The New White Kitchen: 12 Fresh Ideas for Using White Cabinets

The new white kitchen is a high-style space with thoughtful design details that make you stop and pay attention. If you thought white cabinets were boring, it’s time to see how designers have updated this classic look.

Some people like to claim that white kitchens are out of style, but I think that white-painted kitchen cabinetry will always be a timeless choice and a good investment, regardless of how design trends change. Of course, when it comes to simple design concepts like all white kitchens, the quality of the cabinets, the execution of all the different aspects of the installation, and the little design details make a big difference in how the space looks and feels when it’s completed. We see so many beautiful white kitchens with clever little design choices that make them really special, and I thought I’d share a few of my favorites white kitchen design ideas to help you plan your dream kitchen remodel.

Contrasting Vent Hood and Open Shelves

A little contrast goes a long way in this sleek modern kitchen with beautiful high-end appliances and bright white countertops. Adding a strong black element along with black hardware can really help ground a white kitchen. Design by CM Planning and Design

More high-contrast kitchen inspiration for your home: Black Kitchen Cabinets are a Bold Color Choice That Always Works

White Kitchen With a Waterfall Island

A stunning stone used on a kitchen island is always a popular choice for a kitchen makeover. This open-plan space is filled with natural light. The white walls and glass pendant light fixtures keep things light and airy, while the honey-toned hardwood flooring adds warmth. Design by Liberty Interior Design.

More remodeling ideas for your kitchen: Spaces That Show Green Kitchen Cabinets are a Colorful but Timeless Choice

Woodtone Lowers and Kitchen Island With White Cabinetry

The brilliance of this new kitchen is in its simplicity. The use of farmhouse-style wood cabinets really helps warm this space up, while the white upper cabinet doors brighten the room and allow it to read like what people would think of as a “white kitchen.” Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry. Design by Erin Vandersluis Design

Interior design ideas to guide you while you renovate: How to Read a Tape Measure and Other Measuring Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed

Wood-Framed Glass Front Doors

I thought this was such a clever modern kitchen design idea. The designer chose just one single wood-tone door to make the symmetrical glass display cabinets a real focal point in this very bright white kitchen. Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry. Design by Erin Vandersluis Design.

Create a streamlined and clutter-free home: The Best Built-In Storage Components for Custom Cabinetry

A Dramatic White Range Hood

For this kitchen renovation, the homeowner chose a minimalist grey and white palette, pairing fresh white cabinets with a grey quartz countertop and a dramatic curved range hood. Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry.

Beautiful kitchen color options for your timeless home: Classic Blue and White Kitchen Cabinetry Options for Every Style

Dark-Wood-Trimmed Cooking Alcove

I always love the way these cooking alcoves look in photos and I think I would love to cook in one as well. The little shelf cubbies on either side would come in so handy. This one really stands out in this white kitchen with the dark wood surround. Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry.

More kitchen ideas for your dream home: The Best White and Wood Kitchens

Light and Airy Open Shelves in Place of Upper Cabinets

Here’s a very simple solution to creating a non-boring white kitchen that always looks so stunning when the shelves are beautifully styled, and it works just as well in a small kitchen as it does in a larger space. I added a few things here to round out the styling, but most of these dishes were actually the homeowners’ everyday things.  Design and build by Birch Point Homes.

Home improvement ideas to inspire your next project: How to Update a Drop Ceiling Quickly and Easily

Open Shelving, Cubbies, and Glass Display Cabinets

Not only do all of these additions make for great storage, but they also break up the simple white cabinetry and add a lot of visual interest to this coffee and wine bar area. Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry.

The perfect finishing touches: Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas for an Instant Update to Your Space

Colorful Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Pair colorful backsplash tile with your white kitchen cabinetry to add a burst of cheer and create an instant focal point. Eye-catching wall sconces help frame the view in this beautiful lakeside cottage with soft white kitchen cabinets. Design by Comfortable Dwelling.

Contemporary ideas for your country kitchen: The New Luxury Farmhouse Kitchen

A Touch of Modern Style With a Reeded Wood Appliance Garage

This kitchen in timeless white and wood cabinetry nods to current trends with a single reeded wood cabinet door on the appliance garage located just below the glass display cabinet. Cabinetry by Oak Barrel Cabinetry.

Add simple storage and display to your dining room: DIY Plate Rack Using Ikea Picture Ledges

A Stone Arch Adds Old World Charm

This modern traditional kitchen features mostly wood cabinetry and a charming stone arch over the range. While most of the kitchen cabinets are a midtone wood, this space still feels like a white kitchen thanks to tall white upper cabinets and a while tile backsplash. Design by Liberty Interior Design.

Design guidance that makes a difference: How High Should a Chandelier Hang Over a Table?

A Long Ledge Shelf

This kitchen features base cabinets filled with white drawers, while some of the traditional upper cabinets are instead replaced with a long ledge shelf used for display and to keep frequently used cooking tools, dishes, and ingredients close at hand.

Surprising design ideas: A Farmhouse Sink Actually Works in Any Style Space and Here’s Proof