I have always adored white kitchens because of the flexibility it offers in terms of design and its overall ageless and fresh look. White kitchen cabinets have been used for many years. However, they seemed to be something I would only see in high-end properties and design magazines or, the opposite of high-end, in rental apartments. Thankfully, I have been seeing a shift away from the dark cherry cabinets, so popular in the last decade, to more airy and classic cabinetry. Major cabinetry producers are also introducing more off- the-shelf options which are better quality, thus allowing consumers to achieve a high-end kitchen look without the high-end custom price tag.  Just this past year, I helped three clients put together kitchens using white maple cabinets.

Why choose white cabinetry?

They are timeless! White cabinets are known to be soothing and fresh and work well with any design, style, and color scheme. The options are infinite with white cabinetry and they can be used with other cabinets. Mixing white and other wood-toned cabinets in the same kitchen is also a very popular option. Think of red and white, or white and a distressed/antique brown combination.

My favorite use for white cabinetry is to create what I call the modern French bistro style: think of white or off-white cabinets combined with a warm wood flooring, earthy countertops, stainless knobs and today’s modern stainless steel appliances. This look combines the old classic look with all the modern touches to create a welcoming and practical family gathering place in the kitchen. Très Magnifique!

Of course, white cabinetry can also be used to create contemporary kitchens. If you are going for the modern look, consider using white cabinets with frosted glass fronts, shaker style fronts, or a high-gloss finish. Add a sleek countertop such as granite or other solid surface, stainless steel appliances and a fun backsplash with a punch of color to accent the look.

White can also be used to revamp kitchens without replacing all the cabinets. Older oak or maple cabinets can be easily painted in white or off-white colors for a complete change of style. This is an excellent and economical update for homeowners who need to update their kitchen for an open house. Use the money saved on the cabinets to update other well received kitchen updates such as new appliances or a new countertop; prospective buyers will surely appreciate it.

What kind of maintenance is associated with white kitchen cabinets?

Most people stay away from white cabinets because of cleaning concerns. If your cabinets are of good quality any splash can be easily wiped away. It’s really not that different from cleaning any other wood cabinetry. They should be dusted and wiped often to prevent grease accumulation and stains. Glazed wood cabinets also tend to add an extra layer of protection to the cabinets making it easier to wipe any dirt.