Decorating With White Kitchen Cabinets

Think of your white kitchen cabinets as a blank decorating canvas.

Use the white cabinets as a blank canvas for your kitchen decor, rather than looking at them as a hindrance. White kitchen cabinets give you the freedom of choosing nearly any color scheme or decorating theme for your kitchen, as long as your choice complements the style of the kitchen and cabinets. For example, a modern kitchen would look odd with Victorian-themed decor. Opt for decor that complements nearby rooms as well, such as the dining room or family room.

Things You'll Need

• Paint or wallpaper
• Peel-and-stick tiles
• Glass doors
• Hardware
• Dishes
• Accessories

Instructions

1. Choose a color scheme or theme for your kitchen that complements the style of your kitchen, the decor of nearby rooms or use the kitchen decor you already own to set your style. For example, modern decor will look out of place against white-washed, cottage-style cabinets. Nearly any theme or color scheme will work with white cabinets, such as blue flowers, black-and-white Italian chefs, red and green apples or a red-and-yellow Tuscan style.

2. Paint the walls around the cabinets in a bright color if you don't want the entire kitchen to be void of color. Butter yellow, brick red or cobalt blue are some options. Alternatively, limit the area of color by only painting the backsplash or installing peel-and-stick mosaic tiles. Create your own pattern. Another option is to use wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals. Alternately, stencil on your favorite quote, Bible verse or saying if it fits in with your kitchen theme.

3. Replace a couple of the cabinet doors with glass doors or leave the cabinets completely open. This will allow you to add little pops of color through dishes or accessories that are easy to replace for an updated look.

4. Add decorative hardware to the cabinet doors for color and detail. For example, jewel-toned knobs or decorative brass hinges.

5. Place your most decorative dishes on the counters or in open cabinets to add color and pattern. For example, add personality to an all-white kitchen by putting blue and white floral dishes or black and white checked dishes on display. Use a plate rack or hang hooks on the bottom of the cabinets to hold mugs if you don't want to leave any of your cabinets open or take up counter space.

6. Accessorize the kitchen by adding plants, vases, plates, cookie jars or other decorative items above the cabinets or on the counters. If you're going for a modern look, consider adding glass and stainless steel canisters if the appliances are stainless steel.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose appliances, counter tops and flooring that complement the style you're going for, if you are designing your kitchen from scratch or remodeling.

References

• Interior Decorating Colors: Tips for White Cabinets: Kitchen Design
• Country Living: The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Decorating
• Country Living: Decorating with White