Are All-White Kitchens Losing Their Appeal? Interior Designers Weigh In

All-white kitchens are undeniably classic. Crisp, bright, and fresh, they’re the place you can imagine whipping up perfect batches of chocolate chip cookies or entertaining your family for the holidays.

But after years of stark white cabinetry and gleaming kitchen countertops, are homeowners starting to get bored with the all-white look? Or do all-white kitchens just need a little something modern to feel more relevant?

We asked the experts to weigh in on whether all-white kitchens are going out of style and how to make them feel less dated.

History of All-White Kitchens 

While we may think of all-white kitchens as a modern phenomenon, they first became popular at the turn of the 20th century. During the early 1900s, white kitchens were seen as sanitary, which was important in the years following the Spanish flu. Because of that association, white cabinetry was primarily available during the first part of the 20th century.

Even as vibrant colors took hold throughout the midcentury and warm wood cabinetry became the look du jour in later years, all-white kitchens continued to linger. Following the dark brown cabinetry and Tuscan décor trend of the 1990s, bright white cabinetry made a major comeback as big, open kitchens with sweeping islands became the standard.

Are All-White Kitchens Going Out of Style? 

In recent years, there’s been a shift towards warmer kitchens, often in moodier shades of green and blue. Victoria Holly, founder of Victoria Holly Interiors, explains that she’s seen clients actively move away from all-white kitchens. “An all-white kitchen can lack warmth. It can look sterile and not quite custom or higher-end.”

However, it’s less that white kitchens are going out of style and more so that the types of whites people are choosing are shifting. “White kitchens are not completely out—they still have a place. Similar to the wedding dress effect, you always want a warmer white to make things look richer,” says Holly. She sees white as the foundation for elements that make a kitchen look more intentional and designed.

What’s Taking the Place of All-White Kitchens?

While white isn’t being replaced in kitchens entirely, there are some design elements that are out-ranking this classic color.

Warmer Paint Colors

While white kitchens have a timeless appeal, cool whites are being requested less and less. “The cold gray and white combinations of the past five years are being replaced with warmer, earthy tones that are muddier and not as crisp as in past years,” says Erin Davis, owner and designer at Mosaik Design & Remodeling.

Colorful Base Cabinets

Creamy white upper cabinets are now being paired with wood or colorful base cabinets, which Davis believes is a practical choice. “White base cabinets don’t hold up to wear and tear,” she says. “Wall cabinets are not exposed to that as much, and when painted white, they add a fresh look to the contrasting lower cabinets.”

Wood Accents

Wood accents are also becoming increasingly popular in kitchens where white used to reign supreme. “We are seeing white kitchens mixed with wood accents, like mantles over hoods, islands, or upper or lower cabinets. Overall, clients are becoming braver and taking more risks with color in the kitchen,” says Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer, principal designer at Schnabel Interiors.

Where White Still Works in the Kitchen

All-white kitchens still exude a sense of timeless elegance, especially if paired with high-quality finishes and interesting architectural details, says Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner of In Detail Interiors. But to keep the look fresh, she recommends opting for whites that have subtle undertones, like the soft and creamy Benjamin Moore White Dove or the brighter Chantilly Lace. “These whites feel less flat and pair beautifully with natural textures like oak cabinetry or marble countertops,” says Clendenon.

How to Add Color to an All-White Kitchen

If you have an all-white kitchen, there are easy ways to update it and add color without taking on a major renovation. Some are simple DIY swaps you can do in an afternoon, while other projects are more involved but will add long-lasting value to your space.

Add Warm Toned Hardware

Hardware is a quick, affordable change that takes only a few minutes. “If you still want a simpler white or your home came with a standard white, there are ways to dramatically change the look of your all-white kitchen, such as changing hardware to something warmer and richer like antique brass or bronze,” says Holly.

Style the Kitchen With Color

Intentional styling choices can also add color and warmth to an all-white kitchen. “You can bring color to an all-white kitchen by styling it with a small lamp on the counter and a small piece of art on an easel with a beautiful wooden cutting board leaned up behind it and maybe a stack of cookbooks,” says Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, founder of Andrea Sinkin Design. Hanging plates or installing a small ledge for colorful cups can also add life into a classic white kitchen.

Update Countertops

If you have a bit more budget, Holly suggests updating your countertops to warm up the basic white kitchen cabinets. “A warmer or darker stone can contrast the white cabinets, adding some visual interest,” she says.

Paint Your Walls

Of course, paint is always a reliable way to add color to a white kitchen—and it doesn’t need to involve the weeks-long project that is sanding, painting, and curing your cabinets. “You can also opt to paint your walls a fun color while keeping your kitchen cabinet color intact,” says Holly.

Hang Window Treatments

Window treatments in a gorgeous fabric or a natural texture are an easy way to add warmth to a white kitchen. Plus, they’re functional. “A fun roman shade or window treatment will help add contrast,” says Holly.

Install a Warm Backsplash

While new backsplash can be an investment, it’s a practical renovation that can increase the value of your home. “You can take an all-white kitchen and make it feel more warm and modern by incorporating zellige tile and more organic backsplashes with natural and irregular tiles,” says Jaffe.