If you’ve been paying attention to the world of design recently you’ll know that painted cabinetry is the latest trend in kitchen design. It seemed like white kitchens would never go out of style but every trend in design has a lifespan of about 10 years. In fact, white kitchens have been popular for much longer so it’s natural that they’re taking a back seat at the moment.

If you have a white kitchen don’t worry. They’ll never be completely out of style. They’re classic and will always look great. If you love for your home to be on trend there are some ways you can update your white kitchen without having to renovate.

6 EASY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WHITE KITCHEN

1/ Replace Your Backsplash Tile

This is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make in your kitchen. You can give new life to an outdated kitchen. You can also add or even alter the personality of your space through this one little change.

When I’m selecting a backsplash tile I always consider my clients and their preferences. If they have a favourite colour that will work with the overall design, I try to integrate that colour. This allows the space to represent them and make the kitchen a place that feels like home.

If your favourite colour is too bold for a backsplash consider taking cues from the furnishings or artwork in a nearby area. This creates repetition in the design which is an important design practice for a polished home.

2/ Replace Your Countertops

This recommendation will cost more money than replacing a backsplash but much less than a full renovation. White cabinetry can work with so many colours and patterns so the countertop choice boils down to personal preference.

We’re a few years into our love affair with quartz but it’s still going strong with no signs of stopping. If you want to go bold there are deep, saturated colours like brown, blue or green that will give your kitchen a brand new look.

If you prefer something more classic I’d suggest one of the amazing marble look-alikes available in quartz. This gives you the best of both worlds because you get the durability of quartz with the timeless beauty of marble.

If the veining of marble is too strong and you’re not ready to commit to a whole kitchen, try splitting up your selections. For my clients that are unsure I like to leave the perimeter countertops in a solid quartz and add a bold pattern on the island. This gives you the modern look of today but won’t leave you with a dated kitchen when this inevitably gives way to the next big countertop material.

Don’t expect instant results from this design update though. In Cranbrook the timeline from ordering to installation runs between 4-6 weeks. And if you’re curious to know whether your countertops need to be replaced, read this post.

3/ Use Wood to Warm Up the White

If you’re staying up to date with design trends you already know that white oak is currently the wood of choice. Incorporating either this or a beautiful, warm walnut will update any white kitchen.

A simple way is to install some shelving into your kitchen. This will add that warmth from the wood but will also give you an area to display some personal items and that always creates warmth. If you love the colour trend that’s happening, use this space to add in bowls and artwork in your favourite colours. You’ll instantly be on trend.

If you’re ready for a bigger commitment consider either installing or refacing your current island. The photo above is from a previous project where we installed white cabinetry on the perimeter but opted for a gorgeous walnut island. You can see how well these materials work together. There’s no doubt that the walnut warms up this entire space but also looks perfectly at home amongst the white.

If you’re really not ready to do anything big, you can bring in warm wood through furniture. I recommend just adding wood stools to the island or chairs to the kitchen eating area. 

4/ Change Cabinetry Hardware & Faucets

Maybe you didn’t realize how impactful a faucet can be in your kitchen. While I still think that chrome is a classic and my personal go-to for most client projects, there are times when a gold faucet can make a big impression. If you like an oversized faucet with a lot of detail it will catch your eye and create a modern element in your white kitchen.

Cabinetry hardware has an even bigger impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen. If you’re not ready to update your kitchen a great option is to splurge on cabinet hardware that will grab attention. The volume of knobs and pulls required means that you’ll get a big impact from just updating this one detail. The overall impression they make is significant when you view them all together.

Although most of the homes in Cranbrook can be categorized as transitional there has been a movement lately towards incorporating more modern design. I’ve created a roundup of selections for you that can work with whichever style you prefer.

5/ Update Just Some of the Cabinetry

So what if your white cabinetry just isn’t making you happy anymore? It’s not necessary to replace the entire kitchen if you’re not ready yet. If your cabinets are still in good shape, you can consider having the lower cabinets or island sprayed in your favourite colour. This will give you the look of a brand new kitchen and give you years of life before your next renovation.

You can also have glass fronted cabinets repainted so that you add colour through the frame. Black is a great accent if you’re just doing a couple of doors.

6/ Paint & Decor

Everyone’s favourite decorating tip is to paint and that’s exactly what you can do if you want to update your white kitchen. Paint the walls in a deep colour to change the feeling of the space. When you take away the neutral colour on the wall you’ll get a feeling of a brand new kitchen.

Decor also can’t be overlooked when it comes to the kitchen. There’s so much countertop space and it’s the perfect place to add some eye-catching items. 

Add small countertop accessories in deep colours or wood to add warmth. Think of a kettle, fruit bowls and even add in a few decorative cutting boards.

Another easy way to add colour is to incorporate a colourful runner in the workspace. This does double duty by easing the stress on your back when you’re at work in your kitchen. If your family isn’t going to put it through the ringer, consider adding a colourful rug under the kitchen table.

I know people don’t often think of art in the kitchen but why not? Add bold artwork for colour. If you want to update and add a more modern feel to the space, look for geometric designs. If you’re worried about staining a canvas just purchase artwork or photography and have it framed. It can be part of your regular cleaning routine to just give it a spray and wipe it down.

Lastly, add window coverings. I love to bring blinds into a kitchen and there are lots of great fabrics we can select from that will bring some pattern and colour into the space. If you want to find out more about blinds, read this post.

If you still love your white kitchen then don’t feel the need to do anything. A white kitchen is never wrong and I still love recommending white to clients. I never let trends interfere with good design and neither should you.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and would like to discuss how I can help, reach out. I’d love to speak to you. 

Warm regards,

Adrienne