White kitchen cabinets have long been a popular choice for many homeowners. Their clean, bright look can make a kitchen appear larger and more open. But even though white cabinets have been standard for decades, some wonder if they are starting to feel dated or out of fashion. So do white kitchen cabinets really go out of style?
The Timelessness of White Cabinets
While decor trends come and go, white cabinets remain a timeless choice that rarely looks outdated. There are several reasons why white kitchen cabinets continue to stay in style:
Bright and Open Look
White kitchen cabinets create a bright, airy aesthetic that makes a kitchen feel more expansive. The light color reflects light rather than absorbing it, helping small kitchens appear larger and more open. This clean, spacious look has remained desirable for decades.
Versatility
White cabinets are extremely versatile and pair well with nearly any kitchen color scheme or style. Their neutral color works equally with traditional, contemporary, modern or eclectic decor. White cabinets complement tile, backsplash, countertop and flooring materials beautifully. This chameleon-like versatility helps prevent white cabinets from ever appearing dated.
Classic Appeal
Crisp white cabinetry has a classically elegant look that has never gone out of fashion. The color has graced stately homes for centuries and maintains an upscale aesthetic. White kitchen cabinets have a timeless charm and beauty that appeals to traditional tastes.
Cohesion
White cabinets visually unify a kitchen by providing a neutral background. Rather than competing for attention, white cabinets let other elements like backsplash tile or accent colors shine. This cohesive look remains desirable for busy kitchens with lots of colors and materials.
So while brightly colored cabinets may fall out of vogue, pristine white cabinets retain their fresh, clean visual appeal year after year. Their light reflective color, versatility, elegance and cohesion keep white cabinets feeling current in any era.
Current White Cabinet Trends
While the white kitchen cabinet withstands the test of time in general, there are a few specific white cabinet trends popping up lately:
Two-Tone Kitchens
Pairing white upper cabinets with darker lower cabinets is an increasingly popular two-tone trend. The white uppers maintain an airy ambiance while the contrasting lower cabinets ground the space. Gray, navy or black bases are common in this look.
Natural Wood Accents
Introducing natural wood accents like open shelves and butcher block countertops can give an all-white kitchen a warm, organic vibe. The wood tones accentuate the crisp whiteness of the cabinets.
High-Contrast Interiors
Using deep, dramatic hues inside cabinets is a bold trend. Try vivid navy or emerald green interiors for an unexpected pop of color when doors are open.
Textured Finishes
While slick high-gloss cabinets are still common, more textured finishes like distressed paints, glazes and varnished wood are on the rise. These provide visual depth and interest.
Black Hardware
Matte black hardware and fixtures are gaining popularity in white kitchens, providing bold contrast. Copper and brass finishes are also trending.
So while the white kitchen itself remains a classic, various edgy twists on the theme come and go. Yet even trendy contemporary white kitchens retain a familiar, enduring look.
Signs Your White Cabinets are Dated
Though generally timeless, white kitchen cabinets can start to show their age after a decade or two without updates. Here are a few signs your white cabinets may be falling out of style:
Yellowed Finish
As white paint, laminate or enamel ages, it tends to take on a yellowish tinge. This dulls and darkens the once-bright white color. Refinishing is required to look crisp again.
Chipped or Peeling Surfaces
White cabinet surfaces that are cracked, peeling, scratched or chipped appear worn out. The damaged areas expose the cheap substrate underneath. Refinishing or replacement may be needed.
Faded Hardware
Cabinet hardware in outdated styles or finishes can make white cabinets seem stale. Dull brass knobs from the 1980s instantly date a kitchen. Replacing hardware updates the look.
Thick Wood Frames
Chunky, ornate wood frames around cabinet doors were common decades ago. Slimmer door frames look more contemporary now.
Busy Accents
Once-stylish accents like almond trim, scalloped edges or decorative decals can make crisp white cabinets seem fussy and outdated if they linger too long.
Updating finishes, hardware and accents is often all that’s needed to keep white kitchen cabinets looking fresh and current. But if damage and discoloration are beyond repair, a full refacing or cabinet replacement may be warranted.
Are White Cabinets Going Out of Style?
At the moment, there is no indication that pristine white kitchen cabinets are becoming outdated. Contemporary kitchen trends actually embrace the enduring popularity of white cabinets in creative new ways.
However, some wonder if white cabinets may eventually phase out of fashion. After all, bright white kitchens were rarely seen before the 1960s. Could changing tastes eventually make white cabinets seem as dated and outmoded as avocado appliances?
Several factors suggest white cabinets are unlikely to disappear from kitchen design anytime soon:
Historical Precedent
White kitchen cabinets are not some short-lived fad. Except for dark intervals in certain eras, bright white kitchens have been common from colonial times up to the present. This sets historical precedent for their continued desirability.
Too Popular to Fail
White cabinets are currently installed in around 50% of all new kitchen remodels, making them more prevalent than all other color choices combined. Their massive popularity makes it unlikely that white would fade from favor anytime soon without a drastic cultural shift.
Cleanliness and Light
The crisp, spotless look of white cabinets appeals to the fundamental human desire for cleanliness and light. All-white kitchens suggest purity, freshness and illumination. These subconscious associations are unlikely to change.
Netural Background
White provides the perfect neutral background for an ever-changing scene. As fashions and color preferences shift, white cabinets should remain a reliable, adaptable constant in kitchen design.
Barring an unpredictable cultural phenomenon on the scale of the avocado appliance craze, pristine white kitchen cabinets are almost certain to maintain their coveted spot in American kitchens for the foreseeable future. Their bright, clean aesthetic has remained preferred through changing times.
Alternatives if Going For a New Look
For homeowners who want to break from tradition and avoid ubiquitous white cabinets, there are many stylish options:
Wood Tones
Rich wood cabinetry in natural stains never goes out of style. Walnut, cherry and oak have an enduring appeal. Distressed and wire-brushed finishes add character.
Colorful Cabinets
Vibrant solid color or two-tone cabinets in hues like navy, green and gray are trending. Deep colors make a dramatic style statement.
Stained or Painted Wood
Custom staining or painting wood cabinets unique bold or muted colors is on-trend. Specialty paint techniques like ragging, stippling and glazing add intrigue.
Metal and Glass
Sleek cabinets in metals like stainless steel, chrome or copper make a modern design statement, as do glass fronts.
Eclectic Mix
Mixing cabinet colors and styles creates an eclectic, collected look. Try pairing painted cabinets with natural wood tones.
Homeowners wanting an au courant kitchen have myriad options beyond plain white cabinets. While white never truly goes out of style, more adventurous colors and materials can bring trendy excitement to cabinetry.
Maintaining Stylish White Cabinets
To keep white kitchen cabinets looking their clean, bright best for years to come:
- Wipe down cabinet surfaces frequently using a mild cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Inspect cabinets annually for any wears, chips, discoloration or damage needing repair. Address issues promptly to avoid worsening.
- Clean cabinet hardware regularly using a degreasing cleaner. Replace any hardware that appears dull, tarnished or dated.
- Open cabinet doors wide at least once a week to air out and prevent musty smells.
- Consider having cabinet boxes, doors and drawers professionally sprayed with a fresh coat of white paint every 5-10 years to restore their luster.
- Replace cracked, warped doors and drawers that are beyond hope. Consider replacing severely damaged cabinets entirely.
- Install cabinet lighting to showcase displays and illuminate interiors. LED strips and puck lights work beautifully.
With regular cleaning, maintenance, and strategic updates, crisp white kitchen cabinets can maintain their like-new appearance and timeless style for decades rather than going out of fashion. A fresh coat of white paint is often all that’s needed to keep cabinets looking their bright, stylish best.
Conclusion
White kitchen cabinets have remained popular for a good reason— their clean, airy look suits any style. While trends come and go, white cabinets remain a versatile, classic choice that rarely appears dated. They make small kitchens feel open and cohesive.
Though ubiquitous, white cabinets are unlikely to go out of style anytime soon thanks to their enduring aesthetic appeal, historical precedent and massive popularity. However, regular maintenance and strategic updates help keep white cabinets looking their fresh, bright best. For a more contemporary twist, two-tone color schemes, natural wood accents and bold hardware provide stylish flair.
Homeowners who tire of plain white can opt for colorful, adventurous cabinet styles without sacrificing on-trend design. But those preferring a timeless, fuss-free look can confidently choose classic white cabinets knowing they will retain their fashionable good looks for years to come. Crisp white kitchen cabinets remain a perennial favorite.