Cream shaker kitchen ideas
10 designs in this classic neutral |
(Image credit: British Standard)
Cream kitchen ideas are always warm and inviting, whether they're classic Shaker-style rooms or super-modern, streamlined spaces. The ultimate neutral, it's just as timeless as white or gray, but sunnier and more welcoming for larger or light-starved kitchens that will feel less like home in cooler tones.
There is a whole range of creams to choose from – from elegant, just-off-whites, such as ivory, chalk and alabaster, to gray-creams, such as taupe and stone, and more earthy shades, like linen.
Cream kitchens look fabulous with other colors, too – pale blue to navy, blush pinks, deep greens, grey, white and even black.
For anyone who has dismissed cream as a top option for their list of kitchen ideas, let us change your mind.
Cream kitchen ideas
Cream kitchens are incredibly easy to introduce accent colors and tones to. For contemporary spaces, warm metallics, such as gold and brass, look wonderful.
More traditional rooms will benefit from the textures that wood will introduce. And, of course, you can match cream to other kitchen color ideas for a two-tone kitchen design, too.
1. Combining cream with white creates a layered feel
(Image credit: Little Greene)
The beauty of a cream kitchen is that it works with pretty much all colors – the sign of a great neutral. If you love white kitchen ideas but feel they will be too stark in your kitchen then consider teaming white with cream, which will create a subtly layered look.
To create contrast, you can opt for a deeper cream – more of a taupe or stone, like in this kitchen by Little Greene . That way, the white will stand out and create a fresh feel while the cream warms the space. Wooden elements look great with this combination. Choose a dark tone for a kitchen that has plenty of natural light; otherwise, a mid-toned wood is the best option.
2. Patterns work well with neutrals
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Using a neutral like cream opens up the opportunity to use color and pattern, because it’s so versatile.
We love the idea of installing decorative flooring – it creates a focal point and adds an exciting element to the space.
David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright , explains: ‘When looking to update your scheme, bold kitchen flooring ideas can add a little "wow". If the room is on the smaller side, lighter floors will help open a space and create the perfect base to build upon with trending accessories.’
3. Matching walls to cabinetry creates a spacious feel
(Image credit: Neptune)
For an all encompassing look that is spacious and airy, choose your favorite cream shade and use it everywhere – on the cabinetry and walls, like in this kitchen by Neptune .
Using the same cream on the ceiling will create a really warm-looking space, too. However, you will want to have some kind of contrast for the flooring and countertops so that the cream has something to shine against.
Here, the wood's natural textures and colors in the rustic gray kitchen flooring introduce a characterful feel and tie in nicely with the wooden window frame and soft gray backsplash.
Pale blue chairs tone down the cream to create a pale, but interesting, finish.
4. Cream kitchen cabinetry suits a traditional look
(Image credit: British Standard)
Painted kitchens tend to suit traditional-style homes, but how do you choose the right shade of cream for your room? It really depends on the effect you want to create – warm, welcoming and relaxed or cool, elegant and restrained – and the amount and quality of natural daylight the room receives.
Light-starved kitchens, and those that you want to feel warm need creams with a hint of yellow or pink in them; sunny spaces or ones you would like to feel more pared back will work with creams that tend towards gray hues, so consider light when deciding how to paint your kitchen cabinets.
5. Warm metallics are the perfect accent for cream
(Image credit: Cullifords)
For more contemporary cream kitchen ideas that you want to give a glam appeal, try using surfaces like Gerald Culliford’s SapienStone ceramic.
It’s shown here on the countertops and cabinet fronts, teamed with internal brass edging.
This cream kitchen scheme would work well in a small kitchen design, as the clean lines and sleek edges create a spacious and seamless feel.
6. Teaming cream with navy creates real impact
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
When natural light is low in a kitchen, a barely-there white-cream like Farrow & Ball’s Lime White will brighten it without making it feel too stark. Named after the chalky pigments used in original distempers, it’s one of their traditional neutrals and has a small amount of green pigment.
The result is a subtle yet understated feel, that gently brightens without being too intense. Plus, it looks wonderful matched with deep navy blue kitchen accents – pick out just one element of your scheme in this color, whether a range, fire surround or kitchen island, and the effect will be beautiful.
7. Contrasting wall colors add depth and interest
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
‘The key with a cream kitchen is to pair cream painted kitchen cabinets with contrasting walls and textural elements, like dark wood countertops and flooring.
This will give the design an edge and create appealing visual interest,’ explains Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley .
‘Use lighting to your advantage and choose a combination of colors that look fresh in the day but warm and inviting at night. The shadows created by your lighting choices creates an extra element of texture which can transform the space. Even during daylight, your choice of pendant lighting will add to the overall feel of the room.’
8. Combine cream with black for a contemporary kitchen
(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)
We often think of black and white kitchens working better in a contemporary space, but actually cream and black can be a touch softer, as London based interior designer Louise Bradley explains:
‘It doesn't have to be difficult to create a modern feel in a cream kitchen. Start with choosing a tone variation that's slightly muted and away from the yellow and cyan undertones. A light colored veneer will also create a contemporary feel.
'Combine this with a clean architectural design, a light or dark stone worktop and a less traditional handle detail. Adding glass and metal elements to your kitchen will further enhance the contemporary feel of the space.’
9. Cream kitchen cabinetry is the perfect match for low ceilings
(Image credit: Neptune)
We don’t all love light and bright – some of us adore a cosy feel that can be achieved with beautiful dark parquet flooring and warmer cream kitchen cabinet colors. This charming Shaker style kitchen by Neptune shows you how to combat that age-old issue of low ceilings, too.
The ivory units lighten the space and add warmth, which is helped by the white countertops. Recessed ceiling lights teamed with global task lights will create an ambience when the sun goes down. Stainless steel appliances coupled with chrome drawer knobs add a modern touch.
10. Cream looks fabulous matched with deep green
(Image credit: The Expert / Jean Stoffer Design)
If you want to create a light and dark contrast then consider teaming cream with deep green kitchen ideas – it’s a classic combination that won't date any time soon.
Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL , explains why cream is such a hit for kitchens:
‘Limited color palettes make styling a room easier. You can be much more selective, not necessarily keeping to that same color but being a little more restrained with your choices. A rich, muted color on the walls and cupboards with flashes of crystal and copper is enough to create drama.
'Similarly, in a light colored kitchen, the constraints of using only natural earthy colors help to instantly create a soft and mellow feel.’
What colors go best with a cream kitchen?
Natural colors go best in most cream kitchen ideas. At the most neutral end of the spectrum, that includes white, gray, browns and blacks – and you can include everything from marble to wood to slate within that color spectrum.
For bolder colors, sticking to shades inspired by nature is the best option – that's earthy terracottas, deep greens, dark blues and even blush pink. We would avoid anything too glaring – think: orange – and primary colors like red kitchen accents, which just don't complement cream's soft tones.
Are cream kitchen cabinets in style?
Cream kitchen cabinets are definitely in style – in fact, this color is a timeless shade that will never date, whether your kitchen is contemporary or traditional.
If you're wondering how to make a small kitchen look bigger, cream is a smart color choice. Unlike white, it will feel more welcoming and home buyers love cream kitchens, too, which is always a bonus.
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.
13 cream kitchen ideas that prove beige is back
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Looking for some gorgeous cream kitchen ideas? Cream and beige seem to have got a bit of a bad rap over the last few years – we blame Magnolia paint! But it's no longer just associated with soulless rentals and blah hotel rooms, it's now the color everyone is loving in 2021.
It's probably a sign of the times, but 2020 saw a rise in making our homes more... homey. Gone were the minimalist interiors, the monochrome scheme, even Mid-century modern furniture took a hit. We were all about making our spaces, cozy, welcoming and well an escape from the madness that last year brought.
And cream is the perfect color for doing just that. Soft, inviting, still a neutral but just slightly warmer than white, it's a versatile hue that's perfect for creating a classic kitchen. Listen to us trying to get all deep about a color, but just take a look at these kitchens and you'll see exactly what we mean...
(Image credit: Neptune)
'We’re seeing warmer greiges and beiges increase in popularity. While we were noticing a shift toward warmer colors before COVID-19, with everyone spending so much time at home, we expect this trend to continue. These warm, earthy tones create a sense of calm and cultivate the feeling of wellness in the home, which is exactly what homeowners need right now.' explains Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams .
Convinced a cream kitchen color scheme is for you? We've pulled together all of our fave looks to suit all styles and all budgets. Whether you are totally redesigning you kitchen from scratch or just looking for ways to bring cream hues into your current space, we have you covered.
- For plenty more kitchen ideas head over to our gallery
1. Pick grey toned creams for a fresh look
(Image credit: deVOL)
Before we get started, let us first say cream doesn't always have to equal a yellow-toned white. Yes, it's a warmer neutral, but there are also so many tones and shades that still feel fresh and modern.
Just look at this cream kitchen. The cream has slightly cooler, more grey undertones which gives it less of a country kitchen feel, and a more elegant classic vibe. Try Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone for a perfect stony off white, and combine these more greigey colors with a lighter cream or white for a fresh contrast.
'There’s a reason why cream kitchens are a perennial favourite among homeowners. Cream is a versatile color that works in all styles and schemes, from traditional farmhouse to modern and minimalistic. Trends come and go, but cream is a neutral color that will stand the test of time, and can be easily adapted and updated with different accessories and colour combinations over time - it’s perfect for a kitchen that is designed for longevity.
' explains Melissa Klink, Head of Design at Harvey Jones .
2. Mix creams with light wooden accents
(Image credit: Neptune)
If you are looking to bring a rustic feel into an all cream kitchen, you can't go wrong with introducing to wooden accents. We would recommend sticking with lighter, cooler-toned woods to tone down the warmer cream tones if you are after a more contemporary, almost Scandi look. Of course, if you want to bring in even more warmth, you can pick warmer woods – these work perfectly in a cream country kitchen.
3. Keep a cream kitchen simple
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Cream kitchens don't always have to be more traditional, check out this very chic, simple cabinetry. Paired with a grey worktop and matching cream splashback it would suit anyone wanting the warmth of a cream kitchen but still wants to keep the space minimalist and contemporary.
You could always contrast the sleek cabinets with rustic decor as seen in this modern kitchen if you want to mix the two styles – it's a very on trend combo and creates that modern country look that everyone is after at the moment.
4. Paint your kitchen cabinetry cream
Creating a cream kitchen doesn't always have to mean pulling out your existing one and starting from scratch. If you want a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen, painting your cabinets is a straightforward DIY job you can do in a couple of weekends.
Be sure to order paint swatches first though so you can see how different creams look in your space – don't be fooled, they might all look the same but the undertones will all look different in the light of your kitchen. Check out our guide to how to paint kitchen cabinets for everything you need to know.
5. Add in cooler tones to a cream kitchen
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
If you are looking for colors to bring into a cream kitchen, cooler tones like greys and dark blues work wonderfully. Be sure to pick a cream that doesn't have too much of a yellow undertone if you want to introduce these more steely tones. Stick to more of a warm off white that feels quite fresh and crisp – check out Lick's White 04 for one of our faves.
6. Warm up your kitchen walls
(Image credit: Future)
Another simple way to get a dose of cream into our current kitchen is to paint the walls. Layering up all the neutrals is such an on trend look so if you have a grey or white kitchen, you can easily warm it up with a beige wall. Bring the look together and add more of those layers with some wooden accents and textures. A very laid back look that you can switch up with decor whenever takes your fancy.
7. Keep it simple with an off white scheme
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
Loving all the layers of cream going on in this kitchen. The beige cabinetry, the warm white tiles, the lighter cream on the walls, even the tile grouting is cream! And yet this space doesn't feel too... cream thanks to the pops of green from the houseplants and the simple addition of the black barn star that links with the monochrome rug.
This is a top tip if you want to go for an all cream kitchen, make sure you add just a touch of decor in a deeper color to ground the look and give it a bit of a focus.
8. Contrast a cream kitchen with a dark floor
(Image credit: deVOL)
Thought a cream kitchen couldn't bring those moody vibes? Think again. Keep it neutral with your cabinets but then go dramatic with your flooring. Painting floorboards in a dark charcoal or picking slate tiles won't interrupt that rustic feel of a cream kitchen, but it will provide a ton of depth and the perfect contrast to all those pale neutrals.
9. Team cream with copper
(Image credit: Neptune)
Another gorgeous modern country kitchen; it seems cream lends itself so well to that trend. This cream has a more olive tone, which we love, perfect if you want to pair it with more obviously olive greens as you can see here for a really fresh but still very inviting look.
It's the copper accents in this kitchen that draw the eye, they are the perfect metallic for this tone of cream. The copper brings out the warmth but also slightly contrasts those green tones too, giving the cream more dimension.
10. Bring in a country feel with a cream Aga
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
Complete the country kitchen vibe with a cream Aga (or a cream oven would have a similar effect if the idea of an Aga daunts you). Pair with lighter, off white cabinets and walls, plus plenty of warm wooden furniture to enhance that farmhouse feel. Create contrast, and break up all those creamy colors using terracotta tiles, which still add to the warm color pallet but add a depth to the room.
11. Create a focus with darker accents
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Introducing a strong accent color into a neutral kitchen can totally lift the space, and give it a bit of a focus among all that cream. You could go for a classic feature wall but we think just adding a touch of color around a door frame or on the mantle as seen here, can have a very similar effect.
12. Pick a stylish marble splashback
(Image credit: Neptune)
Want your cream kitchen to have a glamorous feel to it? Throw in some marble! Whether that be in a backsplash, your kitchen worktop, or just a couple of accessories.
The grey tones of the marble will freshen up the warm tones, giving the space a lift and creating a cleaner, more contemporary look. Pair with brass or gold hardware and you've got the dream combo right there.
13. Use cream to expand a small kitchen
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
(Image credit: deVOL)
It's interior design 101 that lighter colors tend you work best in smaller spaces, making cream a perfect choice if you are work with a small kitchen. Depending on the natural light you get in your kitchen, a straight-up white can look a bit stark and clinical, so opt for cream for a softer look that will look lovely in all lights.
Note how in this kitchen, cream is used on the walls and cabinets, but the ceiling is painted white. This just lightens up the space and creates the allusion that there is more height to the room.
What colors go with a cream kitchen?
Cream is such a versatile color you can make it work with any color scheme.
Since it's on the warmer side, it does lend itself best to warmer toned colors, but that doesn't necessarily mean you only have to stick to pinks and reds.
Colors that traditionally have cooler tones like greys, blues and greens can all work too, you just have to pick the right ones – try out warmer deep blues and muted olive greens if you are looking to add some color.
What worktops go with a cream kitchen?
Our top pick for worktops that go with a cream kitchen would be wood worktops. As you have probably worked out from the gorgeous kitchens above, cream does lend itself more to that classic, country kitchen kind of vibe and wooden worktops work best with that look.
Marble also looks lovely in a cream kitchen to give those more slubby tones a lift. This would be the perfect choice if you want to freshen up the space and create a more contemporary look.
Still looking for more neutral kitchen inspiration? We have a whole gallery of white kitchen ideas for you to peruse through next.
Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.
Beautiful kitchens with shaker-style facades - 135 best photos of kitchen interior design shaker style, medium wood fronts, wood top, brown splashback, wood splashback, stainless steel appliances, peninsula, gray floor and brown worktop
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Original design example: modern-style bright corner kitchen with overhead sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, colorful backsplash, peninsula, beige floor and beige worktop
Apartment in a Constructivist era house
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Design idea for a parallel, modern style detached kitchen with a sink sink, white splashback, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, beige floors and brown worktops
Realized project of an apartment 100 sq.
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Bureau "ArchOsnova"
In the photo: corner kitchen in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with a dining table, shaker-style fronts, blue fronts, multi-colored splashback, stainless steel, beige floor, black countertop and wall paper without island
Moscow apartment in Brutal Scandi style
Irina Kryuchkova
Design idea: loft-style corner kitchen with dining table, semi-recessed sink (with front rim), shaker-style fronts, black fronts, wooden worktop, black appliances, medium parquet floors, brown floors and brown worktops without island
LOFT WITH A FRENCH ACCENT
D-SAV.
RU DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE shaker style, gray fronts, gray splashback, brick splashback, brown floor and black countertop without island
Apartment on Michurinsky Prospekt
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In the photo: neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen with a dining table, sink sink, shaker-style fronts, gray fronts, white appliances, multi-colored floors and white worktops without islands s
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Fresh design idea: large neoclassical (modern classic) parallel kitchen with semi-recessed sink (with front rim), shaker fronts, blue fronts, colorful backsplash, cabinet front appliances, multi-colored floor and multi-colored countertop without an island - excellent interior photo
Social project
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Design idea for a small, straight, bright country-style kitchen with an overhead sink, shaker-style cabinets, beige cabinets, wood worktops, multicolor splashback, mosaic tile splashback, gray floor and beige worktop without island
House in the Leningrad region
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Inspiration for home comfort: a large Scandinavian-style corner kitchen with a dining table, a sink sink, shaker-style fronts, blue fronts, a gray splashback, appliances under furniture front, porcelain stoneware floor, gray floor, gray worktop and ceiling beams without island
House by the lake
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Pictured: Rustic kitchen-living room with shaker fronts, black fronts, colored appliances, an island, beige countertops, beamed ceilings, vaulted ceilings and wood ceiling with
city apartment on Minskaya street
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In the photo: a medium-sized corner, light neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen with a monolithic sink, shaker-style facades, white facades, blue splashback , porcelain tile backsplash, furniture-look appliances, light-colored parquet floors, an island, beige flooring and a white worktop with
From kopeck piece to three piece.
Residential complex Lobachevsky
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Stylish design: a small U-shaped, bright kitchen in a modern style with white facades, quartz agglomerate worktops, a green splashback, laminate flooring, beige floors, a dining table, shaker-style facades, appliances under furniture facade and white countertop without island - the latest trend
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A fresh idea for design: a medium-sized corner kitchen in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with a dining table, shaker-style facades, gray facades, gray backsplash and gray countertop without an island - great interior photo
Scandinavian-style attic duplex
ointerior
Attic duplex kitchen
Original design example of a medium-sized modern parallel kitchen-living room with sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, white splashback , ceramic tile backsplash, black appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, gray floors and brown worktops
Kitchen-living room in a three-room apartment
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Stylish design: mid-sized scandinavian-style corner kitchen with gray cabinets, wooden worktops, gray splashback, glass splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile floors, beige floors, brown countertops, countertop sink, dining area table, shaker facades, peninsula and curtains on the windows - the latest trend
House by the river.
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A chic white kitchen with oak finishes is the warmest place in the house, an island of happiness.
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House on the bank of the Klyazma reservoir. Kitchen-dining room
O Deco Studio
Original design example: U-shaped, bright Mediterranean style kitchen with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, yellow splashback, brown floors, beige worktops and sink
Spring kitchen with blue fronts
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timeless home interior design - Aunman
You may have heard of shakers before.
This is a Christian religious sect that originated in England in the 1700s, the core of which later emigrated to colonial America. The Shakers believed in conscientious work and a strong community - excessive materialism was a rather undesirable phenomenon. Shakers are best known today for their timeless design of kitchen furniture - it turns out that their style has many of the ideas used in interiors today. Shaker style and minimalism are very similar, but the former offers a much more natural vibe than ultramodern can. Shaker style helps to plan a house so that it remains modern even after many years.
There is probably no complete correspondence in our language. Rather, the shaker style can be called traditional, with a slight touch of rustic, especially in cases where the doors of kitchen cabinets are made using planks. This style of kitchen is great for:
* rustic style houses,
* Scandinavian style houses,
* classic style houses. DeVOL Kitchens They attract with their modest, timeless beauty.
You can safely follow this trend without fear that in five years your kitchen will seem outdated to someone.
Photo: Frida Ramstedt Trendenserile
Shape: just the way it should be
The main message that defines the shaker design is practicality first.
The above kitchen hanger shows how much attention has been paid to organization. On the hanger there is a place for cutting boards, pots and pans - everything is at hand, but nothing gets in the way. The smaller the space you intend to live and cook in, the more important it is to maximize storage space. At the same time, design elements must also be functional from a practical point of view.
Photo: RealLiving / Homes to Love
Miracle Wall
Continuing the theme of the rational use of small spaces, it is worth noting that the shaker style has been making the most of vertical spaces for hundreds of years. Among the shakers, it was popular to hang utensils, aprons and even chairs on the walls - an example of the latter in the photo above.
Photo: Sustainable Kitchens
Neutral Zone
Without a doubt, the neutral color palette characteristic of shakers is at least one of the reasons why the style is still relevant today. We can complain about completely white kitchens as much as we like, but we have to admit that they do not go out of fashion. It’s just that in the shaker style, preference is given not to black and white contrast, but to neutral tones: faded blue or green, beige, gray and other light colors.
In the case of neutral colors, it is extremely important to follow the 10-30-60 rule so that the room does not become boring. Choose one tone that will cover 60% of the room (usually the walls). The second tone can occupy 30% of the room (furniture) and the third tone - 10% (accessories).
High quality materials
The Shakers believed in simplicity, but the design elements they used were incredibly high quality. In accordance with their beliefs, the shakers made most of the things themselves and, of course, so that they could last a long time.
Although today almost no one is engaged in the manufacture of interior items and furniture for their home, it would be useful to follow this shaker principle by investing in high-quality natural materials. For example, choosing a natural wooden floor covering: cherry, maple or pine. And this principle can also be observed when choosing textiles: wool, cotton and silk can be excellent choices.
Photo: Old House Online
Clean lines and simplicity
One of the important ways that shaker-style houses and furniture don't look old is to avoid specific decorative elements associated with a particular period of time. Clean lines, natural materials and a minimal amount of decorative elements, as in this photo, look great at all times.
That's not to say that shaker style has never been a little more pretentious. Modest decorative elements, such as elegantly turned legs or small wood carvings, were quite acceptable for shakers. For example, carved plant motifs - acorns and oak leaves.
