Clear Glass Moravian Stars are featured over the island – image via DecorPad.
We are thrilled to bring you an article written by Ashley Scherch, AIG. She is the VP of Communications and Technology for the National Kitchen and Bath Association Texas Gulf Coast Chapter where she writes the monthly newsletters. She is also an Interior Designer and Multimedia Director for Cabinets and Designs, Inc.
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White kitchens have surged and resurged since the dawn of kitchen design. Kitchens became the “heart of the home” in the 1920’s and have only continued to grow as the most used room in the home. Over the years, white kitchens have gained and seemingly lost popularity only to regain it a few years later. I believe they have established themselves on the list of lifelong trends. If done right, a white kitchen is classic and timeless.
In the past, most homeowners had distinct opinions of the white kitchen; they either loved it or hated it. Lately we have seen clients who previously despised the idea of a white kitchen highly considering and typically choose them as their finish! The change of heart seems to root from the abundance of selection choices available today. Cabinet lines have added multiple shades of white from stark white to a creamy, country linen white. There are also the optional glazes, rustic rub throughs, high gloss finishes, and multiple distressing options (rock nicks, crackling, cow tailing, joint cracks, bird pecks, etc.). These different selection opportunities allow homeowners to create a white kitchen that suits their personal lifestyle.
Boston Functional Single Pendants in Bronze are featured over the sink.
A white kitchen used to be viewed as “cold and sterile” while now it is seen as “warm and welcoming.” The creamier finishes, espresso glazing, and distressing really soften up the look. The concept of two-toned kitchens can also create a warmer space. Many homeowners choose different finishes and/or different materials to update the “old” white kitchen feel. There are endless opportunities to create this look; choosing a stained finish on the island, on a focal point like the hood or sink cabinets, or using a different material/color counter top in different sections of the kitchen (see photo for an example where a homeowner used a white granite counter top on the perimeter and a grey slate on the island). This is perfect for the indecisive homeowner. If you love multiple finishes and materials you can use them all! The trick is to make sure your designer/architect/contractor creates a cohesive look with the different finishes and materials.
For those of you who still doubt the white kitchen trend is here to stay, consider all the new door styles. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different door styles to choose from today. You can get the exact look you are going for through selecting the right door style whether contemporary, transitional, or traditional. There are slab, shaker, raised panel, recessed panel, light beaded, heavy beaded, square edged and profiled edged doors. There are a variety of styles within each category, leaving endless options for your space. Choosing the right door style is a perfect way to compliment a white finish.
Caged Lantern in Polished Nickel with Natural Paper Shade is featured over the island.
White kitchens have come a long way since the 1920’s. They have come and gone as trends, however, it appears they are here to stay! With the right white, glaze or distressing, the possible use of another finish, and the right door style; a white kitchen may sneak its way into your future. Work with your designer/architect/contractor to create a timeless and unified design with white… after all, white is the new white!
You can contact Ashley at 713.627.8970 or email ashley.scherch@gmail.com.
The Gilded Iron 
