12 All-White Kitchen Ideas: Modern Luxury Styling Tips
White is the most versatile neutral colour
By Agatha Wong -
From warm and welcoming to clean and crisp, a white kitchen has the most timeless appeal. However, it also doesn't seem like an easy colour to pull off.
If you've decided to go for a clean and tidy all-white kitchen, questions that you might start asking yourself include "Is an all-white kitchen too much white?", "Are white kitchens going out of style this year?", or "What shade of white is best for an all-white kitchen?"
An all-white kitchen seems and looks simple, but the amount of thought and effort required is just like any other coloured kitchen.
First things first, the white kitchen is a classic and will never go out of style. Just do a cursory search on Google, Instagram, or Pinterest. White kitchens are easily the most popular kitchen design that you will see.
Read More: All-White Kitchen Appliances: Washing Machines, Dryers and more
Indeed, whether your preference is for the warmth of a traditional style, homely cottage rustic, or the sleek and modern, white is readily applicable to either aesthetic.
One could say that having a white kitchen is counter-intutive, especially as the kitchen is a space that sees heavy-duty usage, and white shows dirt more readily than other colours. That makes a lot of sense.
However, white remains the colour most recommended by interior designers for kitchens. Stains and dirt can be averted with the choice of good materials.
Here, our all-encompassing guide to white kitchen ideas, layout, and styling tips:
White is the Most Versatile Neutral Colour
From a design standpoint, a white kitchen is the ultimate blank canvas.
White is the most versatile neutral; it goes with almost anything and coordinates seamlessly with various kitchen accents.
“Once you set the foundation, you are free to customise the look to fit your style,” opines Rix Wong of 10 10 Design.
“Whether it’s appliances, flooring, artwork, rugs, decorative items or loose furniture like bar stools, dishes, and barstools, you can style a white kitchen into something that will work for you.”
White Kitchens Have Been Around Since Victorian Times
All-white kitchens first became popular during the Victorian period when families began to spend more time in the room.
However, it seems that the appeal of white kitchens has not waned, and in fact, they also make your home very marketable.
“White is a universal colour that appeals to most buyers. So when you want to sell your home, more likely than not, your potential buyers will find a white kitchen a plus point or won’t have any strong feelings against it,” says Dali.
Whites Create the Illusion Of A Larger Space
It’s a well-known optical illusion that dark colours close in spaces, making them appear smaller, while light colours do the opposite.
“For smaller kitchens, I always recommend white cabinets and even a white countertop because it gives the illusion of more square footage. It can transform a kitchen which doesn’t have too much space to look much bigger,” states Nadirah Dali, head designer of Design Stream.
A White Kitchen Never Goes Out Of Trend
Like fashion, the colours of kitchens are influenced by trends and while navy is nice and green is great, if you want to create a space with longevity, you can’t go wrong with white. But even if you want to change up your kitchen, it’s much easier to modify.
“If sometimes down the line, you decide that the white kitchen is no longer your taste, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform your cabinetry,” enthuses Jason Sim, founder of Groundworks Design. “Simply put, white is easy to cover, and darker tones are not.”
It's Easy To Keep Your White Kitchen Clean
Nothing looks quite as crisp and clean as a white kitchen.
While it may become messy during cooking, all you need is a good wipe-down, and your cooking space will look pristine and brand new.
These days even messes in white kitchens have become things of the past, according to Francis Loang of QLT Design: “Keeping your white kitchen clean is a lot easier nowadays; it’s all a matter of using the suitable material.
White Kitchens Are Budget-Friendly
White can be cost-effective for achieving a chic kitchen if you’re on a budget.
From cabinet doors to countertops, splashbacks to sinks, you’ll have plenty more options in white than any other colour.
“The beauty of all-white kitchens is it looks like a million bucks, but in truth, with careful matching and smart choices, it can be done within a reasonable price point. So it’s really value for money,” concludes Loang
White Kitchens Make Up For The Lack of Windows
For a kitchen which doesn’t have big windows or a lot of natural light, a white kitchen is a good option as the colour creates natural light reflection.
Indeed even if all you have is a small kitchen window, installing a white kitchen can have an illuminating effect.
“Apart from creating a bright atmosphere from very little natural light, white kitchens can mitigate the harsh effect of spotlights as they diffuse the harsh downward shadows they create,” explains Sim.
Pick Your Kitchen Plants Carefully
Apart from the usual herbs like basil and rosemary, other kinds of potted plants can spruce up a kitchen too.
Opt for low-maintenance ones and keep these away from heat sources – you don't want your plants to wilt!
If your plants are growing in soil, check these regularly to avoid pest infestations, which you certainly wouldn't want around your food prep area.
We like artificial plants best in the kitchen, which add a touch of greenery to the shelves without the fuss.
As for dried florals, avoid those – they're a potential fire hazard.
Coloured or white appliances over silver
Too many silver appliances in an all-white kitchen can result in a cold, clinical look.
Luckily, we have a wide range of delicious candy-coloured appliances to choose from these days, from bold red for a '50s diner look to creamy pastels for a subtle wash of colour.
If it's a minimalist look you're going for, white appliances blend into the background well.
No matter what you choose, the upside is you can always switch these up to update the look of your kitchen instantly.
Choose easy-to-clean surfaces
While natural white marble is beautiful, it's also porous, meaning wine and food stains are notoriously difficult to get out.
Instead, opt for a hard-wearing composite surfaces that can be cleaned with just a wipe.
We love Cosentino's Silestone in Faro White from their Sunlit Days collection, a warm creamy white that's resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.
Add natural textures for warmth
Balance out the white with natural elements such as wooden shelves or rattan cabinet doors.
If you don't have to cook or handle hot dishes often, and you're up for some DIY, you can vinyl-wrap your countertop for a brand new look.
Otherwise, if renovation isn't an option, you can still add these elements in with artfully-displayed cheese boards, rattan lampshades, or wooden utensil holders.
We recommend keeping these far away from the stove and sink, though.
Statement lighting for a dash of style
An all-white kitchen provides the perfect backdrop for statement lighting, especially if yours is an open-concept kitchen with an island counter.
Keep the rest of the look clean by using minimalist LED strips for task lighting – you don't want to add visual clutter by having too many lamps.