26 Neutral Kitchen Ideas
There’s a lot to love about bold, colorful kitchens, but white and neutral kitchens can be just as swoon-worthy, we promise! From whitewashed walls to beige cabinetry, neutral kitchens are the perfect backdrop for a design lover’s cook space.
Plus, they’re totally timeless, so they’ll never go out of style. To prove it, we’ve rounded up 26 of our favorite neutral kitchen ideas.
Read on for tons of designer examples and decorating inspiration for an all-white or neutral kitchen.
1. Create a Calm
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so why not design a space that feels warm and welcoming? This kitchen, designed by Studio McGee, is the epitome of comfort and relaxation.
With a muted color palette and natural textures, the space feels calming and serene.
A large kitchen island is the perfect place to gather with friends and family. The built-in bench adds extra seating and makes the space feel cozy.
Cool Space
A modern kitchen by architect Achille Salvagni crafted for a storied Roman palazzo, features a cool and neutral color scheme.
The kitchen island is made of white marble and the custom cabinetry is painted in a cool gray. The barstools are by B&B Italia.
2. Add Warmth with Wood
A neutral color palette can feel stark if you’re not careful, but this kitchen by Tamsin Johnson Interiors is anything but.
The warm wood cabinets and island add depth to the white space and prevent it from feeling too cold.
Shop Wood Cabinets
3. Play with Pattern
Patterned tiles, like the ones in this kitchen designed by Leanne Ford, are a great way to add interest and personality to a neutral kitchen.
The black grout and window frame, along with the black and white floor tiles, add a little contrast to this white space.
To keep the rest of the kitchen looking simple, Ford added open wood shelving and a few black accents.
4. Use a Neutral Backsplash
A neutral kitchen doesn’t have to mean a white kitchen.
This kitchen by Jean Stoffer uses a soft gray on the cabinetry, but the backsplash is where the real star of the show lies.
A mosaic of marble tiles in warm, neutral tones ties the entire look together.
Pro tip: A neutral backsplash is a great place to add a little bit of texture with your tile.
5. Add an Accent Color
If you’re still on the fence about color in the kitchen, try introducing one shade in a few key places, like the backsplash, window treatments, and accessories.
In this neutral kitchen designed by Studio McGee, the soothing blue backsplash is the only color. The wood shelving and pot filler add depth and warmth.
6. Use a Neutral Color Palette
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to designing your kitchen, consider using a neutral color palette.
You can add in pops of color later if you want, but a neutral kitchen will never go out of style.
This kitchen designed by Studio McGee features light wood cabinets, a white marble backsplash, and a black and white floor tile.
The black and white color palette is continued in the light fixtures, hardware, and window trim for a cohesive look.
7. Go for a Cottage Look
This kitchen by Romanek Design Studio proves that balance is everything.
The dark, moody tile walls, sleek backsplash, and stainless steel appliances assert an undeniably glam aesthetic while the wood and brass tones ground the space and give it that classic warmth.
8. Add a Pop of Color
If you’re a fan of bright and bold colors, you can still incorporate a pop of your favorite hue in a neutral kitchen.
This kitchen designed by Studio DB has a modern, minimalist look with a white color scheme and a marble waterfall island.
The only pop of color in the space comes from the vibrant green on the range.
You could also incorporate color with small appliances, dishes, or even fresh flowers.
9. Embrace the Light
This kitchen by Amber Lewis is so bright and airy, you’d never guess it’s a space that doesn’t have any windows.
The secret? A skylight that floods the space with natural light, as well as a fresh coat of white paint.
The neutral wall color keeps the focus on the colorful tile backsplash.
10. Add a Splash of Color
Even if you’re a devout neutral fan, you can still introduce small pops of color into your kitchen.
Here, designer Heidi Caillier chose a soft gray for the cabinetry and accented it with a white marble countertop.
The lower cabinets are topped with a soft blue color, and the lower shelves have a pretty green hue.
The result is a kitchen that feels light and airy, but not at all boring.
11. Add a Little Glam
A kitchen that’s filled with natural light is the perfect place to add a little glamour.
This space by Studio McGee is a great example of how to do just that.
The gold hardware and light fixtures add a touch of elegance to the otherwise casual design.
12. Create a Modern Look
This kitchen by Studio Surface is modern and sleek but also has a warm, inviting vibe.
The white walls and light wood floors make the space feel open and airy, while the black lower cabinets ground the space.
The black, white, and wood color scheme is carried over to the open shelving, and the marble backsplash and countertops add a luxe touch.
The stainless steel appliances and range hood are also sleek and modern, but the warm wood details add a hint of softness.
13. Go for a Farmhouse Look
A farmhouse design is the perfect way to add some warmth to your neutral kitchen.
In this space, the white cabinetry and island are juxtaposed with a wooden range hood, open shelving, and exposed beams.
A farmhouse sink and shiplap walls are two other design elements that add to the farmhouse feel of this space.
14. Add a Touch of Elegance
A crystal chandelier and tasseled counter stools add a touch of elegance to this white kitchen by Heidi Caillier.
The large marble backsplash adds a graphic element that breaks up the all-white palette.
15. Create a Traditional Look
In this kitchen designed by Studio McGee, the classic style gets an updated spin.
The brass pendant over the sink and the dark window sashes give a little contrast to the neutral space.
The white shaker cabinetry is a nod to the classic style, while the dark, long cabinet pulls and the sleek white marble countertops bring in modern flair.
16. Add a Little Whimsy
This kitchen by Romanek Design Studio proves that balance is everything.
The solid white ceiling and dark flooring ground the large space, while the whimsical, colorful rug and pretty pendant above the island add a little sparkle.
17. Go for a Vintage Look
This kitchen by deVOL feels like it’s been there for centuries, thanks to the aged wood floor, the white and wood cabinets, and the marble-look countertops.
The vintage-style runner, wooden stools, and exposed beams add to the overall warmth of the space.
18. Create a Rustic Look
If you’re a fan of rustic style, try adding in some wood beams on the ceiling, a farmhouse sink, and some wood stools.
This kitchen designed by Studio McGee has all the classic elements of a country kitchen, but with a touch of modern style that makes it feel fresh.
19. Add a Touch of Color
A neutral kitchen doesn’t have to be all white. Introduce a little color to the space with a small section of cabinetry in a pastel or bold hue.
This kitchen by Honey & Fitz features a soft shade of blue on the bottom cabinets that’s complemented by the white uppers and the rest of the space’s neutral elements.
20. Embrace the Dark Side
If you’re afraid of going too dark in an all-white kitchen, take a cue from this space.
The cabinetry is a soft black with a hint of green, and the white countertops and backsplash really pop.
The open shelving adds a little contrast and keeps the space from feeling too one-note.
21. Add a Modern Twist
This kitchen by AP Design House is the definition of modern with the marble countertops, marble sink, and marble backsplash.
The sleek white cabinets and the black and gold accents tie the space together.
22. Go for a Classic Look
There’s a reason why white kitchens are so popular: They’re timeless! If you’re not a fan of trendy colors or patterns, stick with a classic design.
This kitchen by Studio McGee is the perfect example.
The white shaker cabinets, marble countertops, and white subway tile backsplash create a clean and simple look that will never go out of style.
23. Add a Touch of Color
If you’re not ready to commit to a bold color, consider a soft hue.
In this kitchen designed by Leanne Ford, the soft, powder blue cabinets are a great way to break up the all-white space.
Conclusion
Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. This kitchen, with its muted palette, is so family-friendly and full of timeless appeal.
