Sometimes a kitchen with expanses of white can feel a bit too flat or sterile. These strategies for how to warm up a chilly white kitchen are inspired by thoughtful designs that strike a lovely balance. Why do they feel so cozy? How to layer textures? What makes them feel warm in spite of all the white? Is there a formula or secret for bringing balance?
![Chic modern country white kitchen with vintage accents, white marble, wood floors, and design by Kelly McGuill. Photo by Tamara Flanagan. #warmwhitekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-kelly-mcguill-tamaraflanaganphoto-house-tour-rue-005.jpg)
How to Warm Up a Chilly White Kitchen?
1. Repeat Natural Textures to Raise the Temperature
A measure of warmth in a white kitchen often comes from wood floors or wood-look flooring, but there are other ways to add a layer of natural warmth.
![Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/020-White-and-Grey-Elegant-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Finding-Lovely-Breakfast-Nook-2.jpg)
This kitchen by Finding Lovely demonstrates harmonious warm and cool tones. Light grey cabinetry and white Neolith counters are warmed by a woven blind, light wood counterstools, and rustic accessories including boards, trays, and vases.
![White accessories in the kitchen of Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/country-living-magazine-nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-janna-lufkin-white-house-kitchen-2.jpg)
Even the simplest terracotta pot for a plant, wooden spoons, wood bowls, cutting boards, wood toned open shelving, and wood frames for art will bring a sense of organic contrast with the sea of white.
![Aged Terracotta Urn](https://assets.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/202050/0015/ray-terracotta-urn-o.jpg)
2. Accent With Warm Whites Like Leanne Ford
One of the things that drew me to Leanne Ford’s work way before she was a superstar was how she deftly mixed creams and white.
![Rustic kitchen designed by Leanne Ford with white range and open shelves.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/behr-crisp-linen-white-interior-hunting-cabin-1920s-kitchen-amy-neunsinger-for-lficampcalifornia.jpg)
When I began mixing whites for home decor and fashion in the early 2000s, a whole new world opened up. It is a much more relaxed and casual approach.
![Leanne Ford designed rustic modern kitchen with white shelves, farm sink, and customized tile backsplash. #leanneford #modernrustic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kitchen-white-rustic-backsplash-tile-floating-shelves-erinashkelly-housebeautiful.jpg)
It’s when all of the whites match perfectly that things can fall flat. Leanne uses this trick all the time, and in the rustic chic vintage kitchen (above), a warm white tile is layered with linen white walls, white appliances, and white dining chairs. Mixing whites is not just for rustic farmhouse kitchens though. Consider this modern French approach by Jennifer Lincoln-Cutler:
![Fireclay farm sink in a modern French kitchen with sconces, cafe curtains, and Shaker cabinets - The French Nest Co Interior Design.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/french-country-white-kitchen-french-nest-interior-design-co-farm-sink-curtains-sconces.jpg)
Even if there is no chance you’ll be adding handmade or tumbled cream tile to your kitchen, you may have other options. Just look at how a collection of vintage stoneware in varying shades of cream work together to create interesting warmth!
![Neutral kitchen vignette with black and white and Zellige tile backsplash - Scout & Nimble.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/scout-nimble-white-marble-mortar-pestle-kitchen.jpg)
Here’s a pretty warm white tile:
3. Consider Wood or Butcherblock for an Island or Work Table
I don’t have much experience living with butcherblock so I can’t say whether it stays looking good for long, but lots of designers have jumped on the bandwagon.
![Alison Victoria Windy City Rehab season 3 renovated white kitchen with brass hood and butcher block topped island.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/white-kitchen-subway-tile-brass-range-hood-wood-island.jpg)
Does it get more classic country than simple white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, and butcherblock with a farm sink?
![Leanne Ford designed modern farmhouse kitchen with farm sink, subway tile and butcher block counters. #leanneford #restoredbythefords #interiordesign #modernfarmhouse #farmhousekitchen #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/leanne-ford-warm-minimalism-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-alexandra-ribar.jpg)
In a genius move, the Giannetis designed a white oak island for their Patina Farm new build kitchen that included stone inset near the sink. The stone provides enough workspace for tasks that might not be as friendly on wood.
If money is no object in your kitchen design, you could consider: an exquisitely ancient European wood work table…
or a classic piece of fine furniture:
![Glorious classic traditional kitchen by Jessica Helgerson Interiors - cabinets are painted Farrow & Ball French Gray. #timelesskitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/jhinteriordesign-kitchen-sophisticated-furniture-island.jpg)
4. Introduce a Warm Color to the Island or Work Station
Even a subtle contrast from the island can add a ton of interest. The kitchen island below was painted a cozy warm light grey called BM Pashmina, and more light grey possibilities are HERE.
![Kitchen. Board and batten coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff with modern farmhouse interior design by Lisa Furey.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/coastal-cottage-kitchen-lisa-furey-light-grey-island.jpg)
This bright white kitchen is still on the cool side, but I can imagine it very warm with accessories, plants, and decor.
![Elegant, timeless, traditional kitchen with white and light grey tranquil mood - The Fox Group.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/traditional-style-kitchen-grey-island-marble-countertop-black-range-thefoxgroup.jpg)
High contrast from the island is another possibility, and there are black paint colors with warm brown undertones if you care to veer away from cooler blue undertoned blacks.
![This new French country kitchen only looks old! The Enchanted Home.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/enchanted-home-white-french-country-kitchen-belljar-pendants-island-stone-floor.jpg)
![Funny quote from Simon Holland on Hello Lovely Studio about potato masher. #kitchenhumor #foodhumor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/funny-quote-about-potato-masher-drawer-simoncholland-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
You just might find the perfect black to bring contrast from windows:
5. Paint Cabinetry a Warm White
Think beyond the usual suspects (BM White Dove, SW Alabaster) for a white paint color for cabinetry. But which color? I write about white paint here.
And during the pandemic, I discovered a convenient way to try and buy paint…
With CLARE paint online…here’s a putty-like light beige color with warm undertones I used on in two bathrooms here at the Georgian called No Filter:
![Funny cat humor quote on Hello Lovely. #catlady #catquotes #cathumor #funnyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001-funny-CAT-quote-humor-cuddle-hello-lovely-studio-@blessingmanifesting.jpg)
And in case you’re wondering, there are a wide range of beiges out there, mama.
![Benjamin Moore Natural Linen 966 paint color (from the 2022 color collection) - Hello Lovely. #naturallinen #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/benjamin-moore-natural-linen-966-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
In most cases you won’t even find “beige” in the paint color name:
![5 Neutral Farrow & Ball Paint Colors for California Cool. #paintcolors #neutralpaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5-NEUTRAL-PAINT-COLORS-FOR-CALIFORNIA-COOL-farrow-ball-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
6. Add a Pattern to Backsplash or Floor That Makes You Warm Inside
It just might steal the show. Remember Lily Aldridge’s kitchen?
![Funny tweet humor quote on Hello Lovely Studio from the hilarious @simoncholland! #funnytweet #humorquotes #funnyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/001-funny-tweet-humor-hello-lovely-studio-simoncholland-math-mozzarella.jpg)
There are so many ways to add pattern with the floor’s pattern! This tile below is the same one chosen for the renovation of our son’s bath – see that project here.
![Modern farmhouse kitchen with blue French range and encaustic look floor tile with star motif - Becky Owens.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/encaustic-look-floor-tile-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-blue-french-range.jpg)
Could the warmth of copper be flooring with coppery tones?
![Funny tweets and humor quotes on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/funny-tweet-quote-tarrytown-green-background-sleepover-hospital-truth-or-dare-dxxnya-danya.jpg)
7. Turn Up the Warmth With Metallic Elements
This idea comes with a price tag if you’ll be investing in copper cookware or custom brass range hood.
![Luxurious and bespoke French kitchen by L'Atelier Paris and The Fox Group. #frenchkitchens #frenchrange](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/latelier-paris-french-kitchen-design-blue-range-copper-pans-brass-hardware.jpg)
However, changing cabinet hardware doesn’t have to break the bank, and even cozying up a corner on the counter with vintage brass candlesticks may get rid of chill factor.
![Timeless, tranquil, bespoke traditional style kitchen by The Fox Group. #timelessdesign #kitchendesign #bespokekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/timeless-kitchen-thefoxgroup-white-kitchen-grand-chandeliers.jpg)
![Funny tweet humor quote about exhaustion from daily responsibilities and life - @stuartliddle. #funnytweet #lifequotes #parentinghumor #adultinghumor #hilarioustweet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/001-funny-humor-tweet-quote-about-exhaustion-from-responsibility-@stuartfiddle.jpg)
8. Age & History Often Create a Warm Mood
Mixing vintage and antiques with new is a great way to bring warmth to any space including kitchens.
9. Boarded Walls, Panels & Wood Planking
Whether it’s shiplap on the walls, beadboard on a backsplash, or wood planks on a ceiling, adding warmth with such texture is a smart way to turn up the casual and cozy factor while dialing down the “precious.”
![Funny tweets and humor quotes on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/funny-tweet-quote-marathon-good-way-to-respond-erinchack.jpg)
![Christmas decorated luxurious French kitchen with bespoke range and cabinets - L'Atelier Paris. #frenchkitchen #christmaskitchen #dreamkitchen #bespoke](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/0001-christmas-french-country-kitchen-bespoke-latelier-paris-la-brittany-2.jpg)
10. Vintage Style
While new kitchens with fresh new cabinets can feel timeless, a vintage kitchen with simplistic storage can impart a romantic, nostalgic, home-y warmth that is hard to beat in a white kitchen.
![The Scullery is one of the three rooms that make up the downstairs of the Millhouse showrooms at Cotes Mill, itâs a very simply furnished room and of all the spots to see this Classic English range, itâs the most humble. You see the piece of furniture, solid hardwood, handmade and hand-painted, itâs not a modular kitchen cupboard that needs another one next to it, itâs a whole cupboard all-encompassing. 10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL. #deVOLKitchens](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/37/cf/2c/37cf2c1318ce88b240b95a9683a1a16c.jpg)
![Leanne Ford designed kitchen with dusty rose range in her Pittsburgh guest cottage - photo by Erin Kelly for Pittsburgh Post Gazette. #modernrustic #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/leanne-ford-guest-cottage-kitchen-pink-stove-skirted-cabinets-erin-kelly-pittsburghpostgazette.jpg)
![10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL. deVOL kitchen's South Wing Kitchen. You can't go wrong with Trinity Blue cupboards, especially when they're paired with smooth pale worktops, walls and floors - what a beautifully simple and peaceful combination. Notice these cupboards are fitted away from the walls too, this created the bespoke and freestanding feel to the room that the customers really wanted but it was all done using standard sized cupboards from our Shaker range. #deVOLKitchens](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/43/fd/87/43fd879379795a678ddb60f142e9298b.jpg)
![Funny humor quote on Hello Lovely about tacos. #foodhumor #foodquote #funnyquotes #tacos](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/funny-humor-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-taco-salads-drchickenberg.jpg)
![No. 3. This deVOL kitchen project (Cotswold Barn) was designed by wonderful interior designer @susie_atkinson. Flooring: polishd concrete. 10 Amazing English Country Kitchens by deVOL.](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ec/de/e9/ecdee94c5271d04df64f240aeec59c7d.jpg)
11. Choose Rustic or Less Fussy Counter Stools
If the white kitchen design involves a breakfast bar or island, turn up the warm factor with counter stools or bar stools to add color, texture, and form.
![White kitchen with serene, timeless, European inspired decor by Hello Lovely Studio. Come be inspired by 11 White Kitchen Design Ideas Adding Warmth! #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #kitchenideas #interiordesignideas #whitekitcheninspiration](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-00030.jpg)
![Serene European country inspired breakfast nook in my kitchen with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-breakfast-nook-window-seat.jpg)
![One-off funny humor quote on Hello Lovely about life on earth. #funnyquotes #oneoffhumor #sarcasticquotes #lifequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/funny-humor-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-humans-credit-scores-ultragloss.jpg)
![A gorgeous bespoke kitchen with pale tones and lovely texture - Jeffrey Dungan.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bespoke-kitchen-jeffrey-dungan-villa-at-Shoal-Creek.jpg)
12. Warmth Upholstery & Textile
Layering with fabric and upholstery is going to make a huge difference! If you are building or remodeling and have the opportunity to add built-ins or a banquette…oh la la, they are such cozy corners and nooks to add pillows and upholstery!
![Timeless kitchen design and architecture (look at that nook!) by Atlanta-based Jeffrey Dungan who mixes rustic with elegant in luxury home design. #architecture #luxuryhome #jeffreydungan #timelessdesign #sophisticateddesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/003-jeffrey-dungan-timeless-interior-design-011.jpg)
Just look at how the folds of this Roman shade soften and warm a sink area with the sweetest gingham skirt!
![Beautiful country kitchen with farm sink in Nora Murphy's Country House book.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-kitchen-farm-sink.jpg)
![One off humor and funny tweet about groceries on Hello Lovely. #funnyquotes #groceries](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/funny-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-groceries-melodramatic-video_jame.jpg)
Be Soothed by a Tour of Rose Uniacke in London
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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