White kitchens are timeless design pieces that have been with us for a long time. They are soothing and fresh, working with every kitchen style. The issue is that many homeowners are conflicted as to whether it is a good investment or not. If you are interested in the potential of an all-white kitchen, here are some pros and cons for you to weigh in.
All-White Kitchens – The Pros and Cons to Consider
PRO: It Can Be More Hygienic
White kitchens are often more sanitary, which is why they are so common in hospitality establishments. When you have darker-colored cabinets, it can be very difficult to spot dirt and stains. These will blend into the color of the kitchen, allowing the bacteria to gather and multiply.
When everything around is white, you see the stains immediately. Therefore, you can clean a potential mess just as quickly. The white shade itself is very pure and clean, offering a sensation of cleanliness that no other color offers.
CON: It Gets Dirty Easily
The same advantage can also be a disadvantage. When you have colors in your kitchen, you can get away with not cleaning for a day or two. White is not as forgiving, which means that an all-white kitchen can be very high maintenance.
White cabinets are fast to get smudges and scratches as well. This applies even more if you have the glossy type. Matte white cabinets are more resistant to fingerprints, but stains are more obvious in the absence of reflecting light.
PRO: It Is Easy to Decorate
When you have a colorful kitchen, it may become difficult to decorate, especially as you need to accommodate the colors of the walls and cabinets. Even something as simple as a vase can make the kitchen seem cluttered if it does not match the background color. With all-white kitchens, you have a clear canvas that is very easy to accessorize to your preferences.
“A white kitchen gives you the most amount of light, and I love a bright kitchen. It can also be classic and modern at the same time and serves as a perfect blank canvas for colorful meals, and/or decor and accessories,” mentions interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel.
CON: It Ages Much Faster
White cabinets often age much faster compared to colored cabinets. This is because exposure to direct sunlight causes them to become discolored over time. Stains and grease can also be challenging to remove, especially if they are not cleaned immediately. Moreover, scratches are more visible in white cabinets as opposed to darker ones.
So, you will likely have to replace the cabinets or repaint them very often. A sealant is also necessary, as it can prevent stains and protect the longevity of the cabinets. This can bring on more long-term maintenance and costs for you to handle.
PRO: It Makes the Kitchen Look Bigger
White reflects light, so by designing an all-white kitchen, you make the most out of the natural light that comes into the room. The illusion of space will be even stronger if you install glossy cabinets, as they can bounce the light all over.
White kitchens are a good option for small spaces, making the room feel less cluttered. Mixed with some bigger windows that take in a lot of light, an all-white kitchen will reduce your bills and improve the visual flow of your kitchen.
CON: It Can Appear Sterile
All white kitchens often have no specific hue, which is why they may seem boring and clinical. If you add too much white in the kitchen, you risk the entire room looking bland and cold as compared to the other rooms. It might not be the most comfortable environment for you to relax in.
“I find white kitchens to be sterile and lacking personality. There is so much room to customize the space you spend the most time in. Kitchens tend to be the heart of the home, and they should evoke happiness and joy,” says Swati Goorha, an interior designer based in New Jersey.
The Bottom Line on White Kitchens
White kitchens may require a fair deal of upkeep but represent a good option for people with small homes. The blank canvas makes it easy for homeowners to accessorize their space in their favorite style, creating a cozy and airy environment.
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