58 White Kitchens That Are Anything But Vanilla

Bright, cheery and timeless, white remains the kitchen color of choice. And, it's easy to see why with this collection of traditional, modern, cottage and contemporary white kitchens that go way beyond boring.

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By: H. Camille Smith

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Have Fun With Furniture

Furniture is a great way to inject a little color into an otherwise all-white kitchen. For her own kitchen, designer and homeowner Bailey McCarthy chose 1950s diner-style barstools upholstered with bright blue vinyl to add just the right amount of pop. Take a tour of her colorful home.

From: HGTV Magazine

Mix In Metallics

What better way to complement an enviable wall of windows than a simple trio of sculptural pendant lights? The subtle bronze found in the light fixtures is carefully carried out to perfection throughout the space, allowing the matte black double sink and pull-down faucet to be the star of the show.

Just a Twist of Citrus

A trio of pendants, clad in kicky orange silk, brighten up this kitchen's 10-foot-long marble-topped island. More pops of orange come courtesy of dishware displayed in the glass-front cabinets and a playful Osborne & Little Roman shade in the adjacent breakfast nook. Learn more about this cheery chef's kitchen.

From: HGTV Magazine

Don't Be Afraid to Go Glam

While often associated with farmhouse chic, white kitchens are so much more versatile than that. Take this stunning vignette for example. A white base serves as a refreshing blank slate for glamorous accessories like a sparkling brass faucet and unbelievably gorgeous undermount sink.

Cottage + Contemporary = Lots of Charm

Designer Sarah Richardson gives this compact, open-concept kitchen a cheery feeling with pops of turquoise on the upper cabinets and island. White quartz countertops clad the island waterfall-style to modernize the look while a diamond-patterned Carrara marble backsplash adds timeless style.

From: Sarah Richardson

Mix and Match With Ease

This ultra-relaxed kitchen vibe is courtesy of white shaker cabinets, simple wood accessories and a seamless farmhouse sink that would make washing dishes feel like a luxury. With colorful moments brought in through the dark blue trim and vases filled with fresh flowers, the versatility of this space is ideal for those who like to keep things fresh.

Tile-Riffic Accent Wall

Hand-poured cement tiles cover the back wall of this cheery open-concept cook space, that was featured in HGTV Magazine. At around $35/square foot, covering an entire wall with the durable, handmade tiles can be a bit pricey. To get a similar look for less, opt for a large-scale graphic wallpaper.

From: HGTV Magazine

Freshen Up With Fabric

Graphic tile isn't the only way to add color and pattern; fabric is a budget-friendly solution that can be easily switched out to update your kitchen's look on the fly. Here, a custom, arched Roman shade adds privacy and light control to this chef's kitchen.

Counting on Contrasts

Custom features like handblown spherical glass pendants and a rough-hewn rosewood table act as counterpoint to this sleek kitchen's otherwise Modern aesthetic. The colors are also in high contrast with white base cabinets and countertop paired with dark European-inspired melamine uppers. Learn more about this kitchen featured in HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

A Tropical Island

While the saturated turquoise shade that homeowner Michelle Bader chose for her kitchen island may be a little too intense for some, it's pitch-perfect in her open-concept cook space. Painting just your kitchen island in a bright color is a great trick for adding interest to an all-white kitchen — and it's easy to repaint if your design tastes change. Tour the rest of Michelle's colorful home.

From: HGTV Magazine

White: Historically On-Trend

White's dominance as the preferred kitchen color is nothing new, as this 1930s Magic Chef stove can attest. Not just a trending color for kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplashes, white appliances are also surging in popularity with homeowners wishing to add a vintage vibe via throwback appliance brands like Smeg and Big Chill. See more of this home, that was feature in HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

Pop In Some Color

If your existing white kitchen just needs a little pick-me-up, take a cue from designer Katie Ridder and turn to budget-friendly paint for the fix. She painted just the mullions, but not the window frame, in a cheery apple green then put a few matching pieces of green dishware on display in the glass-front cabinets. Get 9 more budget-savvy kitchen update ideas.

Ground It With Gray

To break up the banks of white cabinetry in their remodeled kitchen, the Boettiger family painted the base cabinets a steely gray: Cityscape by Sherwin Williams. Switching up the cabinet colors gives even the most traditional kitchen a more contemporary look. If painting all the base cabinets feels overwhelming, start with just the island; you can always paint the remaining cabinets later if you like the look. Get more of the Boettiger's tips for remodeling your kitchen.

From: HGTV Magazine

Vintage Meets Modern

A white kitchen doesn't have to be all white. Here, designer Andrea Schumacher swapped upper cabinets for just two small shelves so the fanciful floral wallpaper is the star. For contrast, she chose an emerald green tone from the wallpaper to paint the kitchen's island.

From: Andrea Schumacher

Family-Friendly Hangout

The kitchen is much more than just a place to prep food, it's the hub of family activity and a place where memories are made. This charming kitchen featured in HGTV Magazine proves that a bright, white color scheme and the right layout can make even a small kitchen feel more spacious. Browse photos and learn more about this small-but-mighty kitchen.

From: HGTV Magazine

Vern's Happy Family Hub

Orange accents, in the curtains and accessories, add a spicy kick to the otherwise gray and white kitchen in Vern's family getaway. By sticking with just one saturated shade as an accent, Vern added a lot of interest to the small, open-concept kitchen without making the space feel too busy or crowded.

Candice's Take on a White Kitchen

Known for her super luxe, traditional spaces, design diva Candice Olson focused on function as well as form when designing this long galley-style kitchen for a busy family of four. She chose white wall cabinets to keep the space bright but decided on a dark stain for the island to break things up. Gray, gold and black linoleum floor tiles add a playful touch and echo the colors found in the glass tile backsplash.

Small but Mighty

Dark gray stone floors ground this white open-concept kitchen that gets a happy pop of color via sunny yellow draperies and accessories. Design by Sarah Richardson.

From: Sarah Richardson

Pinterest Has Spoken: Your Fave White Kitchen

By far, the most popular kitchen on our Pinterest board, this cottage-style charmer has HGTV fans dreaming of installing a farmhouse sink, Calacatta marble countertops and traditional white cabinets in their own kitchens.

From: Mary Jo Fiorella

Rustic + Industrial

Another Pinterest fan fave, this charming kitchen by Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines blends her signature rustic, farmhouse style with industrial accents in the pendant lighting and Tolix barstools. See more of this once-derelict home's transformation, featured in HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

Small Space With Big Design Ideas

The black-and-white handmade tile backsplash in this small kitchen makes a big design statement. Rather than sticking with a smaller pattern, homeowners Kim Cornelison and Alfie Ferreyra went bold and chose the large-scale graphic that resembles wallpaper but the cement tiles provide a slick surface that wipes clean. Browse more pics of this kitchen that was featured in HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

Sarah's Kid-Friendly Kitchen

Even with two young daughters who love to bake, designer Sarah Richardson chose white for her own kitchen. The doors are louvered, which adds to the space's cottage feel, but can make them tougher to keep clean. The key is to choose an oil-based paint for the most durable finish.

From: HGTV Magazine

Beachy Chic

With a mosaic backsplash that's reminiscent of fish scales and cheery splashes of turquoise throughout, it will come as no surprise that this kitchen is at the coast. The watery palette was inspired by unobstructed views of the Gulf visible from the adjacent family room. Although this home is used as a rental, the owners spared no expense when choosing finishes like quartz countertops complemented by a black walnut prep area at the far end of the kitchen's massive island.

Old Meets New

This Charleston, SC kitchen is big on historic charm but the space's unique dimensions (the 150+ year old original plaster ceiling is over 16 feet high) and the owner's desire to preserve the home's original architecture made fitting a modern kitchen with all the amenities into an 1851 townhouse difficult for designer Brian Reiss. The homeowner frequently entertains large groups and needed plenty of storage but the kitchen's layout allowed for only one wall of cabinets so Brian's solution was to create custom cabinets that stretch nearly to the ceiling. Framed, Shaker-style doors and bronze fixtures marry the white cabinets to the home's traditional style.

From: Bryan Reiss

Clever Small Kitchen

You can never have too much storage space — especially in the kitchen. While it's true that white makes a small kitchen appear larger, cleverly working in storage wherever possible — like this shallow undercabinet shelf will make the most of the space you have.

Salvaged Style

An island clad in reclaimed barn wood boards adds an interesting twist to this otherwise sleek kitchen. Designer Sarah Richardson chose the weathered boards for their texture and variations in color then had them installed in a herringbone pattern that coordinates with the same pattern in the tile backsplash.

From: HGTV Magazine

Candy Colored Kitchen

Saturated shades were definitely on the menu when homeowners Amy and Michael Cohen decided to completely revamp their 1920s-era kitchen. A green slate floor grounds the open space while primary colors in the kitchen's island and accessories add a playful pop. Another fun touch is the art installation — what looks like mosaic tile is actually thousands of colorful plastic bread-bag tabs suspended in Plexiglass. See more of this happy hued home that was featured in HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

Blast From the Past

Designer Regina Bilotta delivered on this family's wish for a spacious, modern kitchen with a fun '50s flair. She started with the refurbished Chambers stove then incorporated other vintage touches, like the floor that was custom painted to resemble harlequin-style floor tiles then distressed for an aged look.

From: Regina Bilotta

Fun Focal Point

To ensure the vintage apple green stove remains the kitchen's focal point, designer Regina Bilotta ditched the original plan of dark, stained kitchen cabinets, deciding to paint them a bright white instead.

From: Regina Bilotta

Marble: The New "It" Stone

Elegant and timeless, marble kitchen countertops and backsplashes have been growing in popularity over the past few years. Unlike darker stone choices — like granite, slate or soapstone — creamy Carrara or Calacatta marble, used here, help to bounce the light around, making a white kitchen feel even brighter and more airy.

A Star Designer's Real-Life Kitchen

Although Linda Woodrum may not quite be a household name, you're probably familiar with her work: Linda is the genius designer behind our HGTV Dream Homes. From coastal hideaways to mountain-top lodges, she's designed them all. Ever wondered what choices a real-life design star makes when creating their own kitchen? Well, wonder no more — check out Linda's all-white kitchen and get her tips.

From: HGTV Magazine

Subdued Sophistication

As fans of her shows can attest, Sarah Richardson's style may shift from season to season but one thing stays the same: her unerring ability to create classic, timeless spaces. This kitchen is a prime example, Sarah typically chooses bold, bright colors and fabrics with lots of pattern but she kept it simple in this space that pairs traditional white cabinets with a soft gray island and neutral fabrics.

From: Sarah Richardson

Vintage Vibe

This newly built beach house gets a dose of cottage charm with a pale palette and vintage finds — like antique milk glass ceiling fixtures and vases — used throughout. Design by Joel Snayd.

Black + White = Classic Contrast

Designer Susan Anthony chose a black tile backsplash, installed in a timeless herringbone pattern, to contrast beautifully with this kitchen's white cabinets. Black and white really are a no-fail combo; mix in a bright color using accessories, like Susan did here with the lime green tray.

Clean and Simple

A white-on-white palette is just right for this open-concept kitchen. Designer Lauren Muse chose to apply clear glass tile over white mortar and creamy Carrara marble countertops for a chic, monochromatic look.

From: Lauren Muse

Coastal Color Cues

White wall and base cabinets create a bright background to this beachy kitchen's eye-catching island. The watery color palette was inspired by the home's location — near the beach in Jacksonville, Fla.

Customized Cabinets

Designer Sarah Richardson is always one to think outside the box. Here, rather than leave the doors on all the cabinets, she removed just one set so her vintage white dishware is within easy reach.

Create Contrast

Custom navy display cases frame out the entrance to this Old-World-inspired kitchen by Candelaria Design. Painting the woodwork in this dark hue, rather than standard high-gloss white, draws attention to the cases themselves and makes the white kitchen beyond feel even brighter by comparison.

Cozy Cottage Style

If you're worried that a white kitchen can't feel cozy then this stunner, inspired by an English cottage kitchen, is here to prove that they can. Designer Jane Ellison mixed high-end materials like African bubinga wood with eco-friendly cork flooring and simple Shaker-style cabinets to create this kitchen's right-at-home feel.

From: Jane Ellison

Mix It Up

To give a kitchen with stock cabinets a custom look, designer Sarah Richardson mixed together three different types of cabinets: glass front, painted and sleek white. The green base cabinets brighten up the kitchen and keep the space from looking too monochromatic. See more of Sarah's kitchen design recipes.

From: HGTV Magazine

Storage on Display

Professional caterer Peter Callahan certainly knows a trick or two about keeping a kitchen organized. When remodeling the kitchen in his 1920s home, he combined salvaged elements, like these shelves found at a junk store for around $300, with new pieces like the black IKEA island. See more of Peter's pro-grade home kitchen.

From: HGTV Magazine

Room With A View

The designers at Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Ltd. chose to open up this sunny kitchen to the neighboring living areas with a long open pass-through instead of hanging upper cabinets which would have closed in the space.

Transitional Open Plan Kitchen With Gray Island

An island with a soft gray base helps ground the light airiness of this open plan kitchen that includes bright white cabinets, a white tile backsplash and glass pendants. Upholstered barstools make hanging out even more welcoming.

From: Hackett Interiors

Big City Digs

This galley-style NYC apartment kitchen proves that white cabinets can help even a tight space feel larger. Glass-front cabinets showcase favorite dishes and reflect light from the large window while an antique Persian rug provides style underfoot and a pop of pattern and color.

From: Design Development

Sarah's Cottage Charmer

In keeping with the home's original 1885 farmhouse style, designer Sarah Richardson chose new kitchen elements — like cabinets and energy-efficient appliances — that would blend well with period touches like the rustic tin pendants over the island. For added charm, she also hit salvage stores to find items like the turned newel post used to support one corner of the breakfast bar.

From: HGTV Magazine

A Pale Palette

Always one to mix styles and materials in the kitchen, designer Sarah Richardson mixed colors here as well, choosing to paint the wall and base cabinets white then making the island a focal point with cheery robin's egg blue. The ceiling, painted a lighter shade of blue, ties in the island while making the white cabinets really pop.

Victorian Meets the Modern Age

Designer Rebekah Zaveloff mixed old with new to keep this kitchen true to the home's Victorian architecture. She lined the glass-front cabinets with high-end damask wallpaper as a nod to turn-of-the-century style then added industrial-style lighting and steel stools to bring this timeless kitchen into the new millenium.

Clean and Contemporary

A gray peninsula with waterfall-style quartz countertop provides seating space for three sleek lucite stools while partially dividing the kitchen into separate prep zones.

From: Mary Jo Fiorella

Glitzy Small Kitchen

Fashion and interior design blogger Nicole Cohen combined two passions when remodeling her apartment kitchen by installing on-trend white lacquer cabinets accented by jewelry-like bronze and brass Hicks pendants over the Calacatta marble bar. A stainless steel tile backsplash adds a mirror-like effect making the bright kitchen feel even more bright and airy.

Old World Style

This Arts and Crafts style-inspired kitchen by Austin Patterson Disston Architects is luxurious to say the least. Custom features and high-end fixtures were used throughout but the kitchen's real star is the massive burled wood island that was even plumbed to include a small prep sink.

Use Color to Break Up Space

A kitchen this large allows designers to really get creative with the layout as designer Kari Arendsen has here by wrapping the walls in white cabinets then creating a huge L-shaped island to provide prep space and a spot for the family to gather for quick meals. The island's steely blue color helps to anchor the space and breaks up what otherwise would have been a lot of white cabinets.

From: Kari Arendsen

Budget-Savvy DIY

If you're a fan of the popular Young House Love blog, this cozy kitchen is already a familiar sight. If not, it's the result of four months of DIY labor by the blog's husband and wife team. Their updates include white wall shelves made from hardware store lumber and brackets and a peninsula they constructed then topped with quartz, leaving an overhang so it could also function as a breakfast bar.

From: HGTV Magazine

Rustic + Reclaimed

Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines is a genius when it comes to finding creative uses for found materials. Here, she upcycles the timeworn wood flooring from an old rail car to create a durable wood-slab countertop for this kitchen's massive island. See more photos of this charming home's transformation.

Sleek and Modern

White cabinetry and lightly toned wood finishes make this kitchen bright, while the clean, simple lines of the cabinetry and appliances and absence of cabinet hardware keep the design minimalistic and modern.

From: DKOR Interiors

Foodie-Friendly Kitchen

Pro-grade appliances and lots of high-end features, like a TV screen built into the cabinets so the homeowner can cook along with their favorite celebrity chef, make this kitchen a cook's dream.

From: Peter Salerno

Modern Farmhouse

White traditional-style cabinets are right at home in this sunny farmhouse kitchen where porcelain plank tiles were laid in a timeless herringbone pattern to create a showstopping floor that's as durable and easy to clean as it is beautiful.

From: Christopher Grubb

Glam on a Budget

Graphic designer and blogger Jen Ramos DIY-ed her way to this sleek and on-trend kitchen. She used Carrara marble tiles from a national hardware store to create a high-end backsplash on a budget.

A Twist on Traditional

Handscraped wood floors laid on the diagonal lead guests into this sprawling kitchen where designer Jamie Herzlinger combined traditional elements like X-front cabinet doors with modern touches like the minimal stainless steel range hood.

From: Jamie Herzlinger

58 White Kitchens That Are Anything But Vanilla

Related To:

Shop This Look

Have Fun With Furniture

Mix In Metallics

Just a Twist of Citrus

Don't Be Afraid to Go Glam

Cottage + Contemporary = Lots of Charm

Mix and Match With Ease

Tile-Riffic Accent Wall

Freshen Up With Fabric

Counting on Contrasts

A Tropical Island

White: Historically On-Trend

Pop In Some Color

Ground It With Gray

Vintage Meets Modern

Family-Friendly Hangout

Vern's Happy Family Hub

Candice's Take on a White Kitchen

Small but Mighty

Pinterest Has Spoken: Your Fave White Kitchen

Rustic + Industrial

Small Space With Big Design Ideas

Sarah's Kid-Friendly Kitchen

Beachy Chic

Old Meets New

Clever Small Kitchen

Salvaged Style

Candy Colored Kitchen

Blast From the Past

Fun Focal Point

Marble: The New "It" Stone

A Star Designer's Real-Life Kitchen

Subdued Sophistication

Vintage Vibe

Black + White = Classic Contrast

Clean and Simple

Coastal Color Cues

Customized Cabinets

Create Contrast

Cozy Cottage Style

Mix It Up

Storage on Display

Room With A View

Transitional Open Plan Kitchen With Gray Island

Big City Digs

Sarah's Cottage Charmer

A Pale Palette

Victorian Meets the Modern Age

Clean and Contemporary

Glitzy Small Kitchen

Old World Style

Use Color to Break Up Space

Budget-Savvy DIY

Rustic + Reclaimed

Sleek and Modern

Foodie-Friendly Kitchen

Modern Farmhouse

Glam on a Budget

A Twist on Traditional

A White Kitchen That's Anything But Vanilla

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