WHITE Country DECOR: Less Color and More Charm Now!

As cozy season begins to deliver earthy cozy moments all around, I say BRING IT ON. And. Also. All the while, I shall leave plenty of space in my heart open for slower living, hushed, serene moments of contemplation and understated white country decor. Some favorite creatives celebrate quiet white wholeheartedly, and today’s parade peeks at such whispers.

Leanne Ford designed cozy rustic modern minimal interior with fireplace and wood ceiling. #leanneford #rusticwhiteinteriors #modernrustic #cozyinteriors
Leanne Ford – Photo: Amy Neunsinger

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

White Country Decor

French Country White Decor Ideas

Pamela Pierce (and her shining star, MILIEU) embodies the wholehearted quality of which I speak and always gets white right.

Beautiful French country bedroom with elegant tufted beds, antiques, and design by Pamela Pierce of MILIEU magazine. #pamelapierce #frenchcountrybedroom
MILIEU – Design: Pamela Pierce

It’s not a small thing to artfully deliver the goods with restraint and a reverence for white.

Pamela Pierce Houston home (a 1926 stucco manse) - Veranda (photo: Laura Resen). #pamelapierce #whitehouseexteriors
Veranda; Pierce’s 1926 stucco manse in Houston; Photo: Laura Resen

Is your preference a less refined, more rustic, tumbledown white look?

White won’t hem you in! I have learned to listen to a home’s whispers about WHICH whites to celebrate in a given context…

Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray at 66% on kitchen cabinets, SW Eider White on walls - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #paviliongray #eiderwhite
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray (at 66%) on cabinets and SW Eider White on walls – Hello Lovely

Below, I chose Benjamin Moore OC-151 for trim, polished venatino marble for a backsplash, and Viatera Minuet white quartz for counters.

Gentle autumn colors at home where serene interiors and modern French sensibilities live - Hello Lovely. #gentleautumn #cozyautumn #serenedecor
Hello Lovely (Mug: Thomas O’Brien)

Sometimes a pure, snowy white paint freshens the mix.

Terracotta urn with white roses on my counter near window seat - Hello Lovely.
Hello Lovely – BM OC-151 for walls, trim, ceiling

But white paint is merely one layer. A mix of white decor and neutrals cozies the composition.

Hello Lovely's white living room with Belgian linen club chair and French fireplace. #modernfrench #belgianstyle #europeancountry
Hello Lovely

In other settings, blush undertones in white paint make all the difference. The white in our current kitchen provides all of the evidence I ever needed to preach this gospel.

Leanne Ford’s Signature

She has always transformed her world, one gallon of white at a time.

Behr Cameo White paint color inside and out of Leanne Ford's backyard yoga studio. #cameowhite #leanneford
Leanne Ford – Exterior color: Behr Cameo White

I have personally held a paintbrush dripping with white in my hand since the mid-1990s, and such a stance just doesn’t grow old.

Leanne Ford designed white laid back California cool sun room for Feel Free magazine. #leanneford #laidbackluxury
Feel Free magazine – Leanne Ford; styling: Hilary Robertson; Photo; Amy Neunsinger

Talk about a clean slate!

Country bedroom in Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.
Nancy Fishelson’s historic Killingworth home in COUNTRY LIVING

White painted floors are underrated!

Breakfast room in Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.
Nancy FishelsonCountry Living (Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin)

But so are raw, bleached wood floors!

BM White Dove kitchen cabinets and walls in a lovely country design - photo by Lincoln Barbour. #bmwhitedove #whitecountrykitchen
COUNTRY LIVING – BM White Dove – Photo: Lincoln Barbour

Wondrous Ways to Live With WHITE

Even when you narrow it down to white country decor (modern or traditional), there are worlds within worlds of WHITE.

Will you choose to warm it?

Simple country bedroom with white ilnen bedding and black wall sconce - And North. #bedroomdesign #countrybedroom #interiordesign #simpledecor #whitelinen
And North (Parachute Home)

Will you choose high contrast or low?

Hello Lovely's modern French bath with clawfoot tub and white roses. #modernfrench
Hello Lovely

What textures appeal?

Fifi O’Neill’s Serene Whites

Source: CICO Books, 2021; Author/Styling: Fifi O’Neill; Photography: Mark Lohman

Editor, writer and stylist Fifi O’Neill knows her way around serene-dream interiors.

Rustic white country living room with wood beams in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE. #allwhitedecor #rusticcountry
Rustic romance in a keeping room of a historic home in New Jersey – from SHADES OF WHITE

This gem and kindred spirit from Paris produces features for magazines including Country Living.

Sumptuous white bedding in bedroom from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE. #fifioneill
Custom bedding and nubby texture for an antique pine bed

In Shades of White: Serene Spaces For Effortless Living (CICO Books, 2021) with photography from Mark Lohman, a wide world of white decor is surveyed.

SHADES OF WHITE by Fifi O'Neill and Mark Lohman (CICO Books, 2021) - book cover
SHADES OF WHITE by Fifi O’Neill; Photography by Mark Lohman (CICO Books, 2021)

Fifi’s ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE bestseller romanced us more than a dozen years back, inspiring a legion of decorators, country-loving homebodies, and white country fans.

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors

Far ahead of social media trends, it took many years for marketing terms such as “modern farmhouse” and “cottage-core” to catch up or captivate TikTok-ers. (Is it just me, or does Tik-toking with “a long o” imply imbibing and an experience beyond scrolling? Hahahahaha.)

Vintage style in a kitchen in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #countrykitchens #vintagekitchens #fifioneill

2021’s Shades of White feels timelessly fresh and relevant. One of my favorite tours in the book takes us into a Seattle home where vintage style sings harmoniously with country French charm.

White Paint Color Ideas

Curious about the paint color on walls of this home?

Lovely vintage country cupboard with Louis style chair - from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE. Photo by Mark Lohman.

It’s Secluded Beach (Valspar) which has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 62…

Valspar Secluded Beach paint color swatch. #secludedbeach
Valspar Secluded Beach

And even though the beautifully warm, greyed-white color has been discontinued, it’s quite similar to this neutral…

Balboa Mist is truly a versatile color for interiors and exteriors, and we looked at this shade of white across a variety of settings in THIS.

BM Balboa Mist painted brick exterior of a beautiful Tudor in Atlanta renovated by Ladisic Fine Homes & Sherry Hart. #balboamist
BM Balboa Mist on a beautiful white brick exterior – Ladisic Fine Homes – Sherry Hart

Another possibility with a similar LRV?

Accessible Beige is a bestseller for Sherwin-Williams for good reason.

Vintage style in a kitchen in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #countrykitchens #vintagekitchens #fifioneill
Fifi O’Neill

Serene White Simplicity

Isn’t the simplicity and sea of white in this kitchen a sort of quiet sanctuary?

Vintage style in a kitchen in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #countrykitchens #vintagekitchens #fifioneill

With a soothing backdrop, it’s easy to imagine how the seasons can be savored and celebrated in a very natural, no-fuss manner.

Rustic vintage wood door as an accent in a lovely white living room with Cabbages & Roses pillow. From Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #fifioneill #vintagestyle

Shades of white make their own magic and can dial down the formality even while they elevate the humble.

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors

Somehow, a mix of various delicate whites feels far more sophisticated and interesting than a singular shade or two.

Rustic wood shutters as headboard in a white bedroom from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors

What could easily come off as too frou-frou is balanced with natural design elements, rusticity, and earthy humility.

Fifi O’Neill’s Shades of White

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors

And such attention to detail requires an artist’s eye!

Serene, romantic, ethereal white painted dresser in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors

This painted dresser captured my attention, and should you need one in your life, you are destined to find unpainted contenders online. In my region, they are plentiful with friendly price tags.

Detail of painted dresser with glass knobs in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #fifioneill
White ironstone pitcher with pink flowers in Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO, 2021). #fifioneill

Wondrous White

If you knew how often over the years I have received comments on my channels of the sort “of course it’s white, the homeowner is boring, soul-less, and playing it safe.” I always want to ask the commenter to send over photos of their own masterfully designed colorful spaces!

The truth is (and Fifi O’Neill and I have discussed this thoroughly), white opens up a world of peaceful possibilities and eclecticism. There’s a particular democracy and optimism white embodies.

Beautiful outdoor dining - Fifi O'Neill (Photo: Mark Lohman).
A sheltered outdoor dining area with a mix of folding cafe chairs and rattan armchairs.

White is frequently misunderstood as absence as opposed to a doorway or escape into spaciousness.

Two Boston Terriers lounging on antique daybed on cottage porch styled by Fifi O'Neill; photo by Mark Lohman. #bostonterriers #fifioneill
Boston Terriers lounge on a daybed in a San Francisco Bay area cottage.

White is slow to boast. It’s the friend who doesn’t clutter every pause with commentary.

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors
Chalky gray Swedish cabinet in a serene farmhouse interior.

White flows with quiet elegance, generous and willing to recede.

Rustic white country kitchen in a Vermont farmhouse - Fifi O'Neill for SHADES OF WHITE. #rusticwhitedecor #whitefarmhousekitchen
Antique French baker’s table is a work island in this 1870 Vermont farmhouse.

White rarely shrinks from the shadow side of things. (Which is maybe not a small thing.)

Vintage sconce with lovely jade green and crystals. Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors
Opaline jade bobeches and beads add chic French style and juxtaposition to farmhouse simplicity.

White’s light is both reflective and restorative…

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors
Notice the wide wood planks painted a heavenly white!

while also soothing and meditative.

Rustic white country bedroom with poster bed - Fifi O'Neill SHADES OF WHITE. #whitebedrooms #whitecountrystyle
Four poster bed with silver-gray finish is layered with romantic feminine white bedding.

Full of possibility and hope, shades of white suggest child-like wonder.

Luxurious white bath with soaking tub and serene decor - from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill
Drama, luxury, and modernity mix with romantic sophisticated simplicity in a California farmhouse.

Fifi points us to a rainbow of whites; to evidence that its calm can stretch wide as a shelter for souls.

Romantic, ethereal white living room with natural textures from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whitesofas

Resources for White Country Interiors

Serene, romantic, ethereal white interior from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021). #fifioneill #whiteinteriors
In fifi’s own home, texture and treasures glow in the quietness of white’s majesty.

…do consider more titles, including The Soulful Cottage we toured here.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

4 Comments

  1. October 12, 2024 / 9:13 am

    Did you see that Pamela Pierce’s guest room photo above has been redone? In the newest Milieu magazine. She is using a lot of browns in her home now which is not appealing to me.

    • Michele
      Author
      October 12, 2024 / 4:51 pm

      I did see it in this current issue – wouldn’t be surprised if it is already white or something else after publication. 🙂 I love how she is willing to try a new look but also won’t hesitate to immediately change it to something else! 🙂

  2. Suzanne
    October 14, 2024 / 12:28 pm

    What a glorious post. Those people who think that white is souless and boring are invited to take their opinions elsewhere and not waste internet space. We all love your blog for a reason!

    • Michele
      Author
      October 14, 2024 / 2:03 pm

      Thanks for the support! Don’t mess with our love affair with white decor! Hahahaha

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing