Off-white kitchens will be the new ‘it’ shade and here’s why

This timeless colour is bang on trend — and we predict it will be taking over blues and greens by 2025. Intrigued?

Whether you spend your time cooking, baking, sipping a glass (or three) of wine, working from the dining table or discussing the day with loved ones, the kitchen is where most of us spend the majority of our time at home (excluding our beds, of course). So, it’s important we get not only the practicalities but also the aesthetics right, when planning this space. This is why KBB journo Rosie Smith asked interior experts what shade of cabinetry they would recommend – and right now, many are turning to off-white.

“Off-white is a timeless and classic choice for a kitchen, with many varieties of shades to choose from such as cream, eggshell and ivory,” says Debra Hutt from Wren Kitchens. “Plus, it can be paired with many other colours and designs, as it’s a neutral tone.”

Neutral kitchen design with a compact island that features a breakfast bar with seating, stone flooring and brass accents.
Cabinetry from Martin Moore’s New Classic collection, hand-painted in Palladian White. The worktops and splashback feature Arabescato Corchia marble. Kitchens start from £55,000.

Why off-white?

One of the things we love about this kitchen hue is its versatility, being the perfect counterpoint to so many other colours. Oyster and candyfloss pink, cream and periwinkle blue, pale grey and charcoal – there are plenty of pairings that look brilliant together. 

Off-white cabinetry also makes choosing appliances and hardware that much easier, as it goes well with anything from brushed metal handles and sleek built-in black ovens to gleaming stainless steel taps.

It’s not only cabinetry that looks great in this colour, but flooring, tiles and worktops, too. “We are seeing off-white shades growing in popularity across all of our collections,” says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. “Plus, if you dial up white colours and lean into an off-white palette, it helps to warm up a space, particularly in a kitchen which really is the heart of any home.” 

Off-white kitchen design with a central island, a mix of open shelving and cabinetry, and stone flooring.
The Summerville collection in Comfrey and Sorrel, from £25,000, Tom Howley.

Kitchen styles

While it’s undeniably a great fit for a rustic or rural aesthetic, we’re seeing off-white working wonders in luxe and minimal kitchens, too. “It’s forgiving, and it suits many different styles of home — from more modern new-builds to those that are more traditional,” adds Grazzie. However, while we’re saying it’s currently in vogue, don’t worry; it’s also a classic that won’t date – important, considering kitchens can be high investments. 

So here’s to off-white: the understated, hardworking shade that (we predict!) is not only here to stay, but to take over the kitchen top trends list, too. Are you with us? Scroll down to see just what’s possible…

Off-white kitchen with brass handles, open shelving, a mustard island and a dining table with chairs.
In this bespoke Pearl Lowe Bohemian Beach House by Devol, the off-white cabinetry is nicely contrasted by a warm and colourful island.
Modern cabinetry with marble surfaces and black and brass accents.
Harvey Jones’ Arbor kitchen is perfect if you love pared-back modern interiors.
Classic contemporary cabinetry with a central island with seating, stone flooring and spotlights.
Off-white is incredibly versatile and it works across a range of styles, from traditional to minimalist. Lawrenson kitchen in Stone, price on application, Stori.
Neutral cabinetry with wood cut-outs for handles, open shelving, fluted wall panelling and Scandinavian decor.
Achieve a spa-like scheme with bright, neutral cabinetry, fluted panelling and wood accessories. Crathorne kitchen in Taupe Grey Edge, Second Nature. Kitchens start from £15,000.
Galley kitchen design with brass handles, a black range cooker, green wall tiles and steel-framed glazing.
@vincent_the_house’s warm and welcoming kitchen is complemented by Caesarstone’s surfaces in 5121 Layalite, £370 per sq m. Photography: Chris Pugh.
Wood Mid-century kitchen with extra-large handles, Scandinavian decor and a built-in hob.
Mix and match wood and off-white units to add interest and texture to your design. The Mid-Century Kitchen by Sustainable Kitchens. Photography: Charlie O’Beirne of lukonic.com.
Off-white kitchen with a modern allure, veiny marble surfaces, black tap and built-in appliances.
An easy way to make a statement in your off-white kitchen is through striking worktops and splashbacks. Smillie kitchen by Roundhouse, hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White. Kitchens start from £35,000.
Scandinavian kitchen design with cut-out handles, neutral wall paint, open shelving and minimalist decor.
Off-white is a serene shade, synonymous with Scandinavian design. Achieve a minimalist look with sleek cabinetry, from £15,000, by Naked Kitchens, which features cut-out handles for accessibility.
Classic contemporary kitchen with a mirrored splashback, a central multi-functional island and a dining area.
For a bright and airy feel, opt for cabinetry drenched in off-white – from the island to the base units and floor-to-ceiling cupboards. Hemsworth kitchen by Krantz Designs.

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