You might love the crispness of white kitchens, but perhaps you find them a touch dull at times. The good news is that you can go with this classic theme, but at the same time add interest by incorporating a contrasting element. Read on for ways to achieve this effect.
The Splashback
The splashback area spreads across the kitchen space in a long horizontal band, creating the ideal canvas for a divergent colour, pattern or print. Install a glass splashback and back-paint it dark navy or rich chocolate, which will pop against pale cabinetry and walls. Or go with fire engine red on frosted glass for a vibrant, classic look. Another way to distinguish the splashback is with a pattern rather than a solid colour. You can digitally print any image on the back—for instance, a panorama of mountain ranges or a bamboo forest.
Glass Panelled Cabinetry
You might want to stick with pale shades across your kitchen rather than introducing other hues. In this case, you can incorporate contrast with glass panelled upper cabinetry. The glazing breaks up the monotony of a solid wall of white. As you can see into the storage area, the doors provide a sense of dimension and depth. The glass provides a refreshing new texture, and it produces a contrast in styles between the upper and lower cabinets.
Benchtops
Another way to inject diversity into your all-white kitchen is with a glossy black benchtop. You can either go with laminate or install a dark natural stone replete with veining and flecks. To avoid a heavy or overwhelming effect, reserve the dark hue for a kitchen island and maintain off-white shades on the other counters. The island will become a unique feature, plus the contrasting benches add extra interest. Alternatively, a timber counter adds warmth and softness. Combine with stainless steel appliances, which perfectly complement white kitchens.
Accent Walls
A simple and fun way to incorporate contrast into your kitchen is via an accent wall. Choose an area for the special treatment, and be bold in your selection of hues. Dark charcoal or sea green will pop against white cupboards and benches. Navy will contribute to a coastal kitchen theme, especially if you add timber flooring to the mix. Alternatively, go for a bright red, orange or yellow. The benefit of accent walls is that you can change the hue simply with a new coat of paint and thus change the entire aesthetic of the space. Because an all-white kitchen is so neutral, the colour options for the feature wall are endless, providing an easy update when undergoing kitchen renovations.
