How to Add Color to a White Kitchen to Make it Pop
Posted by KraftMaid on 25th Jun 2021
From featuring one bold punch of a high-def hue to layering in a softer, barely-there neutral tone, we’re sharing ideas on how, and where, adding color adds interest to an all-white kitchen.
It’s easy to see why white continues to be so popular in kitchen design. It’s crisp and clean. (Perfect for the room where you prepare meals.) It’s timeless – never feeling dated or linked to a particular era. It has unrivaled versatility that works well with any style. White can even make a small space appear larger.
On the other hand, there can be too much of a good thing. When no other color is present, a stark white space can make the heart of your home feel more hospital than hospitable. And without variation in tone or texture, an all-white room can become a total bore.
The good news is you can add color to a white kitchen without detracting from the appeal of the classic white look. Here are a few tactics you might want to try in your design:
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Create an island oasis. Choosing colorful cabinets for your center island accentuates its role as the focal point in your kitchen. Pick your favorite paint color (they all go with white) or add warmth to the room with a light-color stain. Using the whole island too big of a color commitment? Try adding color to just the area below the counter where your seating goes as a more subtle surprise. |
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Amp up your appliances. From retro refrigerators in period-inspired colors, like turquoise and pink, to commercial-style ranges and ovens in forest green, cobalt blue or bright red, appliances can deliver a pop of excitement in an otherwise white kitchen. |
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Let your walls talk. A can of paint is all it takes to create a colorful accent wall. Cover the whole wall in one hue or tape off multicolor stripes. Look for possibilities beyond paint, too. Or, showcase even more of your style and individuality with wallpaper. You might be surprised by the amazing variety of stylish colors, patterns and prints you can find. |
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Punch up your accent pieces. Cover your dining chairs in bright upholstery or paint your bar stools in a vibrant color. Find cookware, vases and artwork that share one color and display them throughout the room. Hang rose gold or copper pendant lights above your island or peninsula. Colorful accent pieces, like these, are great because they add instant personality, but they’re also easy and affordable to swap out for a fresh look whenever you feel like it. |
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Go big on the backsplash. Your backsplash can play center stage for color in a white kitchen. Whether you want a pale tone or a bold pattern, you’ll find hundreds of tile options in any color you could imagine. Or keep the tile white, but use a contrasting grout color to create an interesting graphic pattern. |
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WHAT'S NEXT?
- Don’t just imagine how color will look in your white kitchen, visualize it. Our Kitchen Visualizer lets you experiment with color on your cabinets, walls, floor, backsplash and more.
- Check out our Inspiration Gallery to see how the KraftMaid® design team has used color in our white kitchens.
- Visit our Ask a Designer page to send your color question to KraftMaid. One of our in-house designers will respond with tips and advice for your project.