The white kitchen is a design choice that transcends trends. Popular among those who love clean and minimal spaces, white kitchens create an airy, open ambiance thanks to their crisp coloring and expansive feel. To take things up a notch, we often see the use of subtle accents: think marble countertops or tiled backsplashes, which add texture and visual interest to a white space.
Supermodel and actor Kate Upton has used this strategy in her own white kitchen for dazzling impact. The Other Woman star posted a video on her Instagram page in her spotless, modern kitchen, and we loved how she paired smooth marble countertops and metallic appliances with subtle, black and white floral accents beneath the cabinets.
Not only do patterned and textured accents make a white kitchen space look more appealing, but experts say they are right on trend for 2024.
'Our love affair with marble continues into 2024 and this is the year where we see the drama and opulence it evokes dialed up even further,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra.
'We might be used to seeing marble in the bathroom, but this year marble moves into the kitchen, but in a lower maintenance material, porcelain. Lucky for us, we now live in an era where the beauty of marble can be replicated on porcelain tiles and boy do we have some new collections that tick all the boxes.'
Wilson says to go big with these kinds of accents; for example, choosing extra-large format tiles to maximize impact.
'Doing so means less grout lines so it provides a more seamless and sleek finish,' she explains. 'Use the tiles continuously from your countertop to backsplash to create a faultless appearance. They also can be used on kitchen islands to give the illusion of a solid stone sculpture.'
Wilson also notes that metallics are on trend this year, with the roaring '20s taking over homes. Upton has utilized silver with her oven and shiny cabinetry, but Wilson says that backsplashes are also ideal for these shiny shades.
'The ongoing trend for luxe metals means there are some eye-catching tile designs available,' Wilson states. 'If you do decide to add a metallic splashback, our recommendation is to play to the material’s strength by adding backlighting or downlighting to make the most of the glamour it affords.'
Shop the edit
Incorporating high-drama finishes via our countertops and backsplash is an impactful way to follow Upton's lead. However, we can also tap into the look with some more accessible accessories – starting with our favorites below.
