White kitchens are timeless and there is no doubt that they definitely do not go out of fashion. I understand it. There is just something so magical about strolling into a light white clean kitchen that makes you want to create a five course meal (or maybe just order takeout in a fancy way). However, the thing is that the white kitchens can appear to be just gorgeous or as stale as the bread a day old. The variation is in the details and I am here to tell all the secrets.
My years of learning how not to do a white kitchen later, creative use of color seems to be the thing that I have dialed in. They are layered, textured and have character. Looking to change your space? Let us have a go.
Classic All-White Shaker Cabinets
There is no discussion of white kitchens that you can ignore Shaker cabinets- they are the little black dress of kitchen design. These babies can work in in every style, in a farmhouse chic to minimalist modern home.
What is it so special about Shaker cabinets? It is very simple in design yet this does not make it boring. I have seen their use with marble counter tops, and as well as with butcher block and they never seem awkward.
Pro tip:You should get soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers. Just think of your future self who will thank you because he/she does not have to listen to the beating of cabinet doors at 6 AM.
| Style | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Shaker | Most kitchens | $$ – $$$ |
| Thermofoil Shaker | Budget-friendly | $ – $$ |
| Custom Shaker | High-end spaces | $$$ – $$$$ |
White Kitchen Islands That Steal the Show
Here is where the interests become exciting Your kitchen island should not be made to match your kitchen cabinets to a tee, in fact, the opposite is preferable. I am now infatuated with opposite island styles that make the white cabinets really stand out.
Consider a white kitchen with an island made of natural wood, or white cabinets that have a gentle gray island. The contrast adds the feeling of depth and aids in evading the sterile look of operation room that some white kitchens can possess.
Interesting details to note: • Glass waterfall countertops give it a modern touch • There is integrated seating area that can be used as a casual dining area • Smart storage that is kept behind the scenes • An interesting lighting above the table
Subway Tile Backsplashes with a Twist
Subway tiles are hot right now (laters, they’ve been hot for like 10 yrs though), but lets keep it real the basic 3×6 white subway tile s old. Now I’m not saying it’s outdated it’s classic for that reason, but not innovate?
I am in the trenches with barren vertical subway tile installations right now. Identical tile but a different feel good all over. Or a herringbone pattern is an alternative – looks good and expensive without straining the budget.
New twists on subway tile: • Longer and thinner subways to give a sleeker effect • Beveled edges to add another texture • Colored grout to create a softer contrast • Stacked/stacked patterns, as opposed to the traditional staggered one
Marble Countertops: The Ultimate Luxury
Let’s be honest about marble countertops – they are gorgeous, they are luxurious, they are also a handful, however. However if you can deal the maintenance ( and the occasional wine spill freak out : / ) they are totally worth it.
The white Calacatta and Carrera marble is the ultimate when it comes to white kitchens. Calacatta is more aggressive in color and is more expensive than Carrara that has delicate veins at desirable prices. The white cabinets complement both the pairings.
Not able to make the investment in actual marble? Quartz countertops that resemble marble give you a less stressful marble look. There are some extremely lifelike alternatives available in brands such as Caesarstone and Silestone.
Open Shelving for Display and Function
Open shelving in the white kitchen space can be super chic – or it can look chaotic. The secret? Customize styling, consistent color multiple instance.
I would use open shelves in combination with closed shelving. Make use of the open shelves with your most beautiful dishes, glassware, and some special accessories. Store all regular items in cabinets so as to have a clean appearance.
Styling aopen shelves: •Group items in odd numbers • Mix it up with heights and textures • Add some greenery/organic elements • Keep it simple – less is more
White Kitchen Hardware That Makes a Difference
Here’s what’s up kill me, is that people blow there money on cabinets and then skimp on hardware. Your cabinet pulls and knobs are the accessories on your kitchen. They can be either the start of a redeeming look.
On white kitchens, I would use brass and gold hardware to add some warmth, or matte black hardware on a very dramatic kitchen. Stainless steel and chrome work but again, they can feel a bit cold IMO.
Size: The longer the better (5-6 inch) with an easier capture to be more modern. Knobs should be 1.25-1.5 inches in diameter.
Lighting That Sets the Mood
Good lighting can take that white kitchen out of the stark and clinical and more into the homey and welcoming. Combine your illumination with ambient, task and accent.
Island pendant lights are a must have – they can bring personality and provide focused task lighting. I am now really into big pendants or a cluster of little ones to make an impact.
The LED lighting under the cabinets is level-changing regarding convenience and aesthetics. It makes your countertops have no shadows and is exceptionally pretty at night.
Statement Light Fixtures
Do not be shy of choices when it comes to the lighting. A lot of of drama in the form of chandeliers or unusual pendant lights can make up the art in your white kitchen. The measured neutral background allows you to experiment in form and finishing.
Textural Elements That Add Warmth
My eyes are the worst enemy of the white kitchens: the biggest mistake I see in white kitchens? No texture. White-on-white can spell a cold crowd without a few textural options pulled into play to break things a bit.
The element of natural wood is your best friend here A butcher block island top, floating wood shelves or even reclaimed wood range hood can bring warmth in an instant.
The organic textures are provided by woven baskets, ceramic accents, and linen fabrics that enhance the shape of the interior to a welcoming one and not too tidy and showy.
Colorful Accents That Pop
Now that we’re in the midst of white kitchens, let’s talk colour when it comes to making your space seem more personal and hearty. The key to it all is balance and cohesive.
I enjoy the use of color by: • Fresh flowers or potted herbs and • Colorful small appliances (hello stand mixer!). Painting or a motif backsplash • Bar Stools or window shades
White goes so well with sage green, soft blues and warm grays. They make it interesting without dominating the uncluttered look
Farmhouse-Style White Kitchens
Farmhouse will not stop anytime soon and white is an ideal canvas to be used in rustic theme. Exposed beams and white farmhouse sinks decorated with vintage-inspired elements are a natural match with white farmhouse kitchens.
How to prevent the precious farmhouse look? Into this some elements of modernity must be added. To remain modern, perhaps shiny equipment or modern lighting.
Stapled features of a farmhouse: • Shiplap or beadboard design • Open shelving with antique bracket • Mason jar accents (use only a little of this) Nature made products such as wood and stone
Modern Minimalist White Kitchens
On the one hand, white kitchens can have an extremely sleek modern nature. Why not consider handleless cabinets, built in appliances, and uncluttered lines all around?
The minimalist way of life necessitates organization – one should find a place to everything and clutter is an aspersion. When executed properly though, these kitchens are akin to calm sanctuaries.
The special qualities of contemporary white kitchens include: • Cabinet doors with no handles • Built-in/panelised appliances • Waterfall benchtops • Minimal or no upper cabinets
Small White Kitchen Solutions
Have a small space to work with? The white color is your secret trick in creating any kitchen to be brighter and larger. White surfaces reflect back, providing an illusion of more light and more space.
Maximize your small white kitchen with: • floor-to-ceiling cabinets to store your items • reflective surfaces like glossy backsplashes • light color counter-tops • placing the lighting properly
Vertical storage solutions are not to be forgotten. Racks on the wall, magnets and generally having pot racks attached to the ceiling means that the things which you are most likely to use the most are still handy without taking up valuable countertop space.
White Kitchen Maintenance Reality Check
The inevitable white kitchens – just because it will make everything get noticed. Fingerprints, coffee spots, wear and tear. However, there is a catch: with the proper materials and good planning, maintenance does not have to be so dreaded.
The white choice is important to make well в start at that Subtle undertone warm whites color better than the stark cool whites. Nature that ones to go with semi-gloss or satin paints which are wipeable.
Smarter materials can mean the difference: • Quartz instead of marble as a countertop • Good quality of paint that can resist a scrub • Easily cleanable backsplash materials • Protective finishes on hardware
Making Your White Kitchen Uniquely Yours
What I have found over the years of my kitchen obsessing is that the best white kitchens have a story to tell. They are representative of the users of Pinterest personas and not the hottest Pinterest trends.
That could be a fading set of antique pottery on open shelves, some striking painting, or the very manner, that you decorate and arrange your ordinary objects. Personal designers are the treasuring details that distinguish beautiful kitchens and spectacular kitchens.
FYI don’t feel obliged to follow all the trends. Choose the things you can relate with and your way of life. The best kind of kitchen is one that works well in your family and not just a kitchen that photographs well.
Blank white of the kitchen had to reflect the way you cook and live. Both sleek and minimal and cozy and eclectic, a right mix of these options will bring you the space you will enjoy living in for years to come. And honestly? And there is nothing like the gratification of a beautiful white kitchen that really does work with everyday life 🙂