Designer Explains Why White Kitchens Are So Popular

Designer Julia Ermakova explains why light kitchens are so popular in small apartments, as well as tips for their arrangement.

Julia Ermakova is an interior design expert at Yucubedesign studio

Why white color?

In European interior design tradition, the idea of light and cleanliness of space has always prevailed. From a psychological perspective, the lighter the place where we eat, the less risk of disrupting internal balance. Hence the persistent subconscious perception of white kitchens as something 'clean' and 'safe'.

There is also an aesthetic aspect: white is the perfect background for any other colors, bright or neutral. In addition, in an average Russian apartment, kitchens are usually small. White color visually enlarges the space.

Design: Yucubedesign studio

What about practicality?

'White means expensive,' - this is what our mothers and grandmothers used to say. If we're talking about a white coat, this statement is true. But if it's a high-strength modern material furniture set, there's no need to worry.

Of course, you will have to take care of a light kitchen, but it hardly requires more effort than if you had chosen furniture in any other color. On the contrary, fingerprints are especially noticeable on dark cabinets, while on white ones they are barely visible.

Design: Yucubedesign studio

What materials to choose for cabinet doors?

MDF

Cabinet doors made of MDF are durable and resistant to mechanical damage, provided the manufacturer uses high-quality coating materials: lacquers, paints, primers.

In addition, MDF cabinet doors come in many configurations: smooth, with classic routering, with complex 3D routering, matte or glossy - all is limited only by your imagination.

Plastic

The advantage of the material is its flawless appearance. The downside is its susceptibility to scratches and limited configuration options.

Wood veneer or solid wood

They look similar, but differ in price: solid wood is much more expensive. However, for white furniture, wood is not the best choice: only its natural beauty and characteristic texture will remain.

What colors complement white?

Achromatic color combinations

This is the classic contrast of white and black. Such interiors can be filled with various textures, patterns, prints without fear of overdoing it.

Contrast color combinations

This means adding bright or dark shades to the palette. Bright white looks great with open yellow, blue-green, turquoise, or fuchsia.

And nuanced combinations

Complex grays, nude tones, pearl shades and pastel hues blend beautifully with white, making the interior calm and elegant.

However, pure white in such combinations may look artificial - such a shade does not exist in nature. It's better to choose natural tones: ivory, cream.

6 tips for everyone who wants to decorate a white kitchen

Experiment with the backsplash: mosaic, small-format tiles or copper sheet.

Choose warm-toned lamps to avoid making the interior too cold.

Don't be afraid to buy white furniture items. If the material is of good quality, it's easy to maintain.

Add vibrant details: framed posters or a dresser painted in your favorite color.

Complete the set with beautiful hardware: elegant handles will enhance any interior.

Textiles add warmth, just don't skimp on quality - kitchen curtains need frequent washing.