Beige Walls With White Kitchen Cabinets

The best white kitchen ideas simply never date – but don't think they're a boring option because, of course, they provide an incredibly versatile backdrop for you to introduce a whole range of decorative elements that will make your new kitchen design individual to you.

And as our white kitchen design ideas below prove, they are adaptable to any style of space, from dark rooms challenged by a lack of light, to vast extensions crying out for character.

There's nothing cleaner or crisper than a pure white kitchen; whether that's a high gloss design or a traditional country one, it's a look that lasts, no matter what the latest craze is. If you're minimalist at heart and love clutter-free kitchen ideas then this is the look for you.

Right now, many designers are favoring combining white kitchen cabinetry with white tiling, white walls, and the palest of marble or composite countertops.

But if you need to add warmth – or want to add personality to your space – using timber or flashes of strong color will bring vitality to the look. Below, we show you how.

White kitchen ideas

These are our favorite white kitchen ideas – they all offer brilliant ideas and clever tricks to inspire your remodel. And, unlike many kitchen color ideas, they are easy to switch up with just a few new accessories.

1. Shake up the shine

Mix up sheen levels to create layers of interest without diluting the purity of a crisp white color palette. In this kitchen, glazed zellige-style tiles on the backsplash catch and refract the light, providing a dynamic contrast against low-sheen painted cabinetry.

'Glossy tiled kitchen backsplash ideas have the additional practicality of being easy to keep clean and looks fresh and hygienic,' adds Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer at Neptune. 'For work surfaces, you could opt for a cool polished marble for a sophisticated, contemporary feel.' Additional shininess can be introduced via chrome or nickel taps, glass light pendants and polished steel appliances.

2. Make it modern

White kitchen ideas with pendants and stools

When decorating with white, use similar tones for the worktops and cabinetry to provide a contemporary, modular look that's particularly effective when pairing modern kitchen ideas with handless design.

'Most homeowners appreciate the benefits of testing paint colors in location but, with whites, it is crucial as they can be altered beyond recognition by light and shadow,' says Ben Hawkswell, senior designer at Roundhouse.

'Here on the cabinets we used Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball, which is a clean off-white that can look like a traditional grey in some lights. But it has chalky undertones that, in a sun-filled room like this, appear much brighter and more contemporary.'

White kitchen ideas with metal cabinetry elements

A bright metallic trim brings a touch of glamor to this crisp white kitchen belonging to interior designer Alison Henry.

'I wanted a kitchen that would look and feel like a glamorous space for entertaining guests – the brushed nickel looks so pretty when lit up at night and lifts the matt white finish on the stainless steel kitchen cabinets by day,' she says.

When combining white with metallic finishes in the kitchen, avoid golden tones like brass or copper, which cast a yellowy tinge. Instead, follow Alison's lead and opt for brushed nickel, which shares white's cool undertones and boasts an elegant quality.

4. Use light effectively in a white kitchen

White kitchen ideas with black island unit

White kitchen ideas continue to be hugely favored, despite notions that they can be too clinical for a home environment.

'There are many ways to "warm up" the design, one of which is to consider the quality of artificial kitchen lighting ideas in the room,' says Richard Atkins, design director, DesignSpace London.

'Cool white LED lighting can have a blue appearance when shone on a white surface, making it appear cold and uninviting. We always recommend warm or neutral white LEDs integrated in and around the cabinetry to enrich white surfaces and create definition.'

5. Set the scene with a contemporary combination

White kitchen with wooden island and flooring

Plain white kitchen backsplash ideas will bring interesting materials into sharp relief. The striking grain of natural elm wood on this island really stands proud against the crisp white units behind.

'White alone can look a touch stark. Pairing wood with white cabinetry brings warmth to this scheme, alongside texture and depth,' explains Pluck's co-founder Leila Touwen.

'The warm timber also accentuates the subtle undertones that exist in all whites.' It's worth understanding how undertones work before committing to a white kitchen. Cool whites have hints of blue undertone, while warm whites have more yellow. Use this intel to help coordinate other materials and colors on your mood board.

6. Keep it classical

White kitchen ideas with traditional cabinetry

Beautiful craftsmanship and simple lines are the hallmarks of a traditional white kitchen.

'White has become a popular choice for classical kitchen styles and designs. It makes cabinetry look very crisp and sophisticated and the space feels instantly brighter yet also very calming,' says Stephanie Dedes, design and marketing manager at Charles Yorke's Pirbright showroom.

The pale tones of this kitchen, painted in Farrow & Ball's Cornforth White, are broken up and softened with elegant details such as brushed aged brass handles and warm grey veining in the worktop and backsplash. Mirrored strips punctuate the panelling for a subtle touch of glamor.

7. Contrast white with an elegant splash of black

White kitchen ideas featuring painted cabinets and a white tiled backsplash and shutters, and a painted on blackboard.

White dominates this light and airy kitchen by California Shutters, and it's pretty dreamy with its Shaker style units and bistro window seating.

What we love is the blackboard area that adds an extra dimension. The beauty of it is, that if you later want to add in more black and white kitchen ideas you can, and turn your kitchen from white to a monochromatic scheme. White kitchen ideas really are a blank canvas.

White kitchen ideas with wall cabinets, kitchen worksurface and kitchen island stools, and gold accents in the lighting and bar stools.

You can always rely on interior designer Jonathan Adler to add perfect, modern American pizazz to a space, and this luxe white and gray kitchen is no exception.

Although the base is gray – which is a great color to team with white – the main emphasis is on white and gold. It turns a potentially average kitchen into one that's modern and exciting to look at; the pendant is the focal point and one that the whole design builds on.

Source white and gold accessories, door knobs and seating that follows the theme for an all encompassing and stylish result.

9. Go all white to maximize the light

An open plan white kitchen with contrasting dark kitchen island work surface and tiled floor.

When your kitchen is part of an open plan space you can zone it by the color you choose – in this case, all white.

'Neutral and white painted kitchens are perfect for creating a classic, uncluttered space, and are particularly suited for use in a kitchen where the space has many moods and functions,' explains Richard Moore, Design Director at Martin Moore.

'Whatever the time of day or the mood you want, using a white color palette helps create a feeling of calm and gives the room a feeling of elegance and space.

'White tones are also perfect for smaller, more compact kitchens, helping to keep the space feeling light and airy.'

10. Add neutrals and textures to enliven a white kitchen

White marble kitchen worksurface and backsplash in a white scheme with midnight blue painted kitchen island.

If the thought of an all-white kitchen scheme doesn't appeal, but there's a part of you that knows it will lighten and brighten your space, then adding in layered neutrals and texture is a great compromise.

Taupe is a good neutral color to consider – it's warming, which will combat the brilliant white and, as we've mentioned above, a spot of black adds drama. But what we love about this kitchen by Paint & Paper Library is the use of marble to tie it all together, and it adds a fabulous decorative touch.

11. Pick exotic stone in white to create impact

White kitchen ideas with black and marble kitchen island and marble backsplash.

Using exotic stone in a white kitchen is a great way to create impact. This kitchen by Day True has dark cabinetry offset by white marble-effect countertops and wall panels, the latter book-matched for space-enhancing symmetry.

The wood cladding on the extractor fan adds a much-needed touch of warmth to the space, while emphasizing the vertical space.

12. Play with texture

A Neptune kitchen with timbered walls, stone flooring, white cabinets and a black Aga.

Go all white in a kitchen and you could fall into the trap of creating a cold, clinical room. But there are some simple ways to avoid this.

'To ensure the space has character and feels inviting it's important to incorporate a variety of textures and finishes,' says Ben Burbidge, Managing Director at Burbidge.

'Consider contrasting painted matte cabinets with a high-shine backsplash, or pair an industrial stone worktop with contemporary gloss cabinets.

'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.'

In this case iridescent tiles and touches of timber bring the matte cabinetry to life.

13. Use open storage to create a laid back appeal

White kitchen ideas with open shelving on an island, wooden countertops and white subway tiles.

This white kitchen by LA-based designer Stefani Stein is a wonderful example of how to create a live-in kitchen that's incredibly practical and functional, welcoming and warm, but neat, too – thanks to cleverly incorporated kitchen storage ideas.

The use of wood and mixed tile materials creates plenty of interest and layering of patterns, while maintaining a feeling of calm. Two different kitchen shelving ideas – one within the island and one on the back wall – allow everything crucial to be to hand.

14. Add in contrast with raw materials

White kitchen with elements of blue and gray, an exposed brick and shaker style cabinetry. wall

'The key with a neutral kitchen is to pair cabinetry with contrasting walls and textural elements. This will give the design an edge and create appealing visual interest.

'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,' says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley.

15. Light up the dark

White kitchen ideas with a gray wall, breakfast bar with wooden seating and statement black pendant lights.

A kitchen with little natural light – or perhaps dark-painted walls you love – really benefits from white cabinetry.

Pale stone flooring accentuates the room's height, and pendants add plenty of artificial light and lots of character. But the ultimate saving graces are the simple Shaker cabinetry and crisp concrete countertops.

If you are looking for kitchen countertop ideas, be inspired: interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors made the concrete countertops in this kitchen herself using wooden crates lined with bin bags. The results were so successful that she is now using the same technique in clients' homes.

16. Choose a warm white to make gray welcoming

White kitchen with blue gray island, floor to ceiling windows and exposed brick and timber architecture.

If you are finding it difficult to choose between white and gray in your kitchen, why not combine to create the best of both worlds. A smart approach is to use the white on the perimeter cabinetry and the gray as a highlight color, perhaps as part of your kitchen island ideas.

Tom Howley, Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company, explains: 'Sorrel and Orchid are our most popular whites. Our slightly warm white paint color Orchid works wonderfully with a light gray island adding depth to a space.'

17. Let the tiles do the talking

White kitchen with colorful blue and white backsplash tiles, sleek cabinetry and open shelving.

Create an artful contrast between simple white handleless units and hand-crafted, artisanal tiles and ceramics.

Eclectic kitchen tile ideas will allow the ceramics to take center stage, and the modern door styling will elevate the look. Beautiful marble countertops provide a link between the two contrasting elements.

An open plan white kitchen with large island, black chairs and golden cooker hood

White kitchens can lack warmth and focus, especially when you have a north-facing or open plan kitchen. However, you can use accent materials to add both warm tones and character.

Blonde wood makes for a subtle finish that creates a pared-back Scandi style in this kitchen by Blakes, but the addition of warm gold in the extractor hood is both dramatic and clever, lifting the restrained design immeasurably.

19. Work white into a two-tone kitchen

Olive green and white kitchen by Tom Howley with white glass backsplash

Green kitchen ideas work beautifully with white. 'Soft shades of warm whites and earthy beige work well on their own, but are even better when used in a two-tone scheme,' says Tom Howley.

'Two of our most loved shades are Tansy and Willow. Beautifully understated, they create truly stunning kitchens enhancing architectural interest, all without the need for bold color.

'If you're using lighter colors to enhance your space then try painting your walls in the same shade. This will focus your eye on the whole area, allowing it to feel larger and lighter.'

20. Evoke a sense of wellbeing with a white kitchen

A calming white kitchen idea with pale blue painted chairs, gray wooden flooring and white cabinetry and pendant lighting.

'If you're somebody who appreciates quiet, simple settings, then white is undoubtedly a color that will help to achieve both of these things,' says Christina Parsons, Kitchen Designer at Neptune.

'White is innately crisp – even more so when there's something it can be contrasted against. Even without, in a kitchen with white walls, white cabinets, a quartz work surface and pale flooring, the room will take on a pure, clean character that's much harder to create when using pigmented shades.'

21. Consider light levels

A luxe white kitchen with gray island, blue chairs, gold accents in the door handles and statement pendant lighting.

'Timeless neutrals are susceptible to change, depending on the light available. We consider where natural light is coming from and how task lighting will create varying shades.

'Use lighting to your advantage and choose a combination of colors that look fresh in the day but warm and inviting at night,' advises Tom Howley.

22. Accentuate the view

White kitchen with kitchen island, open shelving, handleless cabinets and sliding glass doors leading out onto a garden.

This cleverly planned galley kitchen has been designed to draw one's gaze down the room and towards the garden beyond.

White units that blend in to the architecture of this stunning kitchen extension offer minimal distraction, and work in unison with wide floorboards laid down the room.

23. Head to the coast

A white kitchen with open shelves and blue and white tiles.

You can almost feel the sea breeze blowing into this fresh scheme, which hits peak coastal chic with its combination of tongue-and-groove wall panelling, aquamarine tiles and rustic open shelving.

Tiles and kitchen backsplash ideas are great for introducing a pop of color to an all-white space. This geometric motif can be laid in numerous ways to create different designs. Add crockery in complementary tones for an attractive display on open shelves.

24. Warm up with wood

White kitchen with timber beams, open shelving and wooden stools at an island painted with off white accents.

Our cravings for the slick and minimalist have inevitably waned. One way to cozy up white is to combine white kitchen ideas with a soft timber – a very pale ash or oak is ideal.

We like the way the two have been fused together here, with white worktops and wooden furniture, and the cabinetry in a soft, off-white.

25. Run through to the dining area

An open plan white kitchen with banquette seating, exposed brick walls and glass pendant lighting.

Continue the monochrome theme through to your seating area, as these style savvy homeowners have done. Do be thoughtful in your choices of materials, however. Wipeable leather upholstery is ideal and also practical.

Similarly for the tabletop – consider a treated finish that's impervious to scratches, or your sleek white look could soon start to look tired and tatty.

26. Let other elements pop

A traditional white kitchen with statement pendant light over a black painted island.

If you are looking for kitchen painting tips and want to introduce pops of color or contrasting neutrals into your scheme, white is by far the safest choice as a backdrop.

Here, units in white are contrasted with the freestanding kitchen island in black. Texture and warmth are introduced with herringbone wooden kitchen flooring.

27. It's all about the accents in a white kitchen

A white kitchen with a pink patterned tile backsplash, black oven and large vase of flowers in the foreground.

This elegant white kitchen showcases how important white kitchen backsplash ideas are for adding character and color to an otherwise all-white space.

Backsplash tiles needn't run around the whole kitchen – using them to color block, as they have been here, can be more than effective.

28. Use glazed cabinetry to add depth

White kitchen with glazed doors on cabinetry, a marble topped kitchen island and pendant lighting.

Glazing in cabinetry doors, rather than solid wooden doors, creates various effects that are beneficial, particularly if you are looking for small kitchen ideas.

First, the glazing itself reflects light – a real bonus in a dark room. It also allows the eye to travel further than solid cabinetry, which can make a narrow or galley kitchen feel wider.

Next, if lit from within, it adds depth, character and warmth when daylight fades. And, finally, it allows you to show off your best kitchen buys.

29. Look for sleek handleless cabinetry

A modern white kitchen with herringbone wooden floor and handleless gloss cabinets.

A white kitchen is a definite 'lifestyle' choice – there's no denying that a white kitchen will always look fresh, stylish, and sophisticated.

However, be realistic about the amount of care and attention it will need. From a practical point of view, non-white work surfaces cut down the cleaning and wiping down.

The latest contemporary designs are all about a multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a pared-back look.

Creating a fuss-free design is easy with handleless kitchen cabinet ideas. Available in a variety of finishes, from hi-gloss white to textured woods and ceramics, it's a style that works beautifully in both modern and period properties.

30. Layer fabrics for a country feel

White kitchen with blue and yellow accessories and upholstery and open wooden shelving.

Traditional white kitchen ideas tend to look their best when dressed with pattern and color.

An easy way to do so is to layer fabrics in accessories – from window dressings to tablecloths, seat cushions to accessories, all easily replaced and updated with the seasons.

Is a white kitchen a good idea?

If you're debating whether a white kitchen is a good idea, a key selling point is its timeless nature.

'There are lots of reasons why white kitchens are so popular,' says Daniel Bowler, director of Eggersmann. 'They are sleek and modern, and perhaps the best thing is that white is a timeless color that won't date or go out of fashion.'

'Opting for white furniture also presents a blank canvas for elsewhere in the kitchen, enabling pops of color to be added, perhaps for a backsplash or accessories, and making it easy to incorporate a mix of materials.'

'A white color scheme can make a small space appear bigger and equally won't clash with the décor in a large, open-plan space,' adds Daniel. 'Creating a sense of light and natural freshness, a white kitchen will sit as comfortably in a contemporary home as it will in a country cottage.'

What color white is best for a kitchen?

'For many kitchens, white is often the base colour that is accented by brassware, contemporary appliances and accessories or furniture that will add color and texture,' says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore.

'When it comes to choosing the perfect white, it's important to ensure the correct hue feels warm and maintains a bright and spacious feeling without being too stark. We would recommend a muted white, which has a subtle grey undertone and gives a softer, more contemporary feel.'

What colors go with a white kitchen?

The good news is that most colors go with white kitchen ideas. 'Consider painting lower cabinets or your kitchen island in a darker, bold hue,' advises Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore. 'This adds a point of interest to the space while maintaining a feel of openness by keeping the top cupboards in a muted white.

'As homeowners become bolder with color choices and look to add accent colors, we have seen a trend for deep navy blue kitchen colors, such as Hale Navy. They work particularly well on cabinetry and look striking when anchored with white walls.'

What countertops go best with white kitchen cabinets?

When planning your space, it's important to think about what countertops will go best with white kitchen cabinets.

'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,' says Eggersmann's Daniel Bowler.

How do you make a white kitchen interesting?

There are a number of ways to make a white kitchen interesting. 'The easiest way is with texture and pattern – what you choose largely depends on the style of the cabinetry,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief.

'I have a white kitchen with fairly traditional, Shaker-style cabinetry, and have chosen white/gray marble countertops, a rustic wooden dining table and a wooden parquet floor to complement it.

'The rest of the room – and the majority of the accessories – are black or white, although I have added a splash of color and pattern with a rug I bought in Turkey when I was in my twenties. I love the mix of old and new – and that is what makes a white kitchen interesting to me.'

Beige Walls With White Kitchen Cabinets

Source: https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/white-kitchen-ideas-223729

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