Your Interior Design Guide To White Kitchen Cabinets

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Modern Kitchen Design

April 21, 2021

Von Tobel in-house designer consulting with happy client in demo kitchen

What to Know Before Working With a Kitchen Designer

June 25, 2021

interior design photo of large kitchen with aqua walls and island, white cabinets, stainless appliances and farm sink, grey granite countertops, color matching light fixtures

Insights from the 2021 Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey revealed that in 2020, 63% of respondents had their cabinets replaced but many homeowners struggled to choose a color and style.

You can’t go wrong with white kitchen cabinets. This timeless look fits any style kitchen, giving the room a bright and airy feel. However, there are a few important details you need to know about white cabinets first.

Learn all you need to know in this interior design guide. We cover the benefits, the top considerations, and more. Plus, we have insider advice from our experts to make the most of your kitchen design.

Q&A Session With Von Tobel’s Designers

Von Tobel’s expert kitchen designers address some common questions and concerns regarding white kitchen cabinets. See what they have to say.

Q: What do you want homeowners to understand about kitchen cabinets?

A: TV shows have given many homeowners unrealistic expectations. You can’t get your cabinets over a weekend. Depending on the manufacturer and cabinets you pick, lead times are usually between 4-8 weeks. With current 2021 conditions, lead times may be even longer.

A: It’s important to understand wood contraction and expansion. Many people don’t expect the joints to separate. On lighter cabinets, the joints and miters are visible and can separate slightly during seasons where it’s dry. The natural wood shrinks, but this is normal.

Q: What can you tell homeowners about pairing white kitchen cabinets with dark or light countertops?

A: Clients should consider maintenance and upkeep. Similar to car colors, white and black polished surfaces will show the most dirt, grime, wear and tear.
A: Compare the white cabinets to the white countertops. Sometimes, one can appear as off-white or yellowish in comparison to the other.

How White Kitchen Cabinets Transform the Room

The beauty of white kitchen cabinets is that they suit any kitchen and match any decor. This timeless look never goes out of style; it can match any color appliances and any hardware finishes. As such, white cabinets can increase the resale value of your home.

White reflects light, which makes the kitchen appear larger. This can create the illusion that you have more square footage than you really do.

One of the top interior design trends for this year is pops of color and a more custom look in the kitchen. White pairs well with anything, meaning you can paint the walls, update the backsplash, and swap out the barstools without worrying about clashing colors.

What to Know About White Cabinets

Fingerprints and grime show up more on lighter cabinets. Some people consider white to be too high-maintenance. However, if you care for your cabinets and keep the kitchen clean, white kitchen cabinets are absolutely worth it.

A routine kitchen cleaning keeps white cabinets looking gorgeous for years to come.

One more factor to consider is whether your kitchen has any natural light. White kitchen cabinets look best when paired with natural light, as they reflect the light and make the room look larger. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t install white cabinets in an interior kitchen, but a window or two will really enhance the effect.