You’ve heard it so many times. Use plenty of texture. Warm it up with natural materials. Add a pop of color. White kitchens are still as hot as ever, but there’s always a chance they can feel too cold. How do cozy white kitchens not feel too cold? Let’s explore.
![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 Cozy White Kitchens Achieve Balance
Layers of Natural Textures
If the kitchen is blessed with natural hardwood flooring, what a help this is! But other flooring materials can also help including wood-look LVP or warm toned tile.
![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)
Finding Lovely‘s romantic kitchen above reflects the magic that happens when warm and cool tones harmonize.
Muted grey cabinetry and bright white Neolith counters are warmed by woven material, wood and rustic objects and accessories.
![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 patina from aged pots or bread boards can supply both rusticity and warmth.
![White French farmhouse kitchen with marble countertops and French range - Dreamy Whites Atelier. #whiteFrenchfarmhouse #frenchkitchens #rusticelegance](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/rustic-white-kitchen-dreamy-whites-atelier-elegant-marble.jpg)
In fact, even the texture of aged painted wood seems to warm things up and prevent chill factor.
![Aged Terracotta Urn](https://assets.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/202050/0015/ray-terracotta-urn-o.jpg)
Avoidance of Matching Whites
While I didn’t learn this from Leanne Ford since I had been doing it for years, here’s an important aspect of cozy whites: mix various values of white together.
![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)
You would be surprised how many folks don’t understand that this works. And it’s a subtle art that is extremely difficult to convey with photography.
![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)
You would be surprised how many followers will leave a negative comment on my social media feeds when they see what they consider “an all white kitchen.” Their initial impression is just an expanse of one color when in fact the space may have a whole range of neutrals mixed beautifully.
![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)
One of the reasons white decor seems so difficult for online viewers to grasp is that in person, the interior mood may feel completely balanced with subtleties and varying sheens working magic.
The backsplash above is a perfect example of how a collection of vintage stoneware and handmade tile in varying shades of cream work swimmingly for calm personality and interest.
![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:
Wood Counters & Butcherblock Work Tables
While I haven’t lived with wood counters, I have lived with butcherblock and a mix of natural woods with white.
![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)
It probably doesn’t get more country white kitchen than white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock counters, and white 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)
If you followed the journey of Brooke and Steven Giannetti when they built Patina Farm, I wonder if you were surprised when they opted for white oak on their island. Remember the stone inset for the sink area?
The stone area provided just enough space for tasks less friendly to wood.
Sometimes the wood can provide high contrast to light colors in a kitchen:
![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)
Color on Island Base
Even low contrast with white on a kitchen island can provide interest, warmth, and cozy factor.
![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)
The kitchen island above is painted BM Pashmina, and more light grey possibilities are HERE.
This bright white kitchen is cool and chic but not cold once plants, food, and decor move in.
![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)
Black paint colors with warm brown undertones is another possibility when you are avoiding cool blue undertones.
![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)
Did you read the story about a reader of Hello Lovely who was inspired to create a kitchen like Tina’s (The Enchanted Home) when he built a home? Find it HERE.
![Black kitchen island in a French country kitchen with timeless charm - Hello Lovely Studio. #blackkitchenisland #twotonekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png)
![Hello Lovely - traditional kitchen with black island, white custom cabinets, Taj Mahal quartzite, farm sink, Bluestar range, and Chippendale stools. #traditionalkitchens #twotonekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/0011-two-tone-traditional-kitchen.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 could also introduce black or brown-black on the windows:
Choose a Warm Cabinet Paint
So many possibilities! You can always think beyond wildly popular creamy whites such as Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster) for cabinets. But which color? I write about white paint here.
Back in 2021, I discovered a convenient way to try and buy paint…
CLARE paint can be ordered online, and here’s a putty-like light beige with warm undertones I chose for two baths here at the Georgian called No Filter:
![Cheryl Strayed quote about learning and stretching on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #spiritualityquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/001-cheryl-strayed-inspirational-quote-learn-stretch-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Bear in mind that 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)
Patterns from Backsplash, Floor & Fabric
Patterns, geometry, prints, and texture help a white kitchen live large. 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)
I’m sure you have noticed how common it is for homeowners to opt for pattern on kitchen floors these days. This tile below is the same one we chose for our son’s condo – 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)
Coppery tones are always a smart choice when you’re searching for warmth and cozy:
![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)
Metals, Living Finishes & Antiqued Metals
![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)
Even if a fancy French range and custom range hood with metal trims isn’t in the budget, hardware for cabinetry probably is. It could also be as simple as cozying a corner on the counter with vintage brass candlesticks. Not that any of us will be renovating our kitchen to be this…
![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)
but isn’t it a fun fantasy to take in?
![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)
History & Antiques Exude Soulful Warmth
Mixing vintage and antiques with new works for a good reason.
There’s a sweet tension created.
And feelings of nostalgia and wonder and even romance.
Boarded Walls, Shiplap & Brick
Whether it’s shiplap on the walls, beadboard on a backsplash, or wood planks on a ceiling, warmth from texture is a smart way to turn up the welcoming relaxed 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)
I mean if there’s an opportunity to add brick you can always do the barreled ceiling thing…
![Magical English country kitchen with arches and Shaker cabinetry. AI Design via Whitney Hess (Just Decorate!). #aidesign #aiinteriordesign #aiarchitecture #aikitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/whitney-hess-justdecorate-english-country-kitchen-arched-windows.jpg)
Oh my goodness, AI fantasies are gonna make us crazy for awhile!
Folksy, Quaint, Charming Style
While modern sleek kitchens with can at times feel timeless, a folky one with vintage touches and simplistic storage yields a home-y warmth that is hard to beat!
![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)
Doesn’t it just invite you to slow down and breathe deep?
![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)
Upholstered & Traditional Counter Stools
If your white kitchen design will include a breakfast bar or island, think about cozy counter stools for 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)
Upholstery for stools is another opportunity to add softness and comfy cozy texture.
![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)
Layering with fabric and upholstery is a wonderful way to help a kitchen feel less utilitarian and more like a welcoming living area.
![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)
Notice 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)
Bonus Inspiration from Rose Uniacke in London
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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