8 Designer Secrets To Creating A White Kitchen With Personality
The all-white kitchen is a classic concept, but infusing it with character can be challenging. Just how do you add personality to a one-color room? Here, eight design pros share standout white kitchen ideas that will make your culinary space one to remember.
In this expansive Tahoe kitchen, Lauren Nelson introduced a Heath Tile backsplash, natural stone countertops and vintage furniture in a range of wood tones.
Incorporate Earthy Textures
Lauren Nelson, Lauren Nelson Design
“Give a white kitchen personality by layering in natural materials with warmth: wood tones, natural stone, handmade tile and fixtures with living finishes that will age with time.”
PHOTO: SUZANNA SCOTT
This kitchen by Raili Clasen is awash in Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace.
Include Some Contrast
Raili Clasen, Raili CA Design
“A mostly white kitchen gets the personality it needs by adding a contrasting island and utilizing natural elements such as wicker or wood.”
PHOTO: CHAD MELLON
A white kitchen featured in Quintessential Kitchens by Matthew Quinn: Volume One.
Look For Color Moments
Matthew Quinn, Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio
“Bring in pops of color with fabric shades on pendants, upholstery on stools or Roman shades and the Le Creuset on the rangetop. If you are more adventurous, choose a colorful range.”
PHOTO: MALI AZIMA
Krista W. Alterman chose Artistic Tile’s Textura Bianco Carrara marble backsplash for this kitchen.
Play With Backsplash
Krista W. Alterman, Krista + Home
“I love to choose beautiful tile mosaics and a unique installation, like a herringbone pattern, to add visual interest.”
PHOTO: JESSICA GLYNN
For this kitchen, Jolee Fennebresque selected Farrow & Ball Cornforth White.
Find Ways To Add Character
Jolee Fennebresque, Fennebresque Interiors
“Elements like hood, art placement and unique hardware are often handled simply—but, when detailed, can add a tremendous amount of personality. We love for a kitchen to be so much more than a place for food but also a happy space where friends and family gather.”
PHOTO: DUSTIN PECK
Chad Dorsey used Benjamin Moore Vanilla Milkshake in this all-white kitchen.
Keep Hardware Classic
Chad Dorsey, Chad Dorsey Design
“Stay away from trends on plumbing and lighting—they never stand the test of time. I love the Dornbracht Tara Classic in a kitchen for its clean lines but classic shape. It looks good in any kitchen—modern, classic or transitional.”
PHOTO: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
Marble slabs from Aria Stone Gallery make a wow statement amid Benjamin Moore China White in this kitchen by Laura Umansky.
Select A Stunning Stone
Laura Umansky, Laura U Design Collective
“Choose a dynamic marble or quartz with texture or veining to create movement in the countertops. I love selecting the same surface for both the countertops and backsplash for a continuous wow-look. In our Rice Residence, we took it a step further by designing a waterfall island and continuing the marble up the wall to frame the picturesque kitchen window.”
PHOTO: PAR BENGTSSON
Avoid that all-white look by infusing a big of color, notes designer Donna DuFresne.
Show Off A Dark Side
Donna DuFresne, Donna DuFresne Interior Design
“Break up the white with dark countertops or stained wood, allowing each element to shine together, rather than get washed out.”
PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE PHOTOGRAPHY
This story is part of our Luxe Ultimate Kitchens digital package, which lets you envision your culinary dream space. Click to discover products, palettes and trends that speak to your personal style.