Source: The Ally Exchange
My goal is to convince you that your kitchen SHOULD NOT BE ALL WHITE! Many people choose all-white kitchen because kitchens are a big investment and white feels like it will stand the test of time. But, hello, boring! There are lots of other options that have staying power as well as some contrast to make them interesting. I promise that the pictures alone below will be enough to convince you to add some color.
This does not mean that you should not use any white – on the contrary, sticking with mostly white for a kitchen is a refreshing and clean look. White is great for upper cabinets, countertops and the backsplash. I am not a fan of subway tiles either because they are so over-done, but I will save that rant for another day. Trust me, there are so many other great and timeless options.
The best place to introduce color into the kitchen is on the island. This is a trend that comes from the fashion industry where color blocking has been popular for decades. Because they are central to the kitchen, color on the island provides a great focal point. Do consider the colors that you are using in any adjacent room with picking a color – black, blue, grey and natural wood go with almost everything.
All-White
To show you that all-white is not the way to go, here are some incredibly beautiful all-white kitchens. While this may counterproductive to my point, I promise that it is key that you look carefully and after you check out the kitchens that follow, you will see how washed out and plain these kitchens are. Not to worry, it is nothing that a can of paint (and a highly trained professional) cannot fix.
Sources – 1: Serena and Lily, 2: Wayfair 3: Wayfair
Black
Initially black may sound scary, but I believe that every room should have some black. It grounds the space and like white, it is never going to go out of style. One concern with black (or any dark color) is that it is more likely to show smudgy fingerprints so confining it to the island is a good idea. One of my favorite blacks for cabinets are Benjamin Moore Onyx 2133-10 or PPG Porter Paints Black Flame.
Sources – 1: Paynes Gray, 2: Lowes, 3 Room and Board
Blue
Blue, especially a dark navy color, is practically a neutral. It brings a bit out the outside inside in with a reference to the sky and creates nice contrast if black feels too heavy for you. One of my favorite blues for cabinets Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 for Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC 156.
Sources – 1 Cloth and Kind:, 2 McGee and Co:, 3: Cedar and Moss
Grey
Grey is a popular choice for adding interest and is the closest to white while still having more depth and a sense of cool and calm. There are lots of shades here and grey goes well with other colors throughout the house unless you have yellow, orange or brown tones. Some of my favorite greys are Sherwin Williams Repose Gray 7015, Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray 7044 (color I painted cabinets in the bathroom in my last house) and Plummet by Farrow and Ball.
Sources: 1: Decorated Life 2: Tessa Neustadt for Amber Interiors 3: Hallie Baughman
Natural
And finally, natural wood wood is my current favorite – look how beautifully organic these kitchens are. Adding a touch of black is a good idea and can easily be done through lighting, faucets, or appliances.
Sources – 1:,The Ally Exchange, 2: Studio Lifestyle, 3: McGee and Co.
Are you convinced? which will it be – black, grey, blue or natural? Maybe even something else like green?