How to Make a Classic White Scheme Work in Your Kitchen
Whether your style is traditional, modern, coastal, even industrial, a white kitchen can look amazing, as these very different schemes show
White kitchens are an enduring classic, and it’s easy to see why: they makes a space look bigger and airier, and enhance other design elements. But best of all, a white scheme can work in any style. Panelled doors and glazed wall cupboards slot into a traditional home, while glossy units and minimal details keep the modernists happy. Acting almost as a blank canvas, the accessories you add to the room can take your white scheme in any direction. Check out these ways to work white and be inspired to give the look your own personal touch.
Add an industrial note
These amazing metal drum pendant lights and the row of factory stools instantly give this white kitchen an edge. The dark stools also bring out the delicate grey swirls and veins in the marble, really highlighting this luxurious material.
These amazing metal drum pendant lights and the row of factory stools instantly give this white kitchen an edge. The dark stools also bring out the delicate grey swirls and veins in the marble, really highlighting this luxurious material.
Opt for monochrome
This dark floor makes a really strong base for this pure white kitchen, grounding the units and helping the sculptural elements to stand out.
Check out some more examples of monochrome schemes
This dark floor makes a really strong base for this pure white kitchen, grounding the units and helping the sculptural elements to stand out.
Check out some more examples of monochrome schemes
Use a pop of accent colour
Bring life and character to a white kitchen by adding dashes of colour. The pale blue panel gives this kitchen a coastal vibe and makes the island a focal point.
Bring life and character to a white kitchen by adding dashes of colour. The pale blue panel gives this kitchen a coastal vibe and makes the island a focal point.
Give it a rustic feel
White doesn’t have to be crisp and polished. Create a vintage feel in a modern white kitchen with distressed floorboards and reclaimed natural wood furniture.
White doesn’t have to be crisp and polished. Create a vintage feel in a modern white kitchen with distressed floorboards and reclaimed natural wood furniture.
Combine with wow neutrals
White works beautifully when paired with natural colours, from wood to stone. Here, a marble splashback in a stunningly rich earthy tone immediately lifts this kitchen, making the sleek units look striking rather than cold.
White works beautifully when paired with natural colours, from wood to stone. Here, a marble splashback in a stunningly rich earthy tone immediately lifts this kitchen, making the sleek units look striking rather than cold.
Highlight with coloured lighting
Lighting is a soft and sensuous way to add a dash of colour to a white kitchen. This electric blue LED strip lighting under both the base and wall units provides a gentle wash that adds energy without detracting from the slick white scheme.
Are there any of these schemes you'd like to incorporate into your own kitchen? We'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Lighting is a soft and sensuous way to add a dash of colour to a white kitchen. This electric blue LED strip lighting under both the base and wall units provides a gentle wash that adds energy without detracting from the slick white scheme.
Are there any of these schemes you'd like to incorporate into your own kitchen? We'd love to hear about it in the comments.
For a timeless look in the kitchen, go all white. This room even has white accessories – from ceramics to seating – but it still feels warm and welcoming thanks to the delicate details – a pretty chandelier, carved woodwork and old school column radiators.
Browse contemporary kitchens with a white scheme