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Cream or white kitchen


Happy Accident or Stroke of Genius?

 

 

I love color in the kitchen.  I love it so much that my own honey maple cabinetry and laminate countertops hurt me to my soul sometimes.

It’s only for a moment now and then, and then I shake out of it and remember the gobs of storage and room I have and think, well, not only of third world countries and people starving and dying of 18th century diseases, but also my former Manhattan apartment with its postage stamp linoleum and roach kitchen with no dish washer or working freezer, and I feel like an entitled little wench.

Still, I have a Pinterest page called Color in the Kitchen where you can go for lots of inspiration if you’re ready for your own re-do! I can live vicariously through you just fine.

Anywho, this is not a post about colorful kitchens. It is also:

Not About White Kitchens

But we’ll start there anyway for a little background.

If you Google “white kitchens,” you’ll come up with headlines like:

White kitchens are everywhere; people love them, and there is good reason for that. If I had this:

For the Love of a House

I think I would have died and gone to heaven. This is my friend Joan’s kitchen (you must go to the link and look at the rest of her house), and it’s been featured in a number of shelter outlets as well as on her super popular blog. Like Mary Poppins, “it is practically perfect in every way” — homey, bright, friendly, patina-galore. I actually got to drink a martini in this room. The buzz induced design fantasies in poor honey-mapled-out me. 🙂 Way to go, Joan!

White kitchens are beloved the world wide for a number of rather obvious reasons — they are bright, airy, they re-sell well, have a basis in tradition, and, for some reason, they feel clean. Why is that?

According to Old House Journal,

In the 19th century … kitchen and bathroom designs were given a great deal of “scientific” thought regarding efficiency, motion study, and sanitation…. WHITE, because of its association with sanitation, became the prevalent color for sinks and other fixtures and surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens. This obsession with sterility led one observer to complain that when cutting up “a fowl in these kitchens one felt quite like a surgeon performing a major operation.” White retained its dominance until the 1920s, when there was a return to color in wall coverings, floors, and even ceramic tiles.

(August, 1986)

Image: Harris & Ewing Collection/Library of Congress via House Logic

Would you mind having your appendix out in the above?

Pretty much all enamel paint back then was oil based, and oil based enamel yellows over time, particularly where there is little or no light, such as passages and insides of cupboards and behind doors that are kept open. Enamels may also turn yellow while drying if ammonia is present in the air. Ammonia is found in many cleaners and other household products. Hmmmm…. Cleaning products in the kitchen can yellow paint. Clean, kitchen, yellow, clean, kitchen, yellow…. And I think that is how my topic of today was born:

Cream and White Kitchens

Isn’t this glorious? I swear I hear angels singing.

via Better Homes & Gardens

(Let me say that I had a dickens of a time finding whom to credit on most of these images. Speak up, if you’re the awesome designer!)

I adore the above mix of dark hardware, marble (or white quartz) counters, white farmhouse sink, and wood on the island.  The white stoneware is like sculpture.

But there’s a science to this harmonious mix. It may have happened in kitchens of old by accident, but you have to create it today intentionally. You do that by having a hefty balance of both shades.

  1. Cream woodwork: IMO, cream kitchens look best when all woodwork — cabinets, baseboards, door and window moldings — are painted cream, just as though, once upon a time, they were painted white and yellowed with age.
  2. White walls: I think it’s best when your walls are white. It was the enamel paints (those used on trim) that yellowed most. The walls didn’t change as much and stayed lighter. Tile, shiplap, plaster, paint…let it be white.
  3. Additional white to your taste: Then you can add white counters (but soapstone and wood look beautiful, too — think old school), white farmhouse sink, and white appliances if you want.

Some kitchens with beautiful white counters:

Suzanne Kasler via Southern Living (above 2), Photography by Erica George DinesDavid Heide Studio

Ok, so those look like granite counters not white marble or quartz, but he chose a cream with a blue nuance to it, so it doesn’t clash with the granite. 🙂

 

 

Source Unknown

So much soul in this one, that I wish I could find the creator and credit him/her. I love a farmhouse table in the middle of the kitchen rather than an island. I wish my own kitchen were laid out this way. The gingham lampshades on the pendants are fresh and friendly.

Source Unknown

Another unknown one, but I’ve had this one on my personal Pinterest page for a couple of years at least.

via The Inspired RoomJessica Bradley

The tile treatment over the range is not may favorite. I really prefer to keep the backsplash consistent throughout. And I think I would have liked to have seen a vintage reddish Persian runner here, but overall, very lovely and airy. Great counter stools.

Source UnknownSource Unknown

The woodwork around the window is white here, which I would usually would like to see in the cream color. I’m very curious to see what the kitchen looks like as a whole and what the white window trim looks like in the bigger picture….

Soapstone counters and dark hardware look amazing, too. The below two images from a kitchen by Susan Tully took my breath away.

Susan Tully via House Beautiful, Photography by Laura MossMandarina Studio

Warm blue paint on the walls in the above. It works because the undertones all coordinate.

Lastly, wood counters also look warm and wonderful. Besides the below two images, you can get an idea of how wonderful wood looks with cream by some of the earlier pictures with farmhouse tables in the middle of the kitchen.

via House to Homevia Country Living

A Word to the Wise

When researching for this topic, I found some discussions on the the GardenWeb forums (great source for furniture maker reviews, btw), asking if you can use white appliances with cream cabinetry. The answer is, “Absolutely yes!” (see some of the images we just discussed), and “Way-the-heck, no!”

When is it a no-no? When NOTHING else is white. See the below two images (try to ignore the dated brown glaze on the cabinets in the first pic and all the crazy, variegated hard surfaces in both).

They just look like the homeowners were trying to save money. If you have cream cabinets but no other white in the room, go bisque, or stainless, or black  for your appliances depending upon the undertones of your hard surfaces.

Also, if you have an open layout with white trim — sorry Charlie, but you can’t have cream cabinetry.

View Along the Way

The heart bleeds. Kelly wrote about the way she ended up with the above in a hysterical post entitled, “How to Completely Mess Up Your Kitchen Remodel: A Step-by-Step Tutorial.” To her credit, she wan’t going for a cream and white kitchen; she wanted a white one. Her mistake was going to a place like Home Depot and letting a “kitchen designer” who had never seen her space influence her decisions. Sometimes it’s cheaper to hire a decorator, folks, rather than make very expensive mistakes all by your lonesome.

What do you think about cream and white?

-Amy

 

34 Cream Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

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Cream Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Cream kitchen cabinets have increasingly grown in popularity over the past few years – and for good reason! Cream is warmer than white and lends a timeless and luxurious look to a kitchen design. Cream-colored cabinets work in many different design styles, from modern to rustic, traditional, country, and farmhouse. They also are available in a wide variety of cabinet styles including shaker, recessed, and raised panel.

Cream is a soft hue that is as timeless as white or gray but warmer, making it easier on the eyes and helping to make any space feel less clinical. It also pairs effortlessly with any accent color or material, from brass finishes to dark woods.

Cream-colored kitchen cabinets instantly convey an elegant feeling that provides a warm and inviting feel to the space. Marble countertops, solid stone slab backsplashes, shaker style cabinets, wood, brick, or stone, all look beautiful with cream.

If you are presently researching different kitchen design options, I have created posts on blue, green, white and black kitchen cabinets as well as kitchen blacksplash and farmhouse kitchen cabinet ideas.

Cream Cabinets Pair Beautifully with Pattern 

Using a neutral like cream provides an opportunity to use color and pattern, because it’s so versatile. Try installing decorative flooring, unique backsplashes, and colorful area rugs – it creates a focal point and adds an interesting element to the space.

Pairing Cream Cabinets with Blue Tiled Flooring
Image courtesy of Carpetright

Cream Cabinets with Soft Toned Area Rug & Highly Patterned Countertops & Backsplash
Image courtesy of Brown Interiors

Striking Kitchen with Cream Cabinets and Black & White Flooring
Image courtesy of Les Ensembliers

A striking kitchen with transitional cream cabinets with antique brass pulls, glossy black and white harlequin tiled floors, black quartz counters and a linear white tiled backsplash. Two Darlana Lanterns are directly above a long kitchen island with curved edges.

Add Greenery to Brighten a Neutral Space

A little bit of greenery goes a long way in a kitchen with cream-colored cabinets. Green and cream are complementary to each other and work together to create natural visual warmth.

Transitional Kitchen with Cream Cabinets & Brushed Oak Island
Image courtesy of Studio McGee

Studio McGee made dramatic changes to this kitchen re-design by completely switching the layout by moving the range and island to create this focal moment between the two. They used creamy Swiss Coffee on the cabinetry, and used Calcutta marble on the countertops and up the backsplash. They also created a closet like pantry in this corner so the space was easy to walk through.

Cream Cabinets & Warm Wood Flooring

Southampton Beachy Kitchen Remodel
Image courtesy of Becca Interiors

Situated in the heart of Southampton’s village, this city dwellers surf retreat started with a disjointed open plan layout; taking it away from its original charming cottage architecture. Sectioning out the 1st floor, Becca Interiors were able to create cozy pockets throughout the space centering around the heart of the home; the Kitchen. Adding a bonus breakfast room looking out onto the veranda also allowed the traffic of the home to be completely repurposed; better capturing the Hamptons light, as well as focusing on functionality for this growing family. Custom clad beaded-shiplap walls visually lend to the heights of the ceiling and create an added layer throughout, whilst a vintage sourced mantle captures the spirit of the properties original charm.

Keep it Neutral for Farmhouse Appeal

Classic, Cozy and Transitional Home Design
Image courtesy of Sara Lynn Brennan Design

A well-designed neutral open-concept kitchen, living room and dining room with cream colored cabinets, warm wood flooring and a sophisticated use of pattern and texture.

Add Old World Charm

A stately Country Kitchen by Liz Bryan Interiors
Image courtesy of Liz Bryan Interiors

A stately, warm and inviting kitchen with elegant window covering, dark countertops, copper accents, artwork and warm-toned area rugs.

Matching Colors with Cream

There is a broad spectrum of color choices that work well with cream including blues, greens, grays, reds, purples, and oranges. Virtually, the sky is the limit when it comes to pairing cream with other hues.

Green Cabinets with Cream Toned Wood Kitchen Island
Image courtesy of Jean Stoffer Designer

A beautiful, warm and inviting kitchen design by Jean Stoffer.

Two-Toned Pantry with Shiplap Walls
Image courtesy of aaNovo Design

This two-toned pantry connects to the kitchen as shown in the previous image. It has gorgeous cream upper cabinets and dark lower cabinets with brushed gold hardware.

A 1920’s Tudor Style Home with a Light Blue Island & Cream Cabinets
Image courtesy of Whittney Parkinson

Instead of completely revamping the home, Whittney Parkinson blended the old and new. Fortunately, the homeowners also shared a passion for maintaining the original makeup of this home. And, because of the historical significance of this dwelling, they would have had to get approval from the local historical society before making any changes to the exterior, so there were no major adjustments done to the structure.

“The renovation of the home’s original kitchen was by far the most significant undertaking during this extensive project, as this space was nearly doubled in size, thanks to an existing breakfast nook that was used to expand the width of this room. As for the furnishings, the minimalist beige cabinetry was a direct nod to the utilitarian aesthetic of a European kitchen from the 1920s, says Parkinson.

Much like the design process of the bedroom, design inspiration for the kitchen stemmed from notable television series—in this case, Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders. Some design elements that were considered, thanks to these shows, include exposed hinges, corbels, inset cabinetry, subway tiles, and an oversized beadboard.” ~ House Beautiful

Jean Stoffer Creates a Traditional Kitchen for a New Generation
Image courtesy of Jean Stoffer

Jean Stoffer wanted to maintain classic elements of the estate while making it usable for a modern family.   The combination of gray and cream cabinets provide a distinguished and timeless elegance to the kitchen.

Warm Metallics are the Perfect Accent for Cream

Warm metallic finishes pair best with cream such as gold, steel, black, bronze, and brushed nickel.

Cream Colored Cabinets, Soft Blue Range & Brass Hardware
Image courtesy of Studio McGee

A light and bright kitchen with cream cabinets, soft blue range, sparkling brass hardware and woven area rug.

Cream Cabinets Pair Perfectly with Wood Accents

Anything works great with cream-colored cabinets including wood flooring, countertops, open shelving, and beams. Lighter and natural wood tones work best. Adding dashes of color with area rugs, backsplashes, artwork, countertop decor or green plants is a great finishing touch.

Two-Tone Cream & Wood Cabinets
Image courtesy of Eric Olsen Design

Cream Cabinets with Open Wood Shelving, Black Range Hood and Tile Flooring
Image courtesy of Dawn Reeves Design

An Abstract, Artful and Cozy Kitchen & Nook Design
Images courtesy of Becca Interiors

Stunning Kitchen Design with Wood Topped Kitchen Island & Cream Cabinets
Image courtesy of Veranda Homes 

Veranda homes wanted to maximize the view of the land when designed this custom home located in Bearspaw on the outskirts of Calgary. The home offers exquisite built-on-site cabinetry, finished on site wide plank hardwood floors, and great attention to detail, which is evident in every room including in this gorgeous kitchen.

Add a Touch of Black to Ground the Space

Renovated European-Inspired Kitchen with a Black Backsplash & Dark Island 
Image courtesy of Whittney Parkinson Design

A 20-year-old builder-grade home, that required a facelift to fit the new owners’ personalities and incredible, European-inspired taste. Custom cabinetry, unique lighting, and textural materials play in perfect harmony with one another, to make this renovation a success!

Bring in Texture for Added Interest

Textured Seat Backs Add Interest & Texture
Image courtesy of Dawn Reeves Design

Organic & Neutral Kitchen with Cream Colored Cabinets
Image courtesy of Whittney Parkinson Design

Backsplashes add a Beautiful Finishing Touch

Airy & Open Kitchen with Plenty of Natural Sunlight
Image courtesy of Bodine White Design

Organic & Neutral Kitchen with Unique Backsplash Design
Image courtesy of Whittney Parkinson Design

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About the Author: Tracy

Hello and welcome! I’m Tracy Svendsen and I’m an interior designer and the editor for Canadian Log Homes. My goal is to connect readers to the latest and most beautiful trends in home design. Enjoy!


Hello and welcome! I’m Tracy Svendsen - an interior designer and the editor for Canadian Log Homes and Buyer Select.
My goal is to connect readers to the latest and most beautiful trends in farmhouse and rustic home design.
Having grown up in the country, I’ve always had an interest in rustic interiors. I studied design at Montana State and Ryerson University and later became a partner in a handcrafted log home company. Although I now live in a charming residential community by the ocean, my home still reflects my love for the modern rustic approach to design.
When I’m not working on my business, I love hiking with my German Shepherd Rose, working out and travelling. I also love visiting with my kids when they come home. My daughter is a doctor and is working towards becoming a surgeon, and my son is a civil engineer who until recently was living in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy going through my posts, and please let me know if you have any suggestions on future posts you’d like to see!

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Cream kitchen - stylish design ideas

Contents

Cream kitchen is a combination of practicality and beauty. The noble color of a light shade creates the effect of impeccable purity. The furniture looks stylish and modern. The interior, made in cream colors of warm colors, beckons with comfort, creates tranquility.

Cream Kitchen Shades

Cream color is versatile. In furniture production, there are many of its shades. It can be saturated, pastel, light. It depends on the semitones that are included in its composition. nine0003

Cream kitchen can be in the following shades:

Cream kitchen set is a great alternative to white. It is rich in nuances and looks great indoors.

Benefits

  1. Cream is a neutral color. His eyes don't get tired. nine0019
  2. Easy to match with almost any color.
  3. Beautiful light set does not look too sterile;
  4. Cream overflows look more interesting than light colors similar in range, such as beige or ivory;
  5. Visually enlarges the space. Creates a stylish visual effect.
  6. A warm range, ideal for classic kitchens as well as modern style kitchens.

Classic cream kitchen

Shades of cream are perfect for creating classic interiors. Manufacturers offer many options for "Classic" facades made of solid wood and MDF.

For a classic cream kitchen, designers offer many beautiful elements:

To create a classic design, the walls are decorated in a classic style, and warm-colored curtains are hung on the windows. nine0003

Modern style cream kitchen

Kitchen design in modern style suggests functional furniture with smooth surfaces. They can be matte or glossy cream. Glass stained-glass windows are made in a frame or aluminum profile. Usually use frosted glass or "satin".

Minimalism in the kitchen

For lovers of a minimalist style, you should definitely choose a light cream set. It is performed without decorative elements. The surface is smooth. The handles of the cabinets are hidden behind the facade in an aluminum profile. nine0003

Cream color looks good with minimalist steel details. Therefore, household appliances can not be built in behind the doors, but left in plain sight.

Cream kitchen worktop

To prevent the cream-colored kitchen set from looking dull, designers suggest using a contrasting worktop. Burgundy and chocolate colors are perfect.

The tabletop can be made of inexpensive plain plastic or natural stone with a marble pattern or inclusions. nine0003

10 ideas for a beautiful and modern white kitchen

10 ideas for a beautiful and modern white kitchen

Categories: All about furniture 2 , Kitchens 88 , Living rooms 2 , Bedrooms 3 , Hallways 2


White kitchen sets from the KUHNI-NSK portfolio


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