All-white kitchens have always been an attractive choice for many homeowners. White cabinets with white walls give the impression of an airier, open space that will make even a small kitchen feel bigger. That being said, even an all-white kitchen will need an extra something – a splash of color that will make the kitchen seem less boring.
If everything is only white, then the kitchen will feel more or less like a hospital. However, if you add the right splashes of color or materials here and there, then the whole vibe of the place will change. Here are some ideas to create the perfect all-white kitchen.
1. Exotic Stone Accents
If you want an all-white kitchen but you’re still looking to create an impact, then you might want to consider adding exotic stone accents. For instance, if you have a white marble countertop, then you may want to use the same marble (or at least its design) to create an accent wall. It will certainly make a white kitchen feel all the more luxurious.
2. Add Raw Materials For Contrast
A white kitchen may need certain neutral finishes to complete the look. This can be anything from a set of shelves that you installed to the pillows that you choose for a storage bench.
“If you have crisp white or cream kitchen cabinetry, you could opt for a contrasting walnut finish for the racks and shelving within. Choose a smoky wood finish for the internal shelving for a stylish edge,” advises design director Tom Howley.
3. Add Metallic Accents
You may have an all-white kitchen, but the vibe will change entirely based on the touches you make. For instance, even if the furniture and walls are white, if the metallic parts in the kitchen are gold (i.e., the hardware or the chair legs), then that’s where the emphasis will be.
“Combining white furniture with a metal or timber worktop will help take the edge off, ensuring that a white kitchen doesn’t appear too cold or sterile,” recommends Daniel Bowler, designer at Eggersmann’s.
4. Install Wood Shelving
An all-white kitchen does not have to be entirely white. You need to have splashes of color here and there as well. The best way to make them subtle and to not accidentally turn them into a brown kitchen is to add some wood shelving instead.
Wood combined with tile and other white elements in your kitchen will create a pattern layering impression, and will also add warmth to the place. It will make you feel calm while giving you some extra storage space in the kitchen.
5. Mix Matte With Gloss
By going “all-matte” or “all glossy,” you risk your kitchen looking bland and with no special feature in particular. It’s even worse when you do this with an all-white kitchen, as it may cause the kitchen to look sterile. It’s better to mix both matte and gloss, as it prevents the kitchen from looking too clinical and cold.
“Consider contrasting painted matte cabinets with a high-shine backsplash, or pair an industrial stone worktop with contemporary gloss cabinets,” suggests Ben Burbidge, the Burbidge managing director.
6. Play With Texture
When creating an all-white kitchen, you have two ways to go: you either add subtle color accents, or you play with texture. Texture allows you to stick mainly to the color white without making your kitchen end up too colorful. Whether you add texture to the walls or choose cabinets with a particular pattern, the texture will make everything pop.
That being said, it’s never a bad idea to accessorize with some neutral colors. Certain texture materials will prevent your kitchen from becoming pretty much a ‘white hole,’ making it more welcoming.”
“When it comes to accessories and kitchen lighting ideas, add texture by mixing materials, such as rustic copper pendants and wooden furniture, for a modern look that will stand the test of time,” says Ben Burbidge in that regard.
The Bottom Line
All-white kitchens can look glorious, provided you add the right accents. Whether you go for texture or small splashes of color, a sterile white kitchen may easily be transformed into a classy and welcoming white one.
