Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Home
  3. Home Decor Ideas
  4. All-Time Favorite White Kitchens

All-Time Favorite White Kitchens

October 09, 2009
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The term classic white kitchen is a cliché for a reason. White kitchens repeatedly stand the test of time. Sticking with a neutral backdrop (white cabinets, white kitchen cabinets, and a white backsplash) in the kitchen creates an easy setting for you to work in splashes of color when you are looking for a spicy alternative to a clean white look. To realize the versatility of white, you need to realize the powerful range of the color white. Selecting a bright white with shaker style white kitchen cabinets and white subway tile is the perfect look for a modern cottage. However if you are living in a more rustic home, like a cabin, you can choose creamier white kitchen cabinets paired with a light limestone counters and white shiplap walls for a different alternative to the all white kitchen that will never go out of style.
Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Welcoming Coastal Kitchen

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

The designer wanted guests to feel like they could just walk in and hang out in this space. All of the living areas connect, so to avoid cluttering the open floor plan with too many cabinets, almost everything—from flatware to everyday dishes—is well organized and stowed away in drawers. This also makes it easy for guests of all agest to access kitchen essentials.

Glass pendant lights over the bar mimic candles resting in huricane holders, an element typically found on outdoor dining tables.

The woven plastic seats and backs on the barstools by Serena & Lily hold up well against wet bathing suits.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Small Modern White Kitchen

Credit: Alexandra Rowley

White makes this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinets are painted the same crisp white (Pure White (SW7005) by Sherwin-Williams) that coats as the wall and vaulted ceiling. A ceramic subway-tile backsplash and sleek marble countertops complete the monochromatic look. Greenery adds a splash of color around the sink. Easy-to-access open shelving holds everyday basics, cookbooks, and decorative platters and pitchers; Shaker-style lower cabinets store pots and pans. Chrome knobs and appliances complete the clean, modern look in the kitchen.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Bright White and Airy Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

This Washington D.C. kitchen was renovated with hosting events in mind. An island serves as a buffet when entertaining, and the bold color of the base cabinets (Blue Lagoon; omegacabinetry.com) and warm walnut top make it the focal point of the room. The homeowner was drawn to the idea of a white kitchen, claiming "If you can see the dirt, you know it's time to clean it!"

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Glamorized White Kitchen

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This sleek, all-white space is spiced up with brass accents and vintage pieces.

4 of 26

5 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

A Burst of Citrus

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

To help liven up the classic white walls and cabinetry (painted Benjamin Moore's Ballet White), designer Melissa Haynes carefully chose a palette of green and orange accents. Mixing metals, such as brass hardware with stainless steel, provided the ideal finishing touch to modernize the look.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Lighten Up Kitchen Update

Credit: Photo: Erica George Dines

Designer Suzanne Kasler rescues a dark and dated Atlanta kitchen with a timeless white palette and her signature inviting style. The walls, trim, cabinetry, and ceiling are all painted Benjamin Moore's Linen White in the same eggshell finish. Meanwhile, hammered metal pendant lights and newly refinished wood floors are a nice counterpoint to the mainly white space.

  • See more of the Lighten Up Kitchen Update

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Calm & Current Natural Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Two shades of white, Benjamin Moore's Winter White and Gray Owl, combine to wrap this kitchen in a soothing vibe.

See more of this Calm & Current Natural Kitchen

7 of 26

8 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Nature-Inspired White Kitchen

The kitchen and breakfast nook are open to the family room, so the spaces are united with a nature-inspired color palette. The dark finishes of the floors and the island’s wood top add warmth to the creamy white kitchen. A pair of antique wooden chandeliers over the island complete the look and lend a sense of age to the brand-new house. Woven rush stools, an inexpensive catalog find, provide casual seating at the island.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Family-Friendly Kitchen Update

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

The entire stove niche is tiled with white ceramic subway tile for a clean look that blends seamlessly with the creamy walls (painted Intense White by Benjamin Moore). A single long, white shelf replaces open cabinetry and keeps dishes right at hand.

  • See more of this Family-Friendly Remodel

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Outdoor White Kitchen

White is right for kitchens indoors and out. This rooftop kitchen provides everything needed for an evening cookout―including a dishwasher. The beautiful white scape compliments the coastal background.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Elegant White Kitchen

Credit: Photography: Laurey W. Glenn, Ralph Anderson / Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery

Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with graceful glass lanterns and cushy swivel-seat barstools. On the walls, vertical stripes painted in two subtle shades of blue create a soothing atmosphere. The home owner alternated one paint color with stripes of the same color tinted half formula. (Tip: Any paint retailer can mix this for you.) Many of the kitchen's features have the feel of a comfortable living room: a mantel-style range hood, which displays pewter candlesticks; decorative columns throughout; and cozy upholstered barstools with nailhead trim. The African iroko wood top on the island complements the hardwood floor and is a stunning contrast to the white cabinets.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Open White Kitchen

The thought of open shelves in a kitchen can send a chill down the spine of even the most organized homeowner. But here’s the dish: The secret lies in the mix. It is easy to handle open display when you have enough closed space to hide the not-so-pretty items. The key is to know how much openness you can handle before it gets messy! And you don’t have to be type A to get this A-plus look. Once you are happy with your look you don't have to change it.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Nautical White Kitchen

Clean white floors complement the cabinetry and island. A minimal number of upper cabinets keeps the space open. In their place, cantilevered antique chestnut shelves, reminiscent of a ship’s deck, add an organic touch. The shelves display plain white dishware against a wall of deep royal blue tile. Nothing says nautical like blue and white! The stainless steel appliances and large hanging light fixtures over the island call to mind metal boat fittings.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Clean White Kitchen

Credit: Photo: William Waldron

Virginia slate countertops and a custom sink contrast with the clean white cabinets, shelves and backsplash. The color hides stains that would show on a white sink

14 of 26

15 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Bright White Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Prior to renovation, the kitchen in this Alabama rancher was dark, dingy and cramped. By tearing down a few walls, the kitchen was opened up to the breakfast room and family room, making the space seem larger and creating a better flow for the area. A window was removed over the sink so cabinets could be added to help make up for cabinetry lost by taking out the walls. The family chose a warm white paint for the walls, cabinetry, and trim. A pop of color was added with the barstool slipcovers, making the room look bright and airy.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Antique White Kitchen

Credit: Photography by Laurey W. Glenn,

The historic charm of a reclaimed antique marble island and cabinets add an elegant patina to this Nashville kitchen. “The first time we saw our kitchen, we were blown away by the space’s design and custom work!” says homeowner Kelly Herron. The interior designer designed a workable and user-friendly kitchen that flows seamlessly with the rest of the home by using a U-shaped layout centered around a large island. To expand the room visually, all appliances and storage areas are hidden behind handsome cream cabinetry. Determined to use every inch, he placed a recessed china cabinet in a wall underneath the staircase.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Farmhouse White Kitchen

This kitchen has the traditional lines and white cabinetry typical of the Carpenter Gothic-farmhouse style. The theme carries over to the rich heart-pine floors salvaged from a dilapidated cotton warehouse. Touches of creative color came in the form of a surprisingly subtle apple green. Because the cabinetry covers most of the wall surface, the green acts more like a background and does not take over the room as you might expect.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Small White Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Annie Schlechter

All white walls, cabinets, and countertops in the design make this space seem bigger. To keep the room from feeling too flat, the homeowner added color and texture with accessories such as curtains and a jute rug. She reinforced the vintage look of the house with a new tongue-and-groove wood-plank ceiling and a trio of oversize globe lights, which were splurge items.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Detailed White Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Erica George Dines

The inset cabinets and bin pulls add to the old-house aesthetic of the room. The homeowners decided to splurge on details in the kitchen because they knew that they would spend most of their time in that area.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Style and Sensibility

Credit: Charles Walton IV, Ralph Anderson

This small, 1930s kitchen returns to its retro roots without sacrificing modern space and functionality. The center island replaces enough counterspace to fit a clothes washer and dryer in the room. Details like the farmhouse sink and green glass tile add throwback style.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

White and Gray

Credit: Photo by: Helen Norman, Styling by: Rebecca Omweg

Custom cabinetry in light gray accommodates this couple’s collections of cookware and serving pieces with a combination of fronted cabinets and a nook of open shelving. Calacata gold marble countertops were a must-have, and the La Cornue range was love at first sight. They had the refrigerator custom paneled in chalkboard—clever and hardworking!

The cabinetry color (gray with a slight brown wash) reads differently as the light changes throughout the day, ranging from light gray to green to sky blue.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Reflective Kitchen Ceilings

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Benjamin Moore's Galapagos Green in high-gloss oil coats the kitchen ceiling and reflects the water view just outside.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Charming Farmhouse Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Typically used for barn roofing, the kitchen's corrugated material adds authentic farmhouse charm for only about $15 per sheet.

See more of this Cottage Style Home

23 of 26

24 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cottage White Kitchen

Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn

With its fresh appeal and creative use of great finds, this kitchen makes a perfect spot to linger over the morning paper and a cup of coffee. The room’s artful combination of blue and white painted cabinetry and coordinating porcelain accents seems to come together naturally. Here, a pastel shade of blue was used for the walls and a cornflower blue for the island. For a jolt of lively color, a distressed faux-finish was applied to the island. A copper countertop gives the workspace even more character.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Chef's White Kitchen

A kitchen that’s not rich on color doesn’t have to be poor on style. High-gloss white porch paint brightens what could have been a standard wood floor. A mint green, glass tile backsplash brings in a pop of color; green glass handles give the white cabinets and drawers a distinguishing detail. Stainless steel countertops are super easy for a chef to keep clean. Plus, the shiny metal is a savvy contrast to the softer touches in the space, such as the striped sink skirt; the flower print, fabric-covered baskets; and a traditionally framed painting near the island.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Contemporary White Kitchen

The Shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and no ornamentation―are great for contemporary decor. The timeless design is another plus. If the homeowners ever want a new look, the cabinets can adapt to a number of styles. Here, stainless appliances and hardware add industrial flair, as do steel tube legs on the island.

Ceramic tile that looks like terra-cotta grounds the light space with warm color. It looks like the real thing but is easier to maintain. The Silestone counters in Amarillo Sand also add rich color.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Welcoming Coastal Kitchen
2 of 26 Small Modern White Kitchen
3 of 26 Bright White and Airy Kitchen
4 of 26 Glamorized White Kitchen
5 of 26 A Burst of Citrus
6 of 26 Lighten Up Kitchen Update
7 of 26 Calm & Current Natural Kitchen
8 of 26 Nature-Inspired White Kitchen
9 of 26 Family-Friendly Kitchen Update
10 of 26 Outdoor White Kitchen
11 of 26 Elegant White Kitchen
12 of 26 Open White Kitchen
13 of 26 Nautical White Kitchen
14 of 26 Clean White Kitchen
15 of 26 Bright White Kitchen
16 of 26 Antique White Kitchen
17 of 26 Farmhouse White Kitchen
18 of 26 Small White Kitchen
19 of 26 Detailed White Kitchen
20 of 26 Style and Sensibility
21 of 26 White and Gray
22 of 26 Reflective Kitchen Ceilings
23 of 26 Charming Farmhouse Kitchen
24 of 26 Cottage White Kitchen
25 of 26 Chef's White Kitchen
26 of 26 Contemporary White Kitchen

Share options

Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Login

Southern Living

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Southern Living
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

View image

All-Time Favorite White Kitchens
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.