White Kitchens

Take a look at how these homeowners sparked up the look of plain white kitchen cabinets by using color and accessories.

Introducing a Classic
Straight-line cabinets with hefty hardware look solid and promise longevity. On the island, a built-in oven and plenty of storage sit below a unique butcher-block top made of maple and walnut in a checkerboard pattern.

Glory for the Galley
Near the sink, an angled dishwasher forms a mini peninsula, introducing a welcome diagonal into the long narrow kitchen space. To maintain the granite's visual flow, the homeowners chose a drop-in cooktop rather than a slide-in range.

English Lessons
Because the kitchen is open to the dining and living rooms, the homeowners chose a formal look that features painted cabinetry with inset drawers, beaded details, and glass knobs. At the far end, a built-in hutch holds dishware opposite the breakfast table.

Cottage Modern
Imitating a vintage checkered tablecloth, a tile backsplash adds cottage style behind the stove. Glass-front cabinets, beadboard details, and heavily beamed ceilings are also reminiscent of cottage, yet the strong colors and dark accents give the space a contemporary edge.

DIY Kitchen Makeover
Though not the easiest DIY project, repainting kitchen cabinets can be inexpensive and rewarding. This homeowner repainted a few cabinet doors at a time in her laundry room and in the process removed some of the inset panels, replacing them with glass.

Country Cozy English Kitchen
The character of an English country home took top priority in this kitchen remodel, with cabients built to look like freestanding furniture pieces. Hand-hewn ceiling beams in the kitchen and divided light windows add to the look and feel of British elegance.

Ceramic Symmetry
Small blue-and-white hexagonal tiles on the countertops and backsplash help restore cottage charm to this 1930s kitchen. The counters were built to be four inches higher than normal in order to accommodate a drop-in cooktop over a built-in oven.

Arched with Style
Stylish with a purpose, the long arch over the range actually conceals a lowered ceiling under a stairway. Centered in the room, a large butcher-block-topped island easily seats a crowd and is well lit as well. Warm gold on the walls makes the room feel cozy.