6 Ways to Create the Perfect White Kitchen
White kitchens are popular for good reason, but some worry it can look a bit dull or clinical. With the right approach, you can create a white kitchen that's far from boring.
We've seen our fair share of white kitchens — and we know what works. This article will walk you through planning your white kitchen renovation. We cover texture, undertones and tile choices and also show you some real examples of stunning white kitchens.
Planning your white kitchen renovation
The difference between a boring and interesting white kitchen is how you execute it. With a bit of effort, you can create a space that’s exactly how you want it. Here’s how you can play with white to make it look better in your space.
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Texture
Texture’s is a game changer in white kitchens. It makes sense — when everything’s the same colour, you need something else to catch your eye. Think about where you’ll be using white; some common areas are walls, counters, cabinets, floors and backsplash.
Some of these areas will have natural variations in texture — the backsplash is almost always tile, and the cabinets are almost always wood. For areas that don’t, such as floor and wall tiles, try mixing up the look and material. Play around with some smooth tiles here and some textured ones there. Some matte, some glossy. Maybe a Zellige tile backsplash and matte travertine tile on the floor?
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Undertone
If you’re here, you probably already know there’s more than one shade of white, and that undertone makes a lot of difference. There are three main undertones:
Cool: These whites have hints of blue, green or grey. They create a fresh look.
Warm: These whites have traces of yellow or pink. They make a space feel cosier.
Neutral: These whites are versatile and complement most decor styles.
Pick an undertone and stick with it throughout your kitchen; mixing undertones can make your space look slightly off.
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Shade
How light or dark do you want your kitchen to feel? Picking the right shade of white can change the whole vibe. There are pure whites, which are crisp and perfect if you're going for that all-white, modern look. Then there are off-whites, which are a bit softer and warmer. They're great if you want your kitchen to feel more cosy. More classic kitchen designs may look better with a creamy ivory.
The trick is to try out different whites in your actual kitchen. The same white can look different depending on the light, so swatch paints and order tile samples before you commit.
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Tiles
One easy way to make your white kitchen more interesting is through the shape of your tiles. There are many ways you could go with this, but for the sake of simplicity, we’ll share some favourites:
Subways
Kit kats
Squares
Penny rounds
Hexagons
Fish scales
Feathers
Herringbone
There’s not one tile shape that looks the best in white; this one’s really up to you. Small tiles generally have more grout lines (and large, fewer), so think about how busy or minimal you want your kitchen to look. While we’re on grout, play around with different grout colours to create different effects.
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Colour
We know we're talking about white kitchens, but it’s okay to bend the rules a little. A little bit of colour can go a long way.
Start with a white base and add colour in the form of accessories. A Smeg kettle or toaster can bring some contrast to the kitchen. And don't forget about open shelving — they’re perfect for displaying colourful dishes, trinkets or cookbooks
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Lighting
Get the lighting right, and your kitchen will look like something out of a magazine.
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to white kitchens. Work more windows into your design and add a skylight if you can. When it comes to artificial lighting, warm or neutral is the way to go. If you need cool-toned lighting to cook under, put them under your cabinets where they won’t feel as stark.
6 white kitchen ideas from our Instagram
There’s more than one way to do white in your kitchen. We’ve pulled inspiration from our Instagram for everything all-white, white-adjacent and in-between.
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White-on-white
This kitchen is mostly white with warm accents. The cabinets, countertops and backsplash are all white, creating a clean base. The backsplash uses our Brunswick kit kat’s in matte white in a classic vertical pattern, adding subtle texture to the space.
Wooden elements bring in warmth and contrast. A big window allows for lots of natural light, making the space feel brighter. The design uses a mix of cabinet styles — there are no handles on the top cabinets, but there are on the lower cabinets for practicality.
All hardware and taps are in brushed brass, adding warmth to the bright white scheme. There are also plants dotted around to bring life to the space.
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Cool white
This kitchen is a bit of a mix — it's got some mid-century vibes, a touch of industrial and a bit of minimalism — but the main thing is that it's very white! White cabinets, white island, white counters, white backsplash — even the walls are white.
They've used our Newport matte subway white tile for the backsplash, laid out in a brick pattern. To stop it from feeling too cold, there's some timber in there — the bar stools are wood, and there's this great timber pendant light over the island that looks like it's straight out of the 1950s.
All the metal parts — the taps, even the salt and pepper shakers — are shiny chrome. Even though the lighting is cool-toned, this kitchen has enough wood to keep it warm.
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White organic modern
This kitchen feels a little organic, a little retro and a little Australian. The colour scheme is mostly white, with the cabinets, tiles and even oven in a perfectly neutral, not-too-bright shade. Between the floorboards, open shelves and cabinet handles, there’s also a good amount of wood to break up the white nicely.
For the backsplash, they've used our Newport matte small squares in white. They make the space feel classic and laid back. The overall effect is clean and modern but with an organic, natural feel that stops it from being too clinical.
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White boho rattan
This kitchen is white, but it's anything but stark. It’s got a relaxed, earthy feel to it. The white makes you feel relaxed, further reinforced by the rattan pendant and pale timber accents.
They’ve used our Newport matte bone mixed square tile for the backsplash with Mapei moon white grout. The tiles have natural variations in colour, which adds some interest. There's also a big window, white counters and white walls, which makes the kitchen feel very open and airy.
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Warm white
This kitchen feels cosy, like autumn. The designers have gone for a warm, creamy white. For the backsplash, they’ve used our Newport gloss subways in bone. The cabinet handles and sink are brass, which gives a warm glow.
They've added some texture with things like wooden cutting boards. It's a kitchen that feels lived-in and welcoming, not too precious.
Along with warmth, there’s a lot of texture in this kitchen. There’s timber in the form of cutting boards, dried flowers and various surface finishes. This kitchen is unpretentious, and designed to be inviting and functional.
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White and green
This kitchen isn't 100% white, but it's too good not to include. The tiles are the star here — they've used our Coogee kit kats in antique white for the splashback and over the range hood.
The bottom cabinets are a deep forest green, which looks amazing against the white. There aren't any top cabinets, which keeps things feeling open.
For lighting, they've gone for something a bit different — white sconces. The whole effect is fresh and modern but with a nature-inspired twist. It's proof that you can have a predominantly white kitchen and still pack in tons of personality.
The best white tiles for your white kitchen
There you have it — proof that white kitchens can be anything but boring.
Remember, it's all about playing with texture, choosing the right shade of white and adding your personal touches. Don't be afraid to mix things up — throw in some interesting tile shapes, play with different materials or add a pop of your favourite colour.
At TileCloud, we've got plenty of white tiles to help you create your dream kitchen. Get in touch and let us help you plan your perfect white kitchen.
Courtney Cole
As an interior designer at TileCloud, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the world of home renovation. With a Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration and a passion for creating stunning interiors, shes dedicated to helping people on their journey to transform their homes. Currently channeling her expertise into renovating her own home, she aims to share valuable insights, tips, and inspiration to assist others in achieving their dream space!