White kitchens with cool-toned accents?

[Anonymous]

Let me just start by saying I love white kitchens (and have one in my house).

I came across this picture in a listing someone posted and was surprised by how much I disliked it. Granted, this isn't a high-end house and some elements are a bit dated, but those aren't the things that bother me. To me, white kitchens toe a very fine line between beautiful and cold. I think I really only like white if it includes some warmer-toned elements, like hardwood flooring or a warm-toned paint/backsplash. Is this just me? Am curious what others think.

Do you like the kitchen below? Can a white kitchen work with all cool-toned accents? If so, I'd be interested in seeing an example of this combination done well.

[Anonymous]

The box above the wall cabinets needs to come out and cabinets need to be taller/thinner to seem more streamlined. Cut out needs to be opened all the way to improve flow. Led recessed lighting will help modernize the look. If the backsplash could match the counter that would make it seem more high end. Last point, the room next to it should be in a cool color. The warm hue is not transitioning well with the kitchen.

[Anonymous]

I like cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling. I dislike the pattern and colors chosen for the backsplash.

The counters are all right.

I prefer wood floors.

[Anonymous]

I love white kitchens, but I agree that there is an art to making a white kitchen work. To me, the problem is not that this is a white kitchen because I've seen kitchens that work better with even more "white" elements including white counter-tops and also backslash. This kitchen is in need of some warmth and texture. Different floor choice, rugs, better light fixtures, different wall color would all help. Even though this kitchen has been updated, the way the cabinets are installed also make it look a bit dated. That fluorescent lighting is not helping at all and the natural light in this space isn't great. My eye is also immediately drawn to where the granite hits the backslash four inches up the wall because that look is a personal pet peeve of mine.

[Anonymous]

You don't like that kitchen because it's just cheap. Short cabinet with an ugly soffit, dated knobs, dated backsplash, cheapest granite on the market and very cheap appliances. These people have no style.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love white kitchens, but I agree that there is an art to making a white kitchen work. To me, the problem is not that this is a white kitchen because I've seen kitchens that work better with even more "white" elements including white counter-tops and also backslash. This kitchen is in need of some warmth and texture. Different floor choice, rugs, better light fixtures, different wall color would all help. Even though this kitchen has been updated, the way the cabinets are installed also make it look a bit dated. That fluorescent lighting is not helping at all and the natural light in this space isn't great. My eye is also immediately drawn to where the granite hits the backslash four inches up the wall because that look is a personal pet peeve of mine.

This is what I think too. Too much cold grey, white and black, with not enough natural elements. A different backsplash would help a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't like that kitchen because it's just cheap. Short cabinet with an ugly soffit, dated knobs, dated backsplash, cheapest granite on the market and very cheap appliances. These people have no style.

I don't know--not convinced that's the issue. The room is so cold. I've seen inexpensive/dated kitchens that look significantly better. To me it's the color scheme. I'm thinking white cabinets need at least one warm element in the room to make them work.

[Anonymous]

south arlington townhouse, ehhh

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/3312-2nd-St-S-22204/home/11262217

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't like that kitchen because it's just cheap. Short cabinet with an ugly soffit, dated knobs, dated backsplash, cheapest granite on the market and very cheap appliances. These people have no style.

This is spot on (if a bit rude!). The cool tones don't bother me at all, although I hate the countertop color.

[Anonymous]

Two thoughts:
-lack of natural light. That window is really small and hate the fluorescent light.
-don't like the white paint on white cabinets. Would look better some other color, or just taking out that space altogether and enlarging the cabinets if able.

[Anonymous]

Those are either off the shelf cabinets or old ones reused. It looks like a make over and looks terrible.

[Anonymous]

it looks cobbled together. cabinets are too shiny white (which probably means cheap), as are the counters. and the backsplash. but then none of it really goes with the flooring. the size of the floor tiles doesn't work with the much smaller tiles in the backsplash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:south arlington townhouse, ehhh

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/3312-2nd-St-S-22204/home/11262217

a real sleuth, you are.

[Anonymous]

This particular is an ugly kitchen, but not because it's white, but because it's a stuffed shoebox next to the breakfast nook next to a sitting area. White, probably, makes it better.

[Anonymous]

Our kitchen has soft white cabinets (not cream, but not bright white either), grey quartzite counters, and a back splash of grey elongated subway tiles with a crackle finish. We did wood floors and warm, vintage-look pendant lighting to soften the cool tones. We also did the island and dining table in a dark wood, and painted the walls a greige to help blend the kitchen with our great room, which has warmer toned upholstery and rugs. I think it turned out well. I was really nervous about all the grey/stainless steel but it works well with the neighboring warmer tones. We also have a large sliding glass door that brings in a lot of natural light which also warms things up.