I can certainly understand the appeal, although it's not to my personal taste. I think that whatever makes you happy at home is great, whether it's peace or stimulation, so long as it doesn't endanger anyone else. What I object to is the idea that a white room is a morally superior rather than an aesthetic choice - not "it makes me comfortable" but "it makes me better than people who do not live this way."

In other words, I am not suggesting that everyone should increase their clutter level, or that everyone is made happy by a bookshelf. I am suggesting that the opposite dogma - that everyone should decrease their clutter level, or that everyone is secretly trapped by a bookshelf - is absurd. There are many different standards of beauty.

Incidentally, I think you have always gravitated toward white walls, spare furniture, few (but cherished and high quality) possessions, and some plants. Maybe not as a little kid (I wouldn't know, because you didn't control your own decoration then so much and I wasn't over at your house), but certainly since at least 16. You just felt guilty about getting rid of "valuable" gifts and souvenirs you didn't want or have use for. I say run and be free! It is not age; it is just you being you.