Over the course of my career, I have seen tons of different kitchen trends. For many homeowners, this is so overwhelming! How can you possibly know which style is going to work for you? Or indeed which colors or finishes to proceed with? Sometimes the vast amount of options available drives homeowners to keep their new kitchen simple.
There are huge advantages to keeping a new kitchen design simple in terms of the layout and finishes. While all white kitchens have recently been taken over by the various colorful trends we have seen, there are some myths that I want to dispel today and also provide you with everything you need to know before embracing a white kitchen.
White kitchens are beautifully sleek and modern and provide a great foundation to then use color in cost-effective ways. You can also use shaker-style cabinets for a more classic interior design style too.
Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about white kitchens before proceeding with one…
Dirt and Cleanliness
There is a lot of talk about keeping white surfaces clean and not being able to avoid scuffs or marks on white cabinets.
Contrary to what most people believe with white kitchens, they don’t show as much dirt as people think… It’s like how white cars show less dirt than darker colored cars. You’re less likely to see watermarks on a white kitchen than you are a dark or colored one.
And for the cabinets themselves, it really does depend on the finish you choose. If they are painted cabinets, you should make sure to use a high sheen level to protect them from scuff marks. Alternatively, a white laminate finish to the doors and drawers will help avoid marks too.
Longevity
White kitchens are timeless. A true classic that will never truly go out of style. Colored kitchens, such as navy or bright green may appear dated quicker because of the “in the moment trend” they are a part of right now or for the last few years.
They are also easy to pair with other neutral colors and different materials such as wood. Having a white kitchen gives you a great base to work with, especially if you have an open-plan space or breakfast nook adjacent to it where you can add other colors.
White kitchens are especially classic when paired with shaker-style doors. These are great cameleons for rustic, classic, traditional, transitional, modern, or farmhouse-inspired interiors. What I particularly admire with white kitchens is the easy ability to update them later on. Due to the neutral cabinets, you are more likely to update the hardware than the paint color itself.
Above all, a white kitchen is not offensive and really versatile so they appeal to many people for that very reason.
A Neutral Base
White kitchens are a fantastic base from which to add color and texture in other more cost-effective ways.
You can choose a countertop finish that has lots of movement and interest in the pattern. Plus, to warm up a white kitchen you should also consider a complementary countertop finish such as a speckled granite or quartz. You can read more about countertop options in my previous post.
A fantastic way of being creative with a white kitchen is through the backsplash. When I have worked with clients on their white kitchens, I always suggest an interesting backsplash tile or something with color in it to help lift the whole interior.
Window treatments are another area of the kitchen where you can introduce pattern and color to balance the white if needed. Take cues from the backsplash for a direction on color.
If you have a large open kitchen space with a large island, you may benefit from painting the island cabinets a different color entirely. Look at your backsplash and see if there is a color you can use, maybe it’s a pale blue, a dark navy, or something brighter and out there!
Other Aspects to Consider
There are some other important aspects to consider before deciding to move forward with a white kitchen.
The flip side to a white kitchen is that too much white in a space can become quite clinical and stark looking. This only really happens if everything is white; you have white cabinets and a white countertop and white painted walls and ceiling. If your kitchen is open to your dining space or a breakfast nook this shouldn’t be much of a problem as you can draw from those other areas to have color and texture.
I hope this blog post has provided an insight into white kitchens and what you should know before moving forward with one. Do you have a white kitchen, or are you considering one? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any questions in the comments section below!