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

Posted on 24th September 2024

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…