I Can't Get Enough of White Decor — Here's How I Keep It Looking Fresh and Bright

I consider this the number one and easiest rule for keeping my house clean (and my white rugs white): leave all shoes at the door. This helps control the amount of dirt that gets tracked inside and significantly cuts down how often I need to vacuum the floor as a result. In fact, the one area of the house I need to vacuum the most often is the entryway where I put on and take off my shoes. I also use a doormat inside and outside the entrance.

It's important to me that my home still remains livable — the last thing I want is a place I'm scared to let loose in. So if I want to eat dinner on the sofa, drink coffee in bed, or apply glitter eye shadow over the sink, I'll do it, even if that means I have to maintain my space more often as a result.

Since a majority of the surfaces in my home are white or light colored, they show wear and tear more easily. To avoid discoloration and effectively remove stains, dirt, and grease, I spray Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach on any nonporous surfaces, wait 30 seconds, then wipe clean. A sparkling bathroom is also important, so I use Clorox® Regular Bleach With CLOROMAX® for an immaculate white sink and tub. Finally, I also vacuum rugs often, so they retain that plush look, as well as the sofa for crumbs.

In my opinion, nothing ruins the look of a space more than tangled electrical cords, visibly hanging out by an outlet. I know this is inevitable, but when possible, I try to keep them corralled using binder clips or twist ties and tucked out of sight behind a large piece of furniture. Additionally, since I have white walls, I try to look for pieces that come with the option of a white electrical cord as opposed to a black one for a more seamless look. Details matter!

Keeping your place fresh doesn't all have to do with cleaning! Some of it can be the result of how you approach decorating in the first place. I've learned over the years that layering texture on texture and tone on tone helps create a more multidimensional and interesting space and keeps it from falling flat. For instance, I like bringing in curtains, upholstery, rugs, and decorative accents in varying types of fabrics and shades of white.

In addition, I used to love the stark combination of white with metal materials like chrome or brass, but these days, I prefer wood accents since they bring a warmth that feels fresh and natural. Plus, wood adds a layer of contrast that somehow makes whites appear even brighter.