White kitchen cabinets paired with a white backsplash create a fresh, timeless look that works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. The crisp, clean aesthetic allows the textures and colors of other elements like countertops, hardware, and accent decor to shine. White cabinetry also makes the space feel bright and expansive.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of the white on white kitchen combo and provide ideas to make it work in your home. Discover how to choose materials, create visual interest, select countertops and hardware, and incorporate pops of color while maintaining the soothing simplicity of an all-white scheme.
Why Choose a White on White Kitchen?
Here are some of the top reasons to consider white cabinets with a matching white backsplash:
Bright, Airy Feel
The reflective qualities of white make kitchens feel open and full of natural light, even if the space lacks large windows. White bounces light around the room. Going all white creates a seamless, expansive look that makes small kitchens appear larger.
Timeless and Classic
A white kitchen with light backsplash tiles never goes out of style. The clean lines have an enduring look you won’t tire of down the road. While trends come and go, white remains a perennial favorite. It works with any architectural style from old world vintage to sleek contemporary.
Clean Backdrop
White kitchen cabinets create a neutral backdrop that allows other materials, textures, and colors to take the spotlight. The lighter your backdrop, the more dramatic elements like statement hardware, wood counters, or mixed metal finishes will stand out.
Easy to Refresh
White paint wipes clean easily without showing scuffs and marks as much as darker colors. This makes it simple to refresh cabinets over time. The backsplash is easy to keep looking new with periodic grout cleaning and resealing.
Light Reflection
Having a white backsplash to bounce light around makes tasks like food prep easier. The ambient brightness cuts down on shadows so you can see ingredients clearly as you work.
Affordable Option
Painted cabinets paired with ceramic subway tiles or other inexpensive white backsplash materials create a high-end look without a huge investment. Starting with an economical blank slate means splurging just on the finishes and decor you want.
Flexible Foundation
White cabinets and backsplash tiles seamlessly work with a wide range of styles from modern to farmhouse depending on your choice of counters, hardware, light fixtures and other accents. The neutral base lets you customize to any preferred aesthetic.
Choosing Materials for a White on White Kitchen
To create a cohesive feel, carefully choose not only your cabinet and backsplash colors but also the right materials. Certain textures will emphasize the crisp, clean lines while others add visual warmth and interest.
Painted vs Stained Cabinets
Opt for painted cabinets rather than wood stain if aiming for a contemporary vibe. Painted cabinets in a glossy or matte sheen complement the sleekness of a white backsplash. Stained cabinets have an inherently traditional feel with more pronounced wood grain. White stain opens up the possibility of wood cabinets in a lighter kitchen. But paint is still best for a seamless white-on-white look.
Cabinet Door Style
Door style also impacts the aesthetic. For a truly contemporary style, opt for flat slab cabinet doors without ornamental trimwork or insets. Shaker style doors with a clean, subtle recessed center panel maintain the fuss-free look with a touch of added detail. Both styles emphasize the geometry of cabinetry. Stay away from intricate raised panel doors for this trend.
Backsplash Tile Material
Natural stone like marble, quartzite or travertine add interest with veins and movement. Carrara marble has an Old World elegance while statuary marble ups the glamour quotient. For a more modern look, glossy ceramic and porcelain tiles have less variation. Subway tiles, penny tiles and hex tiles provide streamlined geometric shapes.
Dark grout lines will add contrast and emphasize each tile while matching white grout blends for a seamless appearance. Consider using different size tiles on the walls versus the backsplash to delineate the two spaces. Mixing polished and matte finishes also adds subtle detail.
Countertop Contrast
Since the cabinets and backsplash will be white, this is the perfect opportunity to choose a bold countertop color for contrast. Gray, black and navy quartz counters pop against the white while providing an earthy complement. Butcher block or reclaimed wood counters inject warmth. Natural stone slabs with prominent veins stand out.
White quartz counters blended with glass, quartz aggregates or mother of pearl are white done differently. Caeserstone White Attica contains graceful gray veins while still feeling almost creamy. A honed or leathered finish changes up the surface texture.
Creating Visual Interest in a White Kitchen
An all-white color palette may sound boring, but done right it can be anything but stark and sterile. Clever elements provide depth, texture and visual delight.
Add Architectural Interest
Moldings, corbels and mantels seem almost more ornate against a white backdrop. Crisp lines delineate built-up trimwork and custom elements. For contemporary spaces, floating shelves, exposed ductwork or open shelving make a statement.
Play with Proportions
Incorporate a large statement hood or extend the backsplash from countertop to ceiling. Extra tall upper cabinets give the eye places to travel while short lower cabinets maintain visibility and openness.
Use wide subway tiles or stretched hexagons instead of traditional small squares. Run rectangular tiles vertically rather than horizontally. Every choice tweaks the sense of proportion.
Showcase Collections
Clear glass cabinet doors reveal beautiful dish and glassware. Open shelves highlight neatly organized cookbooks or neatly stacked serving pieces. Keep items pared down and intentionally styled so displays don’t become cluttered.
Mirror Magic
Hang a statement mirror over the sink, on the backsplash or behind an eating bar to amplify light. Mirrored cabinets and backsplashes contain even more reflective power. Just take care that the reflection doesn’t create an overwhelmingly busy look.
Texture Tactics
Add tactile appeal with woven wood shades, linen cafe curtains, nubby throw blankets or ceramic and wooden accent pieces. Play up organic elements against the sleek lines and uniformity.
Selecting Countertops and Hardware
Finish your white kitchen with the perfect mix of countertops and hardware to provide color, shine and visual pop without going overboard.
Countertops Choices That Complement White
Quartz: For an ultra-contemporary feel, nothing beats bold black or dark gray quartz countertops against bright white cabinets. But softer neutral quartz in creamy ivories and grays creates sophistication too. Just avoid strong quartz patterns that compete too much.
Butcher Block: The warm, organic look of wood adds life. Light whitewashed oak blends well. But go for darker woods like walnut if you want contrast. Avoid orangey stained wood tones.
Natural Stone: Calacattas, statuaries, and carreras are just some of the white marbles that contain slim gray veining. White quartzite like Taj Mahal brightens while still showing subtle movement.
Concrete: The matte look and cool gray undertones provide an edgy complement to white cabinets. Integrate special touches like forming a drainboard into the countertop.
Laminate: Affordable laminate comes in marble and quartz-like patterns that mimic higher end materials for a steal. Just avoid glossy finishes that look obviously plastic-y.
Hardware Picks to Showcase
Don’t be shy with your hardware against a simple white backdrop. This is the place to have fun and make a statement.
- Black accents provide bold contrast
- Brass and gold choices add glamour
- Silver or nickel finishes keep it cool and contemporary
- Two-tone designs marry dark and light for visual interest
- Glass knobs mimic jewelry
- Vintage style pulls bring a touch of heritage
- Cut-out shapes and ceramic novelties inject whimsy
Adding Pops of Color
Colorful accents enliven an all-white kitchen. Just take care that hues stay crisp instead of muddy. Here are tips for making an impact with color.
Artwork
Gallery walls filled with vivid contemporary art or graphic black and white prints energize blank walls. Watercolors and botanical sketches bring nature indoors. For traditional spaces, antique plates or framed flower specimens keep the palette light.
Dishware
Display colorful everyday dishware so it becomes part of the decor. Hang plate racks to highlight patterned china. Stack eclectic salad plates or perch teacups in open shelves.
Appliances
Many appliances now come in fun colors from teal to tangerine. But stick to classic reds and blues that have timeless appeal rather than flashy trends. Retro styled appliances also stand out.
Fabrics
Crisp patterned fabric roman shades, embroidered pillows or bright table linens add eye-catching color. Just avoid busy patterns that compete visually. Opt for organic prints and textures over geometric designs.
Houseplants
No space feels fresh without greenery. Let cascading philodendrons or aloe plants add their vibrant colors to open shelves. Citrus trees bring life to corners. For traditional style, iron urns of orchids inject elegance.
Painted Accents
Use color sparingly on walls or as accents so it doesn’t overwhelm the white palette. Paint inside an open hutch a vivid teal or sunny yellow. Try a blue glass tile backslash or bold red range hood.
Incorporating White Cabinets in Every Style
The versatility of white cabinets means they seamlessly suit a wide array of aesthetics from farmhouse to industrial. Here are some ideas for making them work in key kitchen styles.
Farmhouse Kitchen
Leaning into white helps keep the farmhouse vibe crisp instead of too rustic.
- White beadboard backsplashes with visible trim seams enhance the cottage feel.
- Open shelving shows off heirloom dishware.
- Use wire baskets for produce storage.
- Add wooden cutting boards and dough bowls.
- Try schoolhouse pendants and simple hardware.
- Incorporate subtle textures like woven shades.
Traditional Kitchen
White cabinetry lightens up traditional kitchens and makes the space feel freshly updated.
- Opt for Shaker style cabinet doors.
- Choose marble subway tiles and polished stone counters.
- Display collections of cake stands and teacups.
- Add glass front cabinets and carved ornamentation.
- Incorporate stained or painted accent beams.
- Use vintage style hardware like bin pulls.
Contemporary Kitchen
White has a seamlessly sleek synergy with modern design.
- Choose flat slab cabinetry and drawers sans hardware.
- Install a futuristic statement light fixture.
- Add pops of color with bright barstools.
- Use reflective surfaces like quartz counters.
- Incorporate industrial metals and woods.
- Make technology disappear with hidden charging stations.
Coastal Kitchen
White kitchens evoke seaside cottages and nautical themes effortlessly.
- Use classic subway tiles in varied patterns as an accent.
- Add furniture leg bottom trim to build-in furniture.
- Incorporate reclaimed wood shelves and open storage.
- Display weathered corbels, oars or lobster traps.
- Mix metal finishes like aged brass and zinc.
- Accent with navy, sea glass greens and tan.
Eclectic Kitchen
The neutral white backdrop highlights a personalized mix of eras and styles.
- Float shelves with collected items from travels.
- Showcase heirloom mix-matched dishware.
- Use lighting from different eras like sputnik and wagon wheels.
- Choose an unconventional bold mosaic backsplash tile.
- Contrast modern pegboard walls and retro appliances.
- Make technology disappear with hidden charging stations.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Kitchens
Is an all white kitchen boring?
It certainly can be if not thoughtfully executed. The trick is using textures, metals, lighting and eclectic decorative touches to add visual punch. Mixing matte and reflective finishes also adds subtle contrast.
What color cabinets go well with a white backsplash?
Any shade of white cabinetry complements a white backsplash from bright crisp white to warm antique white. Gray painted cabinets also pair beautifully for a trendy tonal look.
What color hardware looks best with white cabinets?
You can’t go wrong with polished chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze hardware against white cabinets. For a retro twist, opt for gold hardware. Matte black hardware makes a bold contemporary statement. Mixing finishes adds eclectic charm.
Should I do an all-white kitchen?
If you love the look, then there’s no reason not to! The biggest downside is keeping cabinets spotless requires diligent cleaning. Opt for durable paint. Also beware that white shows any flaws in cabinetry construction and installation imperfections.
What is the most popular backsplash for white kitchen cabinets?
White subway tile is the quintessential backsplash for white cabinets thanks to its classic appeal. White marble or quartz tiles also suit the palette. If wanting contrast, dark grout lines between white tiles makes the material pop.
How do you break up all the white in a kitchen?
Wood counters, an accent wall, colorful appliances or vivid artwork help ensure an all-white kitchen feels welcoming rather than sterile. Painting an interior cabinet a bold contrasting color adds an unexpected pop. Mix metal finishes and add lighting.
Achieving the White Kitchen of Your Dreams
A white on white kitchen design feels simultaneously timeless yet current. By thoughtfully selecting materials, adding key accents and customizing to your style, you can create an all-white space with character, function and visual appeal. Take your time making finish selections like cabinet hardware since these details will make or break the desired aesthetic.
Embrace white kitchen cabinets paired with a crisp white backsplash as a beautiful blank canvas to showcase your own tastes and treasures. Keep the look elegantly uncluttered and let the textures, metals and decorative choices sing. With smart planning and design, this fresh, light-filled kitchen style is easy to achieve and sure to be enjoyed for years to come.