Who said something about no white after Labor Day?

When it comes to interior style, white is always in fashion.

I once heard someone somewhere say that wearing white after Labor Day is a fashion faux pas. Why? No one really knows, though Time Magazine suggests that the tradition began when well-off vacationers of the 1930s doned white during their summer vacations and darker colors to represent their return to daily life in society. (“Play time is over. Back into the black suit. Back into the office!”) Like I said, no one really knows but I suppose that’s as good of a reason as any.

But it’s nearly 2013 and no one really cares about baseless traditions, right? Particularly not when the rebellion can be so beautiful! Any time of year, white looks absolutely stunning in a home. It’s a hard look to pull off but those who do so emerge on a higher scale of intelligence (“How do they keep it so clean?!”) moral aptitude (“Really? You don’t mind me sitting on your white couch?”) and grace (“God bless them for being so brave.”)

Look with envy and awe at these stunning white interiors. And if you’re brave, feel free to be inspired.

The trick to the white living room featured above is quite simple: easy to clean surfaces. Leather, marble, glass, and plastic all wipe clean with ease. Even the paint on the walls appears to be a semi-gloss which adds to the radiance of the room while protecting the walls from minor scuffs. Carefully placed natural and artificial light add to the space’s palatial qualities.

Avoid a rental that feels stark and uninviting by selecting furnishings with various patterns and textures. Even in the lightest colors, patterns can add just enough differentiation to give your eyes a rest from the sea of white. Textures add depth to a white room, creating dimensions that will break up the threat of monotony.

Too in love with color to expel it for good? Consider a second neutral and a pop of color but keep it simple while maintaining the all-white feel. The bedroom above uses gray as the secondary neutral and fuchsia as a statement color.