Get Design Help
Annie Gilman, Redlands interior designer, standing in a newly remodeled transitional kitchen with white and wood cabinetry.

Are White Kitchens Out of Style?
Why I’m Done With the All-White Look

Why I’m done with all-white kitchens (and why you should be too)

I might get a little backlash from this, but it’s what I do—and I just can’t stay silent anymore.

 

Let’s talk about the all-white kitchen trend.

 

The all-white everything kitchen isn’t as great as people think it is. It doesn’t automatically make a home more modern. More often than not, it makes a space feel plain, stale, and, frankly, lackluster.

 

Now, don’t get me wrong—there are plenty of beautifully designed spaces that use a lot of whites and neutrals well. But here’s the truth: the all-white kitchen was a trend. And in major design circles, that trend? It’s long gone.

a boring builder grade white kitchen example
poorly designed builder grade all white kitchen

If white is out, why do I see it everywhere?

Here in the Inland Empire, we tend to be a little behind the bandwagon. New homes are still popping up with all-white kitchens, white walls, and zero character.

 

I get the appeal. Many of us lived through decades of beige walls and avocado green bathrooms. White feels fresh and clean. It reflects more light and makes spaces feel bigger and brighter.

 

But—and this is the hard truth—it’s usually a cop out.

 

White kitchens are “good enough.” They’re safe. They allow homeowners to avoid decision fatigue because everything just… matches. White cabinets, white backsplash, white countertops—decisions made easy.

 

But easy doesn’t equal good. And it doesn’t equal you.

 

Here’s what’s happening in the broader design world: we’re seeing a major return to character-filled spaces. Styles like Maximalism and “Granny Chic” are having a moment. People are bringing back color, texture, layers, and lived-in comfort.

Grand millennial Style Kitchen Concept with green hood and island
a kitchen with some fun character, a concept art of what could be

Bringing personality back home

People want homes that feel personal, not showroom sterile.

 

Now, am I saying you can’t ever use white? Absolutely not. If you want white walls—great. Paint is one of the easiest things to change later. But when it comes to kitchens—the heart of your home, one of the most expensive rooms to remodel—think twice before you default to all-white everything.

 

White shaker cabinets are everywhere because of the popularity of the all-white kitchen trend. They’re easy to find, easy to pair, and easy to select. But you’re missing out on the opportunity to create a kitchen that feels like yours.

 

You deserve a home that reflects your personal style—a space that celebrates the heirlooms you love, that funky art piece you can’t part with, and the colors that bring you joy. You can have it all—it just takes a little more intention.

 

And that’s where thoughtful design (not trends) makes all the difference.

What to Do Instead:

Open shelving and farmhouse sink centered between large windows in a bright Redlands kitchen.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, resist the urge to play it safe. Look for ways to

  • Mix materials and finishes
  • Add warmth through wood, stone, or color
  • Incorporate elements that speak to your story, not Pinterest’s

Your kitchen should be a space you’re proud of—one that makes you smile every time you walk in.

Want to Learn How?

I walk my clients through a proven process that helps them avoid kitchen design mistakes and create rooms that feel timeless, personal, and joyful.

 

Curious about how that works?

Click here to read my step-by-step guide to designing a home that feels like you.

Show Me More

Written by:

Annie Gilman

Owner & Principal Designer of Plein Air Interior Design

Masters in Interior Architecture

Bachelors in Interior Design


I help homeowners who are remodeling create timeless, personal spaces they actually love living in — so their home finally feels like them.