Dreaming of a White Kitchen [in Wellesley]

There is a lot that goes into a kitchen renovation, and understanding how you use and move within the space are important parts of the design process. A busy family of six in Wellesley, Massachusetts wanted a breezy, bright, and white kitchen to update their 13-year-old home, but they also wanted warm, comfortable, and highly functional.

This is where a designer like Kelly Rogers, of Kelly Rogers Interiors, rubs her hands together and gets to work. And she nails it.

First, think textures.

Well-designed white kitchens are anything but plain. The goal with a unified palette such as this is to tastefully incorporate textures, sheens, and accents so that all pieces fit together and yet can stand on their own. The trim details on the Showhouse cabinet doors from Metropolitan Cabinet give them depth. The elegant gray veining in the Dolce Vita Quartzite countertops and backsplash provides movement and dimension. The honed silver knobs, pulls, and appliances accessorize without taking over. All are the perfect backdrop for a family gathering or a splash of seasonal decor (just ask those pink ranunculus blossoms).

Then, go easy on the appliances.

And when we say “go easy,” we mean “get the appliances that make your life easier.” And this kitchen, which includes a built-in Miele coffee maker, a Wolf range, a Bosch microwave drawer, a Thermador under-counter refrigerator drawer, and a Subzero refrigerator and freezer hidden gorgeously behind custom cabinet panels, certainly keeps life–and food–within reach. (Credit to Yale Appliance for always having what we’re looking for).

Get properly grounded.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when dreaming of white kitchens is putting in a white or light-gray stained floor. While this can work in some situations, it can make most kitchens feel too bright and airy, which can come off as cold. Since kitchens are the heart of the home, keeping a warmer toned flooring underfoot can help them feel connected to the rest of the house; it also helps bring out the lighter details with contrast and visual interest.

Accessorize with purpose.

Modern details, like the Visual Comfort Alexandra Pendant in Burnished Silver over the angled island, help define the style space, as do the faucets, curtains, and colorful accessories. One of the best features of a white kitchen is its ability to become a canvas for whatever basks upon its countertops. A kitchen this thoughtfully designed will have a hard time looking messy; it will simply look gorgeous in the process.

Find more images of this kitchen on our Houzz feature.

Are you dreaming of a white kitchen? Let’s make it a reality.