Thursday, October 10, 2013

Jazz Up That White Kitchen

It's no big secret that I LOVE all-white kitchens.  There's something very timeless about white Shaker cabinets, paired with white marble (or quartzstone) counter tops, and a white, subway tile backsplash.  As much as I like to experiment with new colors, products and finishes, the white kitchen is a look that I always come back to. Depending on how you dress it, it can be very sleek and modern, or it can be folksy and quaint.  Either way, the look is classic and never goes out of style.

The question is, how does one do an all-white kitchen and not look boring?  How can you make sure your personality and unique sense of style show through, and how do you tie it in with the rest of your home?  Consider this simple trick:  The runner.  A runner rug strategically placed in front of the sink or the cooktop will add instant pattern, color, and texture, while allowing you to make a personal style statement.  An added bonus will be the comfort it provides underfoot.  That little bit of extra cushion will help save your back when you labor over that next five-course meal. Ha! ;)  And don't worry about those occasional spills.  Just keep a little spot cleaner on hand (I like Spot Off by D. A. Burns) and you'll be good to go!

A quick look at some fun examples and you'll see just how versatile this little trick can be.  (All images from Pinterest.)  From very traditional (even antique!) to modern and edgy, the choices are endless.  1 rug = instant personality!

Cantley & Company - exterior wall vent for hood, would put pineapple on hood, subway tile up, white cabinets, nice runner
Lovely old-world feel.  The colors and pattern in the rug make the room cozy and inviting.

white, open shelving in the kitchen
Fresh, modern, and youthful.

makes me want to paint my kitchen cabinets white again and I super love the natural rug/runner.
Simple, cottage-y and a bit rustic.  The perfect beach house look.

Investigating refrigerator placement. Mainly just to piss Charles off.
Elegant without being stuffy.  Why not bring that heirloom-quality rug into the kitchen?

Small Open Kitchen | House & Home..  maybe a runner or rug to break up all the wood tones
Modern and chic-- Love how they mixed two different styles/patterns, one on either side of the island.

white kitchen with tribal accents
Can't find one, long rug in the right size?  Try two...one if front of sink and one in front of stove.

Cute cottage, like the ceiling
Bright color and playful pattern make this room feel fun and friendly.

Country Kitchen
Interesting mix of old and new.  Stylish, effortless and very French.
Feeling inspired?  I hope so.  Even if you don't have an all-white kitchen, try a new rug and see what it does for the room.  It's an easy style trick and one that can easily be changed when you get tired of it.  Above all, play and experiment.  Bring a few home and see what looks the best.  (And don't forget a non-slip rug pad.) You might be pleasantly surprised with the results.


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