Painting your kitchen cabinets white is a smart design move that will likely keep you satisfied for years to come. That’s because white kitchen cabinets are classic, yet can go in a number of different design directions. From rustic farmhouse to sleek modern kitchens, going with lighter shades offers versatility and beauty. While you browse white kitchen cabinets ideas, consider what shade you like and how it would blend with the other colors and materials in your kitchen.

Choose a Direction, From Modern to Rustic White Kitchens

Settling on a white kitchen is just the beginning. From there, you can go with several different styles. Consider what you’re drawn to, as well as the overall style of your home and its natural surroundings. White shaker kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for their clean and simple look. Shaker cabinets have a recessed panel, simple hardware and little decoration — and work with most styles of kitchens. If you’re going for a more ornate look, you can try to find antique white kitchen cabinets with extra embellishments and molding (or a contemporary look-alike).

On the other hand, white is also the perfect color for modern kitchens. If you’re going for minimalist, Scandinavian style, modern white kitchen cabinets in a basic slab pattern can be very sophisticated. Add in some gold or silver hardware, and your cabinets will take on a chic contemporary look. Keep in mind that painting your cabinets white doesn’t mean the whole kitchen has to be light-colored. For a moody vibe, try pairing white kitchen cabinets with dark floors. Finally, while not strictly white, you can also go for a modern European aesthetic with white oak kitchen cabinets. This light wood pairs beautifully with white finishes for a warmer feel.

Pick a Color Palette to Match Your Kitchen’s Style

White comes in a number of different finishes, from bright glossy shades to more muted creams. In general, brighter whites work well with modern and contemporary kitchens, while off-whites and creams look best in more traditional spaces. While you browse photos, take note of kitchen paint colors that pair well with white cabinets. It’s a good idea to paint small sections of your cabinets with the paint tones you’re considering, and leave them there for a week. That way, you can see how the light in your kitchen works with certain colors. Off white kitchen cabinets are a popular choice, as they look good in most lighting.

You’ll also need to consider the best kitchen colors with white cabinets. While you can paint your walls white, beiges, creams and grays also blend nicely. For a striking look, paint your walls blue or green, or use a colorful tile backsplash to add contrast. When it comes to countertops, almost any material will pair well, from quartz to butcher block. It’s classic to pair white kitchen cabinets with granite countertops, although you may want to choose a lighter-colored granite. If you are going with stone counters, pairing them with white distressed kitchen cabinets can be a great way to achieve a more rustic look.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a kitchen with white cabinets renovation or are building a designer kitchen from scratch, Houzz has 284,117 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC and Martha O'Hara Interiors. Look through kitchen pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a kitchen with white cabinets design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful kitchen with white cabinets photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.