White Kitchens 101

Many people say the kitchen is the heart of a home. Its a place where families gather, where plans and dreams are made and guests are entertained! White kitchens are all the rage… and shaker cabinets are everyone’s first choice. Choosing your cabinets and backsplash is a very important step in kitchen design.

This kitchen below has clear glass cabinetry up top to break up all the white. The backsplash just about disappears, unless you look up close. It’s a three dimensional Ann Sacks tile in a similar white hue. A pop of orange in the classic Wishbone chair makes for a statement.

White is definitely in and I love white cabinets. But I encourage clients to add some color, as an entire white kitchen can be a bit of a snooze. Look at how well the bold black and white backsplash works in the kitchen below! It compliments the black counters perfectly. And we did a little switch on the island countertop and made that white quartzite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This herringbone New Ravenna tile is a great monochromatic yet eye catching tile. It’s a mix of various finishes on marble.  Add variety by choosing a contrasting island finish. The sleek black that we chose for the island cabinets works well here.

A pretty yet simple detail in the glass cabinetry like this “x” pattern off sets the center “buffet” area in this kitchen. A simple bead board at the back of the inset up top  is a nice detail.

 

If you are set on going for all white, take a bit of a risk with the tile. Using unexpected shapes will add visual interest, and a darker grout allows for the backsplash to stand out. This is a more modern slab door with a china display case built in- for collectibles.

A curved island with shiplap to finish it off creates a coastal farmhouse vibe. The “x” feature keeps the flow open (it was a closed wall originally), and the neutral glass backsplash is a pretty yes simple look.

This client loved aqua. The subtle aqua tones in the glass elements of the backsplash, mixed with grays and whites of Carrara marble add a modern touch. The waterfall edge on the island is also more contemporary, with (of course) a black finish island to create a statement.