It's hard to remember a time when white kitchens weren't the most popular design trend. But slowly but surely, people are moving away from this clean aesthetic and transforming the heart of their homes into colorful retreats. Plain white walls and cabinets are being replaced with patterned wallpaper, earthy-toned backsplashes, vintage-inspired floor tiles, and personal décor pieces. While not everyone has the budget or the wherewithal to completely remodel their kitchen, there are plenty of ways to refresh your kitchen and bring color back into your space without a full-on renovation.
Why all-white kitchens are becoming outdated
White is a neutral color that will never completely disappear from the design space, but gone are the days when kitchen walls and cabinets were all white. “Any design trend, no matter how beloved, can become overexposed,” says Kelly Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former national president of the American Society of Interior Designers. “The ubiquity of the white kitchen has diminished its uniqueness, creating a natural push toward incorporating a broader range of colors.”
The move away from all-white kitchens makes sense, considering recent trends like Clustercore and Coastal Grande that are all about bringing personality and color back into the home. “Instead of the traditional white kitchen, people are gravitating toward warm neutrals, wood grains, muted tones and even bolder colors,” Kelly says. “This allows for a more dynamic, expressive kitchen environment.”
If you're looking to inject some color into your all-white kitchen, try these interior designer-approved ideas.
Choose a colorful seat
Your furniture can play a big role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen. “Upgrade your kitchen stools and chairs with colorful cushions or upholstered furniture,” says Kelly. “This is an easy way to add a burst of color and personality, which can instantly change the feel of your kitchen.”
Accessorize with vibrant accents
Daniel Hennessy
Even if your cabinets and large appliances are white, you can still bring a playful splash of color into your kitchen with décor. In this space, bright red stove knobs, yellow pendant lights, and wooden shelves lined with beautiful crockery brighten up the white backsplash.
Refresh your floors
Natalia Robert
While a complete renovation might not be possible, simply changing your flooring can make the room seem more complete. If you're not ready to commit to something more permanent, you can also buy peel-and-stick floor tiles. “If you want some color in your kitchen but don't want a complete overhaul, a small touch-up to your floors might be all you need,” says interior designer Michelle Gage, founder and creative director of Michelle Gage Interior Design. “Use color throughout your floors for a big or small impact.”
Paint the cabinets
Rebecca McAlpin
If your cabinets are structurally sound, you don't need to replace them just for the sake of a color change. In this pastel wonderland, Gage made her kitchen sparkle with a little paint and effort. “The cabinets were in good condition and the layout didn't really need much changing, so I thought it would be good practice for painting,” she says.
Grow your herb garden
Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
Plants are an essential yet often overlooked part of home décor. “Bring the outdoors inside by starting a mini herb garden on your kitchen windowsill,” says Kelly. “Not only will greenery add a fresh feel, it will also bring a natural, vibrant element of color into the room.”
Update your backsplash
Brian Wetzel
A colorful backsplash can completely transform your kitchen, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. “Consider adding a peel-and-stick backsplash in a vibrant color or pattern,” says Kelly. “It's a quick, cost-effective solution that will revitalize your kitchen, providing a stylish backdrop without the need for a major renovation.”
Incorporate statement lighting
Lindsay King Photo
Lighting can completely transform the atmosphere of a kitchen, especially when you add some drama. “Upgrade your lighting fixtures to colorful pendants or striking chandeliers,” Kelly says. “Not only will these fixtures brighten up the space, they can also act as eye-catching focal points, instantly elevating your overall design without the need for a major remodel.”
Choose colorful small appliances
One of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to bring color into your kitchen is to choose colorful small kitchen appliances. “Consider appliances in vibrant hues to inject energy into the space,” says Kelly. “Whether it's a sleek colored blender or a striking coffee maker, these appliances can become functional pieces of art and are an easy way to add color to your kitchen without the need for a major renovation.”
