Dear Danica, How Can I Add Personality & Warmth To My All White Kitchen?

I absolutely love this question because there are so many people with white kitchens who want to warm it up, but don’t know where to start. So thank you Lesley for submitting this question for the masses! 🙂

WHAT’S ALREADY WORKING:

Your beautiful wide plank floors have a warm undertone so it will be very easy to add in additional wood tones to the kitchen. (Gray toned floors are cool toned which makes it really tricky to add warmth without clashing with the floors.)

HOW I’D ADD PERSONALITY & WARMTH:

NOTE: If you divide the kitchen into thirds, horizontally, the goal is to add multiple warm elements to every section. (As shown in the image below.)

1. ADD WOOD COUNTER STOOLS
   I’d aim for a wood tone that is darker than your floors and ideally, the older they look the better. I’d stay away from light wood, light woven materials or cane as it can lean beachy.

2. CHANGE UP THE PENDANTS
   Currently the pendants are glass..which feels cold. I’d argue they’re too small for the island as well. If I were you, I’d opt for two larger and darker pendants.

3. ADD NATURAL WOVEN SHADES TO THE WINDOW
   For the window above the sink, I’d look into a natural woven shade that either matches the color of your floors or is a bit darker.

4. REPLACE THE VENT HOOD
   The vent hood is one of the biggest focal points in your kitchen since it’s a different color/material amongst all white. However, the stainless steel is giving off a cold, industrial feeling. I would look into a custom vent hood made of either wood or painted in a soft contrasting color with lots of chunky trim.

5. ADD ANTIQUE BRASS HARDWARE
   I’d focus on adding 2-3 different styles of antique brass hardware. The brass color adds warmth and the antique coloring with the variation of styles adds character. Stay away from any golds that lean too bright yellow! Look for golds that lean brown/bronze.

6. REPLACE THE FAUCET WITH ANTIQUE BRASS OR UNLACQUERED BRASS
   Since you’re changing out the hardware, I’d recommend swapping the faucet too. In fact, I’d avoid too many black accents in general for your kitchen. It may be too harsh of a contrast.

7. ADD A LAMP WITH A 2700K BULB
   The lamp would add charm and the more layers of lighting the better. When evening comes, it’s nice to be able to turn off the overhead lights and turn on the moodier accent lights.

8. THROW DOWN A VINTAGE RUG
   10/10 recommend getting a vintage runner. This would add so much character to your kitchen! A new rug that’s made to look vintage will do, but an authentic vintage rug does something special.

9. ADD ANTIQUES
   Everything in the kitchen is new and polished which is why it feels like it’s lacking depth. I’d focus on incorporating older pieces and antiques to bring the personality back in. Focus on autumn colors for the warmth that they bring!