Chrissie Rucker - The Art of Living with White: A Year of Inspiration

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BY CHRISSIE RUCKER

Over the last few years, our homes have become more important than ever before. As the world has changed and working more from home has become part of normal life, it also means they have had to work even harder.

While versatility and functionality are as imperative as creating a harmonious style, many of us have come to realize that it is not enough for a home to work practically or simply look stylish. It also has to feel good and bring about a sense of everyday happiness and comfort. That elusive quality is hard to pinpoint, but when it exists, it is something we are intensely aware of the moment we walk through the door. It is a feeling driven by sensory, often simple pleasures, the individuality of the owner, a warm welcome and an underlying sense of peace.

I have always loved the inherent calm that comes with living with white and neutrals, and at home this enhances the feeling of space, light and connectivity. So, in our second book, I was curious to explore how a group of inspiring, creative individuals have mastered their own way of living with white. Being invited into the worlds of these fashion designers, architects, antique dealers, property renovators, a sculptor, a fine artist and a doctor has been a privilege. Their mutual love of white comes to life in very different ways and each owners compelling story shines through in the design of their home.

Whether urban or rural, large or small, what makes each home truly special is not driven by its size, location or even style. It is about how everything comes together and how it feels to live in. Each home is a living entity a unique, characterful, sensory space full of considered personal touches that bring pleasure which evolves over time and through the seasons.

These seasonal styling ideas are inspirational and show us all how easy it can be to create fresh new looks. When accompanied by simple seasonal rituals, they help us make the most of our spaces, so we can enjoy the brightness of spring, the warmth of summer, the cosiness of autumn and the crispness of winter.

For some, the ability to nurture and style a welcoming home is an inherent part of their creative personality, while for others, including me, the process can feel much more daunting. However, I have learned over the last 27 years (from the many wonderful stylists and designers I have been lucky enough to work with) that it really is not as difficult as I first thought and in fact today it is something I enjoy enormously.

When it comes to creating new ranges for The White Company, I am often inspired by images of a beautifully curated home. I really hope you will enjoy all the wonderful ideas these very different, enriching homes offer. They have all captured my imagination in their own unique way, and I hope they spark the seed of fresh inspiration for you too.

A passion for white unites this collection of homes, but it is each owners authentic creative imprint that brings the art of living with white to life, in different ways. With each home comes personality, warmth and that elusive sense of comfort and calm.

REPURPOSED SCHOOLHOUSE

Some homes conjure a deeply emotional reaction, so appealing and unique are their interiors, and it comes as no surprise to learn that for Lucille Lewin creativity and storytelling sit at the heart of everything she does. As a sculptor I am driven by a world of imagination. The idea of creating something out of nothing, with a strong personal narrative, has always appealed whether in business or at home.