Pages

June 21, 2010

Transitional White Kitchens



I've had several clients recently who are interested in traditional white kitchens with a modern edge.  White kitchens are classic.  If you keep it simple you can create a timeless look with modern touches that will demand attention.  For example, the above kitchen uses a pop of orange, stainless floating shelves, and retro pendant lights.  Yet behind all that is your basic traditional white kitchen with subway tile and wood floors (and a beautiful gray island!) that would blend into any type of home from Colonial to Victorian to Cape Cod.

Below, the modern hardware, simple lines, glass accent tile, and gray undertones keep this white kitchen elegantly modern.


And this boring white kitchen becomes fun with the addition of eye-catching light fixtures, turquoise accents, and modern chairs.


Yet again, simple lines, gray tones, and retro fixtures define this basic white kitchen.

Or, you can make a modern statement in stainless with a bold range hood and floating shelves.

Again, see how color and furniture add drama to this white kitchen.

The Saarinen Tulip Table looks great in this white kitchen.  And check out that hood!
Peter Pennoyer via coco cozy

I really think white kitchens are the safest bet if you're looking for something that won't go out of style.  Woods go through phases. (We all remember when honey oak was all the rage, then maple, then cherry, now horizontal-grain veneers... what next?)  But white kitchens, if done right, can withstand the test of time.  Some new accessories, hardware, light fixtures, or seating, and you can completely transform the look of a white kitchen!




5 comments:

  1. I completely agree about the white being timeless...I think these are safe but also very elegant and gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Perfect, absolutely perfect. I love clean white kitchens--wish mine was that way :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the last shot with the stairs running alongside the kicthen!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the white kitchens, but is it practical with kids? I guess certain materials would be more kid-friendly than others?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the comments! Tanya, I think it can be practical as long as you use good durable finishes (and get a touch-up kit from the cabinet manufacturer). I'd also probably avoid making everything white (especially the floors). Horizontal surfaces are going to collect more dirt and crumbs, so probably safer to use mid-tone colors (or patterns that hide) on the floors and countertops if you have kids (or dogs in my case).

    ReplyDelete