All white kitchens: an expert guide to getting white right

Why go for an all white kitchen?

In interior design – and particularly kitchen design – no colour is more widely loved than white: you can find it used as the main colour in homes from chilly Scandinavia to the sun-soaked Med. There are good reasons for this...

• Serenity – as a colour white is clean, calm and relaxing, the ultimate neutral. That makes it ideal for a busy, multi-purpose family space like the kitchen.
• Spaciousness – white reflects natural and artificial light, helping to open up the space and make a kitchen feel airy and spacious.
• Timelessness – white is incredibly versatile and works with pretty much any style and era – from traditional country kitchens, to sleek Scandi kitchens, and contemporary open-plan kitchens. It has a timeless quality which means it will never go out of style.

However, when going for an all white kitchen, there are some potential traps to watch out for. If you want that serene, minimalist look, you’ll need to make sure the kitchen storage is well-designed so that the surfaces aren’t cluttered. And there is a danger that all white kitchens can feel a little cold and uninviting, even clinical.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid those pitfalls and get an all white kitchen just right.

Which shade of white works best in a kitchen?

The colour white actually comes in an almost endless variety of different shades, and it can be used to create a range of different effects in a kitchen – whether you’re aiming for a relaxed, ethereal feel, an elegant and sophisticated look, or a smart modern vibe. (See some beautiful white kitchen ideas here.)

Bright whites with blue tones are at the cool end of the colour spectrum, and are good for creating a crisp, clean look. If you’re a little short of space they’re also good for making a small kitchen feel bigger (white worktops in marble or quartz are especially good for reflecting the light to dazzling effect)

Matt white with muted undertones – even with dashes of yellow, orange or brown – have a softer, warmer feel and can make a large or open-plan kitchen feel cosy and welcoming.

(Naked Kitchens whites include Holkham Frost and the warmer Sea Froth, as well as a classic white, Seal Pup. But we can also bespoke colour match any white you like. See more about our colours here.)

Keeping surfaces clear: the importance of clever storage design

If you’re choosing all white for the clean, clear, minimalist look then it’s absolutely essential to make sure your storage is as efficient as possible, so that everything can be kept out of sight.

Think about floor-to-ceiling cabinets to make the most of vertical space, islands with drawers and pantry cupboards designed for exactly the things you buy. With bespoke cabinet design and clever solutions like carousels and articulated shelves, you can ensure that every space works as hard as possible.

(For more ideas see Clever bespoke kitchen storage solutions - 11 ingenious ideas to inspire you )

How can you make an all white kitchen interesting and inviting?

There’s no reason why an all white kitchen should feel clinical and dull – there are lots of things you can do to add character and interest, and make it feel human and inviting. Here are some ideas:

1. Incorporate natural materials – organic materials such as exposed wood, stone and marble will add texture and visual variety to an all white kitchen.
2. Add some shine – high gloss finishes, glazed cabinets, smooth marble worktops and stainless steel appliances will bounce the light around and create a fabulous sleek, contemporary feel.
3. Create contrast – add a spot of drama in an all white kitchen by mixing different finishes, for example by pairing gloss cabinets with a natural stone worktop, or combining matt cabinets with a shiny splashback.
4. Mix old and new elements – including some traditional features or vintage elements can help make an all white kitchen feel warm and homely.
5. Use metallic finishes – including metal features such as taps, light sockets and cabinet handles will add interest and character: choose chrome for a sleek modern feel, brass for warm, rich tones, or matt black for a contemporary twist.
6. Add a touch of colour – introducing colour accents via splashbacks, patterned tiles, contrasting flooring, or coloured appliances and accessories will add depth and help make your white theme pop.
7. Open things up – including some open shelving and glass-fronted cabinets will help to break up the space and add interest and character to an all white kitchen.
8. Include some feature lighting – some well-chosen lighting can help make an all white kitchen feel warm and inviting, while also making a style statement.
9. Add in some greenery – include some houseplants to bring the outside in, and add natural vibrancy to an all white kitchen.

All white kitchens: ideas and inspiration

An all white kitchen is a beautiful thing in its own right, and it also provides the perfect blank canvas for adding some personal touches and making your own style statement. Here are some ideas and inspiration for all white kitchens from the Naked Kitchens portfolio…

1) Add texture and make a statement with striking materials

Using different materials and textures is a great way of adding visual variety to a white kitchen, while also making a striking style statement. The Chester Row kitchen (above) features a wall of floor to ceiling cabinets in Seal Pup White, interspersed with stunning marble worktops, a mirrored splashback and a stainless steel range cooker and hood, which add depth and texture while allowing the kitchen to maintain a bright, open feel.

2) Mix and match modern and traditional elements

One of the great things about a white kitchen colour scheme is you can mix elements from different styles and periods. As well as being a popular choice for contemporary kitchens, white also works beautifully with more traditional style features.

The Hertfordshire Manor (above) combines a fresh white colour scheme with classic features, including a white in-frame Shaker style kitchen, complete with a bespoke mantel with corbels above the Aga. The white kitchen island includes open oak shelving and glass-fronted cabinets displaying a selection of crockery and books, adding character and creating a lovely warm, homely feel, while the stainless steel fridge and elongated dome glass pendant lights add a contemporary edge.

3) Combine a contemporary white kitchen with warm timber accents

White cabinets are the perfect choice for a sleek, contemporary kitchen, and you can add some extra warmth by combining them with a soft timber such as oak, which will complement the natural undertones of your white colour scheme.

The Glaven kitchen (above) is a modern, functional kitchen featuring beautiful white cabinetry with decorative end panels and a warm limed-grain oak finish. The tall larder and kitchen island offer generous storage while helping to maintain the streamlined look, and the Caesarstone concrete worktop and panelled splashback add texture. Meanwhile, the trio of coloured glass pendant lights suspended over the kitchen island helps to bring the look together.

4) Add depth and drama to an all white kitchen with pops of colour

An all white kitchen colour scheme provides a great backdrop for adding in some colour accents or bolder pops of colour. Use a single colour to make a statement, or introduce tonal colours, such as silver, grey and black, to create more subtle colour accents.

The Chepstow Villas kitchen (above) combines floor-to-ceiling cabinets painted in Holkham Frost, white tiles and white marble worktops, with rich contemporary colours in the form of a central kitchen island in Night Sky blue topped with a white worktop, and glazed white cabinets with turquoise interiors. The brass handles and taps add warmth to the theme, while the industrial style pendant lights add to the contemporary feel and help to link the island area to the wider space.

At Naked Kitchens, our white colours are inspired by the North Norfolk coast and countryside, including Holkham Frost, Sea Froth and our ever popular Seal Pup White. We also offer a bespoke colour matching service, so you can find just the right shade of white. See our range of Naked Colours.

Find out more and book a free design consultation today. See also:Beautiful white kitchen ideas Choosing colours for your kitchen – an expert guide. Clever bespoke kitchen storage solutions - 11 ingenious ideas to inspire you What is a Shaker Kitchen? Seven secrets of sensational kitchen lighting - from the experts at Pooky