10 Ways to Add Color to a White Kitchen Design

There’s nothing more elegant than an all-white kitchen design. However, this fresh, clean style can be high maintenance and sometimes appear sterile and cold. The good news is that white pairs with almost any color and a few tweaks can energize your kitchen without disrupting the white design. Read on for our top ten tips.

1. CABINETS, COUNTERTOPS, AND SINKS

To update a contemporary white kitchen, add brightly colored doors to upper units or go for a colored countertop to add personality to your kitchen design work zones.  A vibrantly colored island adds a bright focal point to a white backdrop and is excellent if you want a statement color without it dominating the whole room. Or, go for an island in a dark color like stained wood, black, or navy blue to contrast your white kitchen design.  Sinks come in many materials and shades, but an exciting current trend is to have a bold color solely on the inside surface of the sink.

2. BACKSPLASH

Tile backsplashes are always popular, and offer an array of color options, but glass or metal backsplashes can equally bring a contrasting tone to a white kitchen design. Pale blues, grays, greens and yellows are popular right now and add subtle hints of color. Check out this kitchen remodel in Grosse Pointe Farms with its stunning teal backsplash, which is calming but adds a perfect pop of color between the white units.

3. APPLIANCES

If you’re undertaking a complete kitchen remodel then you could consider incorporating colored appliances, which have grown in popularity in recent years for all styles of kitchen designs. There’s a huge range available, from retro pastels and heritage tones to primary colors and metallics. If a refrigerator is too big a leap, try a toaster in a subtle shade for a small infusion of color.

4. WALLS

Feature walls give you an instant pop of color and pull together other accents in the kitchen design or adjacent rooms. Wallpaper with a minimal pattern will always look elegant and not distract from artwork or other accessories. Family photos and children’s art are invaluable for adding personality to a kitchen. Why not scan multiple children’s drawings into a montage, print and frame into one unique focal point? Don’t forget about the fifth wall- consider a subtle blue, gray or an even warmer color on your ceiling to add another dimension to your color scheme and draw the eye up.

5. DISPLAY ITEMS

Open shelving really is an easy way to change the look of your kitchen with the objects on display. Glass fronted kitchen cabinets serves the same purpose and look more interesting with brightly colored interior walls and lighting to illuminate the shelves. 

6. COOKWARE

Make a feature out of your pots! Colored cookware on shelving or the stove is a lovely way of bringing warmth and personality to a white kitchen design.

7. MONOCHROME

Adding black to a white color scheme is timeless and works in any type of design, especially for a Scandinavian contemporary look with accent furniture or pendant lighting.  Marble adds subtle silver or black veins to a white backdrop. Consider making a feature wall, door or backsplash with chalkboard paint for a hint of contrast and character.

8. METALLICS

Metallic chairs, drawer pulls and appliances add shimmer and color to a white kitchen design without being overpowering. Try a trendy gold bar cart for a touch of glamor. Go crazy with pendant lighting!  Copper or brass tones warm up a kitchen renovation but why not go for a bold shade to really dazzle over a white island or dining table?

9. FABRIC

Fabric is a fantastic way to add color to a kitchen design. You can cover bar stools, banquette cushions or upholster dining chairs in the kitchen or an adjacent dining room.  Choose blind or drape fabric in your accent colors and select rugs to add warmth and interest to any floor.  While introducing pattern is interesting, avoid making it too busy or it will dominate, not enhance.

10. NATURE

You can’t go wrong when looking to nature for color inspiration. Accessorize a cold white kitchen design with dark wood for a rustic look or lighter wood for a Scandinavian feel. Focal points such as plants, bowls of fruit and fresh flowers all breathe life and color into white tones.

There is a myriad of ways to add color to a white kitchen design without destroying its style. Limit your color palette when accessorizing and look to temporary fixes like rugs and art as well as more permanent ones, such as kitchen cabinets. For more color inspiration check out our kitchen remodeling gallery or contact our kitchen design experts today to plan a kitchen remodel with tons of personality.