French country cottage style bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitebedrooms #stikwood #hamptons #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00029-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-bedroom-stikwood.jpg)
The Rainbow of White Paint Colors
If you have read this blog for long, you know this topic is common. You may be thinking we’ve exhausted it by now, but…nope. You don’t realize the challenge of selecting the proper whites for your project until you’re in the throes.
![Modern French renovated bath with Louis style arm chair holding basket of towels, column side table with plant, and vintage clawfoot tub - Hello Lovely Studio. Walls are SW Repose Gray. #swreposegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-april-2023-hello-lovely-bath-25.jpg)
A white that works in my house could be all wrong for yours. In fact, before I painted our new walls in the entry Repose Gray, I tried the white from our previous home:
![Best white paint color guide on Hello Lovely. #whitepaintcolors #bestwhitepaint](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best-white-paint-color-guide-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
It felt too bright and rather institutional. In fact, I decided we would need the pattern of a wallpaper to enliven the space. But in our prior home, OC-151 opened up those rooms and made the existing architecture feel fresh and new.
![Belgian linen chaise and antique sideboard from Belgian in our European farmhouse inspired living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #europeancountry #belgianlinen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00001-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-living-room-sideboard.jpg)
Whites are affected by the quality of light entering a room and also the geographic region where you live. To land on the proper white paint color, it is imperative to sample several contenders.
![SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5527.jpg)
It is also important to remember that the ideal white for your space may not have “white” in the color name.
![Serene French country cottage style bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitebedrooms #stikwood #hamptons #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00008-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-bedroom-white-stikwood-hamptons.jpg)
Agreeable Gray may sound like a boring muddy bestseller from Sherwin-Williams, yet it is popular for good reason. It can read warm, moody or atmospheric depending on the environment. Certain colors are chameleon-like and can become a neutral backdrop for a variety of furniture and decorations.
See this for more advice choosing white paint colors.
![SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5480-1.jpg)
When Texture Becomes Your Color
I get annoyed when I see commenters on social media dismiss white decor as safe. Getting white right is not as simple as those folks imagine. To get it right, there’s always a lot of thoughtfulness involved. Layering neutrals, mixing warm and cool whites, and adding texture requires skill.
![Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray in my modern French dining room with white piano and white roses - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #reposegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5515-1.jpg)
Texture can even be introduced by uncovering the windows and allowing the outdoors to be a feature.
![River rock stone accents on our European country inspired cottage exterior. #hellolovelystudio #cottagedesign #houseexterior #rivercottage #riverrock](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00040-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-mary-statue-boxwood.jpg)
(If you admire the siding color above, mix 50% of Cornforth White No. 228 with 50% of Hardwick White No. 5 for a custom Hello Lovely creamy neutral!)
Add Texture in a Low Contrast White Palette
In our former bedroom, an accent wall with Stikwood (Hamptons White) introduced texture to a Northern exposure white bedroom. Even though I was concerned about not wanting something trendy like shiplap or something too rustic, I had nothing to fear.
![Serene French country cottage style bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitebedrooms #stikwood #hamptons #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00032-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-nightstand.jpg)
It served all sorts of purposes including becoming a source of tension with more refined elements. When things feel too frou frou or precious, they just don’t feel as welcoming to me. The rough texture with all of the sumptuous white bedding felt just right.
![French Nordic style room with settee and vintage grain sack pillows - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchnordic #frenchcountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/001-hello-lovely-studio-french-nordic-white-decor-settee.jpg)
Even antique linens and vintage grainsack can create such tension. If it is livable luxe and an unfussy white look you are after, it helps to add old and weathered things.
![Authentic European Grain Sack Pillow image 0](https://i.etsystatic.com/13997662/r/il/a57949/2526420325/il_1140xN.2526420325_lzwb.jpg)
You can always look outdoors for inspiration since nature is hard to beat as a mix master of textures and preciousness.
![Our French country courtyard with bench and linen pillows - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcourtyard #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #outdoordecor #romanticgarden](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/004-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-courtyard.jpg)
Quiet Tones for Outdoors
For me, something magic happens when the palette outdoors is also more restrained.
![French farmhouse inspired courtyard with pea gravel, wood furniture, and vintage galvanized buckets. #hellolovelystudio #gardens #courtyards #frenchfarmhouse #peagravel #outdoorfurniture #outdoordecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00038-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-bonjour-pillow-wood-furniture.jpg)
In our former courtyard, greige furniture on pale pea gravel with concrete pavers felt like a welcoming oasis.
![Rustic elegant patio chairs with linen pillows on my patio. #hellolovelystudio #patiochairs #rattanchairs #europeancountry #outdoordecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/014-hello-lovely-studio-patio-wicker-chairs-linen-pillows.jpg)
Ivory white cushions and mist grey linen pillows on patio chairs extend the calm from inside.
![Knotty alder front door with speakeasy opens to a pea gravel French inspired courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #entry #courtyard #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/005-hello-lovely-studio-entry-and-courtyard.jpg)
Living with tranquility both indoors and outdoors creates a cohesive sense of refuge. Is that not why we devote energy to homemaking in the first place? When you know yourself and are in touch with your desires, you can make choices rooted in such knowing.
![Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom - Aristotle quote.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/aristotle-quote-know-yourself-homeoffice-quill.jpg)
What tones relax you?
![Belgian linen upholstered chairs, white oak hardwood flooring, and a French fireplace in our European inspired country living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #interiordesign #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchfireplace #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/006-hello-lovely-studio-european-country-living-room-fireplace.jpg)
A rainbow of whites includes linen, putty, stone, oak, greige, ivory, and more. It need not feel like a cold blizzard.
When White is Sanctuary-Like
Leaving the hustle and chaos of modern life behind in order to recharge and rest is within reach with a quiet color palette. Maybe it is because my own inner life is fiery with colors and passion that I need my environment to soothe and whisper.
![White oak hardwood flooring and Belgian linen furniture in our European country inspired cottage with white walls and serene decor. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #whiteoak #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #belgianlinen #benjaminmoorewhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/007-hello-lovely-studio-belgian-linen-living-room-white-oak-hardwood.jpg)
Whatever the case may be, retreating to a sanctuary seems more essential than ever.
![Belgian linen club chair with industrial accent table in my European country living room with French fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #livingroomdecor #europeancountry #belgianstyle #serenedecor #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/015-hello-lovely-studio-livin-groom-belgian-linen-fireplace-industrial-side-table.jpg)
Our homes have to work harder for us now in post-pandemic times.
Tone on Tone Lovely Finds
![Agda Classic Elegant Traditional Upholstered Dining Chair](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/09792198/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4404/44042216/Agda+Classic+Elegant+Traditional+Upholstered+Dining+Chair.jpg)
![Knotty alder interior door with bronze hardware opening to my closet with Victorian painted dresser. #hellolovelystudio #knottyalder #interiordoors #rusticdecor #frenchcountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00015-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-knotty-alder-door-closet-white-oak.jpg)
![French country bedroom with cottage style furniture and rustic white Stikwood (Hamptons) wood plank wall. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bedroomdecor #stikwood #hamptons #frenchfarmhouse #allwhite #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/010-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-white-bedroom-stikwood-hamptons.jpg)
![Montauk Panel Bed](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/33722060/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5742/57425833/Montauk+Panel+Bed.jpg)
Someone with a different point of view might find all of the cool whites and silvery tones far too sedative. Knowing your needs is everything.
![the hall to the kitchen has white oak hardwood flooring. #hellolovelystudio #interiordesign #whiteoakhardwood #benjaminmoorewhite #shakerkitchen #interiordesign #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/008-hello-lovely-studio-white-oak-hardwood-hall-kitchen.jpg)
But images only tell a part of the story. For example, the long painted bench above is one we commissioned a quarter of a century ago along with a harvest table. Made from the sides of a local 1800s barn, it is where our sons sat for meals, homework, and games. There is nothing flat or lifeless about it in person when you see its scars, age, square nails, and texture in person. It serves now as a shallow table in our living room.
![SW Repose Gray in living room with Belgian linen sofa, egg chair, and arched windows - Hello Lovely Studio. #reposegray #belgianstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5494-1.jpg)
Colorful pops of color feel right at home to certain folks and downright violent to others like me!
![White Shaker cabinetry and apron front fireclay sink in my serene white kitchen with Viatera quartz (Minuet) and polished marble subway tile backsplash. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendesign #farmsink #shakerkitchen #whitekitchen #frenchcountry #subwaytile #serenekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/009-hello-lovely-studio-serene-shaker-white-kitchen-farm-sink-roses.jpg)
White roses are a simple way to enjoy white at home and look good everywhere.
![Serene white decor in breakfast nook with window seat and Belgian linen upholstery - Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendecor #breakfastnook #windowseat #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #belgianlinen #frenchcountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/012-hello-lovely-studio-serene-white-breakfast-room-window-seat-kitchen.jpg)
Shop my Home!
![Encouraging quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquotes #quotes #encouragement #personalgrowth](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-be-patient-with-yourself-bloom.jpg)
White’s Magic in Bathrooms
Is there anyone who objects to the clean white of a bath?
![Hello Lovely modern vintage bath mood board resources for our Georgian's primary bath. #modernvintage #bathrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-hello-lovely-modern-vintage-bath-mood-board.jpg)
They feel timelessly pristine, and bright. I was reminded of just how valuable a “clean feel” is since the bath we inherited here at the Georgian was enveloped in milk chocolate brown.
![Our master bedroom and bath have rustic knotty alder interior doors and liberal doses of French country. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #alderdoors #romanticdecor #rusticelegance](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/011-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-bathroom-stikwood-alder-doors.jpg)
It wasn’t simply oppressive and dark, it always felt soiled…not the vibe I ever vibe to.
These white marble trays can tidy up any number of things in a bath or beyond.
A recent guest who toured our home asked if we brought our clawfoot tub along from our former home. I would have loved to since it was the sweetest fun-sized maid’s tub:
![Serene white French country bathroom with vintage clawfoot tub and calacatta look porcelain tile. #hellolovelystudio #whitebathrooms #bathroomdesign #frenchcountry #clawfoottub](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00030-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-master-bath-clawfoot-tub.jpg)
But nope. We hunted down another vintage tub from a 1920s bungalow up North where the owners were happy for us to repurpose it as they remodeled.
![Clawfoot tub in our classic renovated bath at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio. #sherwinwilliamsreposegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hello-lovely-studio-bath-001-1440x1440.jpg)
Psst. I’m still working on the finishing touches in our bath (above).
White Trim & Natural Wood Tones
Even though the popularity of modern farmhouse style often embraces black and white, I’m still not sold on high contrasts for my own home.
![Window seat with European inspired pillows and Belgian linen slipcovered dining chairs in a breakfast area of a French country kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #breakfastroom #belgianlinen #windowseat #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00028-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-dining-room.jpg)
I favor softer transitions and the mix of naturally subtle tones.
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Linen-Slipcovered-Dining-Chair-300x517.jpeg)
![Serene white French country and European inspired kitchen with window seat and Belgian linen accents. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendesign #serenedecor #kitchens #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitekitchens #romanticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00017-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-white-oak-hardwood.jpg)
![Rustic Round Dining Table](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/round-farmhouse-dining-table-1-400x400.jpg)
When I decided to add natural knotty wood doors with white trim back in 2015, there weren’t many homeowners or designers going for that look.
![Knotty alder door and white oak hardwood in our French Nordic style bedroom with white and pale grey. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #knottyalder #europeancountry #whiteoak #romanticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00005-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-bedroom-alder-door.jpg)
Now it is common to see white trim with wood toned doors.
![Belgian linen arm chair and antique silver accent table in my bedroom with rustic alder door. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #linenchair #slipcoveredchair #frenchcountry #belgianstyle #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/016-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-chair-alder-door-silver-side-table.jpg)
Is It More Difficult to Keep White Interiors Clean?
Here’s a topic that is easy for me to address since I have lived with white for decades and also raised messy kids.
![Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet) and fireclay farm sink in my serene white Shaker kitchen. #hellolovelystudio #viatera #whitequartz #minuet #quartzcontertop #farmsink #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/013-hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-Minuet-Viatera-quartz-farm-sink.jpg)
Additionally, two years ago, we inherited a home peppered with dark brown finishes everywhere. Dark brown granite, dark brown trim, tiles and doors and cabinets with chocolate brown. Was day to day living easier or at least more forgiving with deep dark colors?
![Serene white Shaker kitchen with fireclay farm sink and vintage work cart. Viatera Minuet quartz on counters. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendesign #serenedecor #viatera #minuet #farmsink #reinhard](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00021-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-farm-sink-work-cart.jpg)
Heavens no! The dust! The fingerprints, crumbs and smudges on glossy brown! I hated it and learned firsthand how oppressive color can be to the mood.
Does that sound like “easy living?”
![Inspirational quote about giving: Give like the sun and the whole world grows tall. #hellolovelystudio #inspirationalquotes #personalgrowth #encouragement #generosity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-give-like-the-sun-pink.jpg)
If you have a minute to share your own thoughts about living with a rainbow of white at home, please do make your voice heard!
Glimpses of 2013 Me & Warm Whites Shortly After My Prophylactic Surgeries
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Inside the Blogger
In my personal life, grief has been a recent companion with the passing of humans and pets dear. My heart is more tender than normal, and I am always hoping to allow what is flowing through me to somehow become healing energy.
![Charming French country inspired garden with pea gravel and boxwood. #hellolovelystudio #gardendecor #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcourtyard #peagravel #outdoordecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/018-hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-french-garden.jpg)
Right where you are, I wish you wide open access to beauty flowing from realms unseen.
I wish you sweeter air to breathe, this very moment, to cleanse and clear any bitterness arising.
![Michele of Hello Lovely using an HP Elitebook.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/michele-hp-elitebook-laptop-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I wish you a gentle breeze as relief from all harsh weather weakening your resolve.
![Michele of Hello Lovely Studio in living room with Antique Belgian sideboard and abstract painting. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #europeancountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/017-hello-lovely-studio-living-room-sideboard-painting-michele.jpg)
I wish you a flow of loving kindness, carrying you across stretches of earth when your strength is gone.
You are not alone on this strange journey, friend. If loss and despair are yours, I am with you. If the Grief House is also your home, I am there. And if tears dampen your cheeks, I can only imagine the beauty radiating from your glistening eyes.
If there’s warmth expanding in your chest just now as warmth expands in mine, then you’ll know we’re together. It’s the same holy warmth and the same holy light burning through and through. Because I am right here with you in the Mystery, and beauty is building us a bridge.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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