A Special Christmas Interview with 'White & Faded'

Absolutely in love with Janet Parrella-van den Berg and her gorgeous love for all things white. Janet’s beautiful Instagram account @white_and_faded as well as her sweet online boutique, White & Faded has me inspired by her hunt for unique items and in turn, giving them the new life they deserve. “Searching for unique items after lost beauty with the potential for restoration and glory” is what Janet lives for. Rescuing unloved pieces and making them beautiful again is her passion. Furthering this love Janet has designed a fabric and wallpaper line that stems from her appreciation for old quilts and antique chairs. She uses both to beautify her new found items and spaces, giving energy and life to sweet things from the past.

It’s this devotion that I find so compelling. I too am always looking for meaningful things with history. Whether my ‘unique treasure’ needs a coat of paint or not… it’s weathered age speaks volumes when placed in my home. Like Janet, I find that items from the white & faded past capture my attention the most. As Janet emphasizes… they exude a certain, ‘relaxed elegance’.

So happy that Janet was available to answer a few questions today… I’m sharing some of her charming Christmas images as well. You will find that noone does Christmas quite like Janet. White through and through this seasonal home is dressed for Christmas with perfect texture and detail.

1. What inspires you?

I get my inspiration from old paintings, visits to palaces, antique shops, vintage shops, markets and the roses in my garden.

My book that will come out next year tells the story of lost beauty and how it can be loved again.

2. Have you always been a lover of all that is white and faded?

My parents love the museum quality antiques and as a child I had to go with them to antique fairs, auctions and antique shops. When I was a teenager and young adult I hated all the antiques and got my modern (white) furniture. Soon I realized that it did nothing for me. I then bought my first antique nightstand and painted it white. In one of my holidays to the States I came across faded antique quilts and my love for white antiques and faded quilts began… It’s only been the last 10 years that I discovered vintage boudoir items and my love for vintage items was born. I now have a yearning for all tattered, ripped, faded and chippy beauty.

3. Other than white what is your favorite color?

That really depends on the season and for what. Roses-always pink. Furniture – always white, cream, or grey tones. In the springtime and summer, I decorate with faded pastels in quilts, pillows etc. In the fall, more greyish and pale blue colours and winter… warm whites and creamy colours. I come alive when I’m in a light place with lots of whites, faded pastels and flowers, gorgeous fabrics and beautiful things to look at.

4. Do you decorate your home for Christmas with a theme in mind?

I have vintage, pink and white Christmas decorations and I decorate each room differently. My bedroom is more romantic than the living room or kitchen. This year I decorated my living room with my 1 1/2 year grandson in mind.

5. Any advice for others wanting to decorate with white?

I find white the easiest colour to live with as it is easy to clean. Slipcovers, quilts and washable wall paint is a must though. Many people are afraid that white looks too clinical, but if you add texture with pillows, rugs, quilts and as I’ve done, add mouldings on the walls… it creates enough interest with shades and different tones that it’s not clinical at all.

Thanks so much Janet!!

Below Janet’s images I’ve also included links to white pieces that I find add interest and texture to a space. White can be just as interesting as a room filled with color… it just needs layers of texture and a unique piece or two in order to shine the way it should.

Hugs!
xo

source ~ Janet Parella-vanden Berg

Simply Click to Shop White Decor ~

Thoughts?

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2 thoughts on “A Special Christmas Interview with ‘White & Faded’”

Jodi says:

December 10, 2015 at 8:11 am

Oh my gosh! Gorgeous! Merry Christmas to you and your family Kristy!

1. Kristy says:
  
  December 15, 2015 at 10:18 am
  
  Thanks so much Jodi! Hugs and Merry Christmas to you and yours as well… xoxo