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Designers urge against following this popular kitchen color trend – here’s what they use instead

Is this the end of a timeless tone? The experts respond to the shift in style for 2022

All-white kitchen with ivory worktops and cupboards
(Image credit: Neptune)

Color trends remain an ever-popular topic in all rooms of the home, but none more so than the kitchen. When looking for kitchen color ideas, you may be tempted to opt for a classic all-white palette – but according to designers, this desired tone may have fallen out of favor. 

The hue has endured for decades, however, changing paint trends suggest that this neutral shade is no longer in vogue. 

Are all-white kitchens out of fashion? 

All-white kitchen with ivory worktops and cupboards

(Image credit: Neptune)

Here, the experts discuss whether you need to reevaluate your white kitchen ideas – and how to style the color if you wish to remain true to the tone. 

Against all-white kitchens 

‘I see the all-white kitchen fading away as homeowners choose to bring in more color in the millwork as well as the kitchen countertops,’ explains Marian Meacham, the Houston-based founder of Marian Louise Designs. However, as the designer explains, you don’t need to discard the color entirely. 

Instead of choosing an all-white palette, Mimi recommends investing in a dramatic countertop. ‘From natural stones to man-made composites that have layers of warm, earthy colors,’ Marian says. 

She adds that vibrant clay, porcelain, or cement tiles are a similar alternative to add a modern twist to your all-white scheme – to keep your palette up to date. 

'While every aspect of a kitchen design is important, the choice of countertop material is particularly so, as it has such a visual impact. Consider the characteristics of each material to make the best choice for your lifestyle,' says Melissa Klink of Harvey Jones.

All-white kitchen with ivory worktops and cupboards

(Image credit: deVOL)

Similarly, deVOL’s Creative Director, Helen Parker, urges you to look towards an ‘off white’ or cream kitchen rather than a wholly pure scheme. 

‘For a truly authentic look, a simple cream or off white is good and very easy to live with, but for real drama and tradition, we would suggest darker colors, muted navy, deep reds, murky yellows, and dense greens,’ she adds.

For all-white kitchens  

All-white kitchen with ivory worktops and cupboards

(Image credit: Neptune)

The future of all-white kitchens hangs in the balance. However, not all designers recommend avoiding this pure hue. 

‘All white kitchens have always been a popular choice when it comes to kitchen design, and we’ve found that regardless of the style or design,’ explains Neptune Wimbledon’s Kitchen Designer, Stephanie Nix. 

All-white kitchen with ivory worktops and cupboards

(Image credit: Neptune)

‘As always, reinvented color palettes emerge and often swing into the spotlight; however, we think there will always be a place for all-white kitchens.’

Will you revolutionize your kitchen ideas or maintain your all-white scheme? The fate of the color is up to you.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.