Tips for All-White Kitchens: Breaking up Monochromatic Spaces

There is nothing wrong with a monochromatic look, but sometimes it’s too much in a kitchen, especially in all-white kitchens. A monochromatic kitchen can be chic, but it can also lack inspiration and excitement, especially if it’s a bland, neutral landscape.

Now, as we’re spending more time than ever in our kitchen, we want that space to be a fun room to be in, not a bore that we have to go to. Even when we weren’t being asked to stay at home, the kitchen is the hub of the house.

After all, it’s true what they say: people always end up in the kitchen. Think of your last party. You had conversation stations set up around your home. Hor d’oeuvres in the living room, bar cart in the dining room, firepit roaring away on the patio…and everyone was in the kitchen!

If you’re thinking about your kitchen in a new way, I’m sure you’re wondering one thing… How do you make your kitchen exciting again and break up a monochromatic, all-white look in that space? Follow these steps and you’ll be inspired by your kitchen once more.

Veranda

Install Unexpected Cabinets

In all-white kitchens, it makes sense that the cabinets will be…white. After all, that takes up the majority of your kitchen space. The fastest way to add lots of color to your kitchen is by changing the cabinetry. You can install new (if you’re renovating and looking to try something other than monochrome). You can also paint your current cabinets if you aren’t ready for the reno.

A great way to add color and interest to all-white kitchens without changing all the cabinets is to update only the lower cabinets and leave the uppers white. It’s modern and fresh, and slightly unexpected without making a full commitment. (It’s like trying your part on the other side of your head before diving in for a full cut-and-color makeover).

Another way to play with the color on your cabinets if you prefer not to change the cabinets directly is to update the hardware. There’s a whole world of unique cabinet pulls, from colored enamel to painted ceramic to lucite and even glass. Use black (if you want to really add contrast) or pick an accent color that you want to use throughout your kitchen.

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Lonny

Use Colorful Appliances to Break up All-White Kitchens

If you want to make a statement and break up your all-white kitchen (possibly for good or for at least the lifetime of your appliances), look at your appliances for inspiration. Nowadays, colorful appliances range from ranges to handheld mixers – and everything in between.

If you don’t want to replace a kitchen’s worth of appliances just yet, dip your toe in by selecting a bright toaster, blender, or coffee maker.

You may like: Be Daring and Try These Colorful Kitchen Appliances

Town & Country Living

Try a Peel and Stick Backsplash

Peel and stick tile is a great way to change up the look and feel of your all-white kitchen. You can do it without having to deal with the mess of retiling. It’s a low commitment (in both cost and time) option and makes a big impact!

With all the different styles and colors available, you can find something to coordinate with your kitchen’s accent color. (You could even use terrazzo tile and have a few color options!) And, if you decide you want to change the color accent of your room, just peel off the tile and add a new flavor.

You may also like: Luxury Kitchen Designs: Inspiration for Backsplashes and Ceilings

Wayfair

Think About the Light Sources in Your All-White Kitchen

You don’t have to go with the traditional globe-style hanging pendant lighting over your all-white kitchen’s breakfast bar. Instead, hang pendants that are unexpected shapes or colors. This will add texture, playfulness, and interest.

Another light source comes from your windows. Like cabinetry in all-white kitchens, I’m sure your window trim is white. Why not paint your window trim black (or install black if you’re getting new windows) to anchor the space and bring a focal point to the window?

You may also like: Bold, Beautiful Black Windows

Tabulous Design

Add Colorful Accessories

This is a no-brainer way to break up all-white kitchens. Although, I’d encourage you to think beyond towels and your KitchenAid.

Paint the inside of your cabinets or your ceiling a coordinating color. Find bar stools that have been upholstered in your accent color. You could also paint the legs of your tables and chairs for a pop of color in a place you wouldn’t expect. As a bonus, that draws the eye down and moves your attention around the room (we’re so used to pulling the eye up, this is a nice twist).

Houzz

You may also like: How to Accessorize a Kitchen Counter

All-white kitchens will never go out of style. However, sometimes you want to add touches of color to break up the monochromatic look and rejuvenate your room. These suggestions run the gamut: some you’ll have for a while (like the appliances) and others can be changed frequently (like paint and temporary backsplashes). It’s up to you to decide how often you want to change your look and how much of a change you want when you break up your all-white kitchen.