Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- The white kitchen looks neat and fresh, and the constant change of color accents (fruits, flowers, fabric) will not let you get bored.
- The visual effect of expanding the space is created, which is especially important for a small-sized kitchen in an apartment.
- A kitchen with white kitchen fronts, depending on texture, material and details, can be matched to any design style.
Minuses:
- Soiling of a white surface, fingerprints on a glossy finish. Such a set requires more attention when cleaning, but washing away stains is no more difficult than with colored kitchen furniture, so it is important to choose high-quality material.
- Association with the hospital. This is possible if there is an abundance of color, so it is worth giving up opaque white curtains and tablecloths.
- The kitchen with white fronts has become typical due to the fashion for the Scandinavian style.
The choice of material for the body and facade
Due to the fact that a white kitchen set should be not only aesthetically attractive, but also functionally durable, you need to seriously approach the choice of the appropriate material. The life of the furniture depends on the strength of the case, most often it is made by MDF, chipboard and wood.
- Kitchen set made of wood with proper care, it does not absorb moisture, is malleable to grinding, withstands mechanical application of force, temperature changes. It is an environmentally friendly material that has a long service life. The obvious disadvantage is the cost and heavy weight, bulkiness.
- MDF panels consist of environmentally friendly waste: resin and shavings, as well as decorative and protective coatings (film, plastic, paint). After solid wood, it is the best choice for a kitchen with its temperature characteristics.
- Chipboard set widespread, its panels are a compressed chipboard and laminated product. Subject to the production technology and proper installation, the chipboard is resistant to the microclimate of the kitchen, this is the cheapest option of the kitchen case worthy of attention. When the edges and protective coating are deformed, the chipboard easily swells, deforms and exudes harmful resins.
White fronts are made from the same materials as the body, as well as from plastic and acrylic, which are easy to clean and are not afraid of scratches.
Glossy or matte kitchen set?
Glossy white kitchen set looks stylish, reflects light, creates a mirror effect. Such a facade requires frequent polishing with a soft cloth, and it is better to select the fittings so that the hand does not come into contact with the surface of the facade.
A matte white kitchen set in the interior is more practical, handprints are not so noticeable, but you still need to wipe the facade.
Matte and glossy surfaces can be combined in one headset, for example, the bottom can be matte, and the top ⎯ glossy.
Features of the choice of the shape of the headset
The choice of kitchen configuration with white facades depends on the size of the room and the layout.
- Linear The (straight) set can be small in length (up to 2.5 m) and fit compactly into a small kitchen. Everything is in one line: sink, stove, work surface. Long headsets (up to 4 m) are placed along the wall of the spacious kitchen and make room for a large dining table and lounge area.
- Corner white kitchen sets practically organize the space, look versatile in any style, are distinguished by the presence of deep side cabinets and a sink or stove in the corner. The corner set is complemented by a bar counter if it is a small kitchen, or an island part if it is a spacious room.
- U-shaped kitchen furniture is placed on three adjacent walls, it is appropriate in a rectangular kitchen of small and large sizes, as well as in a studio apartment. If you choose a U-shaped headset, the dining table is located in the living room or in a separate dining area. White fronts without fittings create a sense of walls and spaciousness in the room.
- Ostrovnoy the headset assumes the presence of a table in the center of the room and is appropriate in private and country houses, which implies the presence of a separate room or area for eating. The kitchen island serves as an additional desktop, where it can be placed, a sink, stove, cutting boards and utensils, or serve as a bar counter. The style, texture and shade of the island should match the kitchen set.
Combination with wallpaper, curtains, decor
Wallpaper
Wallpaper for the kitchen needs to be bought with high density and washable (vinyl, non-woven and glass wallpaper, which can also be repainted). White furniture is neutral and will work well with almost any wall color.
For a modern kitchen in white tones, wallpaper with graffiti, collage or photo wallpaper, 3D wallpaper as an accent on one wall is suitable.
Pastel shades, small patterns, monochrome and bright patterns will create the mood of the kitchen and the backdrop for the kitchen set.
Curtains
Curtains transform the kitchen at a minimum cost, warm shades make the room brighter, and cold ones help balance the sun's rays.
The interior of the kitchen with a white set is combined with curtains to match the color of the walls (where the curtains are 2-3 tones darker), a more economical option is to choose curtains to match the color of the kitchen set, since the wallpaper can be changed, but the set will remain. This is a win-win option, but you need to give preference to white light curtains (muslin, tulle, cotton curtains), rather than thick curtains that may resemble a hospital ward.
In a white interior, a window can become the center of attention due to colored curtains or bright stripes on a milky background.
Curtains should absorb odors as little as possible, not interfere with light access, passage to the balcony, and be fireproof. Cropped white and beige curtains, cafe curtains, Roman curtains look good. Lambrequin can be tough or not too fluffy.
Decor
The design of a kitchen with a white set can often be changed due to decorative elements (potholders, towels, tablecloths, flowers and fruit vases). Also, a chalk board, paintings, clocks, wallpaper, plates, inscriptions, stickers, mirror mosaics will be appropriate.
Furniture fittings should overlap with the style of the kitchen and other items, for example, glass handles are appropriate on cabinets with a stained glass insert, and chrome-plated ones look good with the same mixer.
What style is it suitable for?
A glossy set with straight lines will suit a modern style, it will go well with bright photo wallpaper, white brickwork, metal fittings and chrome kitchen appliances.
The hi-tech style is created with the help of a white headset and functional decor items (chalk board, chandeliers), and minimalism and Scandinavian with the help of closed kitchen facades.
Provence, country and classic style implies natural materials, white furniture made of solid wood or MDF with carvings is suitable here. Rustic style is created with the help of wall plates, wildflowers, knitted tablecloths, embroidered kitchen napkins and curtains.
White color in the classics is complemented by gilded fittings, graceful legs and expensive upholstery (leather, brocade, velvet), the more luxurious the kitchen furniture, the more neutral the wallpaper.
Art Deco creates an abundance of white, black and white patterned flooring and glass surfaces (apron, table, accent wall).
Lighting features
Light sources play an important role in the perception of the final result. Lighting should be good near the work area, above the kitchen sink, in the eating area, so it is important to organize multi-level lighting. Where the lamps will be placed must be planned along with the headset project, taking into account the height of the cabinets and their placement.
The main ceiling light isn't the only one and won't be enough to get the glare from the white headset. The brightness of the light should be adjustable, then you can arrange a dinner in the twilight, or adjust the maximum lighting during cooking.
Ceiling additional lighting can be spot or strip with LEDs (the light should be neutral and even).
To illuminate the desktop, you can use furniture lamps that are mounted on the lower part of the upper case.
The length-adjustable ceiling chandelier can be positioned directly above the dining table. The lampshade and decoration should not be made of fabric, this will complicate cleaning, finishing with glass or plastic will be appropriate.
The white kitchen set looks beautiful with frosted or stained glass inserts and internal LED lighting in the top cases and drawers when opened, which consumes little energy and does not heat up. Open shelves will be decorated with LED strip or spotlights.
Photo gallery
With the help of white, you can experiment with the interior of the kitchen, decorate the walls and ceiling in an original way, as well as select colorful decor and textiles. Below are photo examples of the use of a white headset in kitchen design.