Color of the Year: White – Really!

Some people are calling it a genius choice, others are scoffing at Benjamin Moore’s selection of “Simply White” as Color of the Year 2016. White? Really? I say yes!Photo Courtesy of benjaminmoore.com

White is a bold, back-to-basics option that I call cleansing, quieting and versatile. It’s the equivalent of a terrific white “boyfriend” shirt - I should know, I own 7 of them and can’t live without them!  Dress it up, dress it down, add color and accessories and it works for any occasion.

Photo Courtesy of benjaminmoore.com

I’m not crazy about all white,  it can be very crisp and elegant, but it’s a bit sterile for me.

Photo Courtesy of benjaminmoore.com

But after Benjamin Moore’s choice last year of that horrible Guilford Green (below) - ugh! -  I’m ready for something easy on the eyes. Simple.

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Actually, Ben Moore has been on a streak of somewhat saturated colors: Before that yucky green it was Breath of Fresh Air blue in 2014….

Photo Courtesy of apartment34.com

...and in 2013 it was Lemon Sorbet.

Photo Courtesy of benjaminmoore.com

So I’m welcoming Simply White with open arms but a realistic point of view – If you have kids and pets limit the white to walls and accent pieces, not carpeting and upholstery. If you have a mostly kid-free zone – go for it!