Five ways to design a white-on-white kitchen

Design a versatile, white kitchen that stands the test of time, then choose styles, finishes, and accent colors to make it your own.

Trends come and go, but a mostly white kitchen is versatile and timeless. The beauty of a white kitchen is its versatility—it provides a clean base that works with any style, from modern to boho chic. Let’s explore the possibilities with five styles that start with a white backdrop. 

Modern style

Cabinets are the hero of a modern kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling white flat-front cabinets in a matte or glossy finish provide ample storage and a clean canvas to play with. Consider an appliance garage to keep your countertops free of the toaster, stand mixer, and espresso machine clutter. You can also use appliance panels to hide your dishwasher and refrigerator, helping them blend seamlessly with your cabinets. 

White cabinets are a good start, but you don’t want the heart of your home to look as sterile as a doctor’s office. To add personality, use pops of color or texture for the backsplash, flooring, artwork, and lighting. 

Traditional style is here to stay

There’s a reason why traditional style is still considered classic. Warm white cabinets with raised panel doors accented with crown molding and a few paned glass doors look as elegant now as they did years ago — and as they will for years to come. 

The hallmarks of classic design are neutral colors and quality materials such as hardwood, stone, and metal. Imagine white or stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a white subway tile backsplash. 

Your kitchen island design can mirror your cabinets — just mix and match materials to suit your needs. Maybe you want leather barstools and copper pendant lights that are evocative of an upscale pub. Or maybe ladder-back stools with glass schoolhouse lights that give a New England feel suits you better. Classic certainly doesn’t limit your choices. 

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Cozy up with cottage charm

What if your personal brand is relaxed and cozy? Then maybe a cottage or farmhouse style suits you better than the formality of modern or classic styling. Or consider white beadboard cabinets paired with white granite countertops and a generous farmhouse sink. 

Add accents that make your cottage home fit as well as your favorite jeans like shiplap and open shelving. Shelves make it easier to grab your favorite mug for your morning coffee or to nab your well-used mixing bowls. 

Nature-inspired coastal style 

Coastal style takes a lot of intention and a little know-how to look casually elegant. The key is to bring the outdoors in with a generous use of natural materials. 

You could start with white Shaker cabinets paired with white quartz or marble countertops. Now layer in colors of sand or worn beach glass, with a backsplash made of glass mosaic or wave-patterned tile. Consider white or seafoam-colored flooring and an island made of wood and marble, complemented with white stools, and accented with classic nautical pendants in nickel or copper. 

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Eclectic fun

But what if you don’t want to pick one style? Then don’t. Go ahead and play with them all!

Imagine a kitchen with white shaker cabinets ornamented with hand-painted ceramic knobs. A backsplash with colorful Moroccan tiles or bright paint — maybe a dazzling blue or red — can bring life to your plants, artwork and your eclectic dishware. 

Eclectic style likes to take convention and turn it on its head. Take appliances, for example. They don’t need to blend in — in fact, have fun and make them stand out. There are many retro appliances, from ranges and refrigerators to toasters and stand mixers, that come in playful colors like seafoam green, turquoise and red. 

You can also play with contrasts — mixing modern with vintage, industrial with natural. For example, pair a white Parsons table with mismatched upholstered chairs. Or upcycle a piece of furniture like an old industrial work table into a kitchen island and pair it with rattan pendant lights. 

Get started with Jumpstarter

On its face, white-on-white kitchen design seems easy, yet there are many choices to make in designing a white kitchen. The endless choices can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Let Rebode be your guide. Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter provides inspiration, allows you to browse styles and even finds local professionals to help you make the kitchen of your dreams. Get started with Jumpstarter today to create a timeless white kitchen that stands the test of time.