Trend Alert: How to Achieve the Ultimate Neutral Kitchen

Neutral kitchens are all the rage right now. We show you how to take the look to the next level with paint, texture-adding accessories, and more

Written by Chantal Lamers April 17, 2019
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Choose Your Moment

Just like any other space, a neutral kitchen calls for a statement piece. In this space, it comes in the form of a backsplash featuring Cle Tile’s glimmering glazed terracotta in Weathered White. The beloved antidote to white subway tile comes in a range of color and textural variations for results that range from super simple and cohesive to wildly varied.
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Mess around with Whites

Varying cool with warmer whites in a kitchen can also help create depth. To warm up the cool tile, we used Farrow and Ball’s new classic School House White paint for its comforting cream finish, which also pairs perfectly with two other hallmarks of a style-forward neutral kitchen: natural wood and brass.
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Double down on Texture

If your neutral space calls for an understated dose of texture, lime washed walls are a widely under-tapped solution. The eco-friendly wash–popularized in Europe–is subtle, semi-transparent, and varies as light passes through the room. In this kitchen, the walls are brushed with four coats of Domingue’s Neige for a subtle finish. (Tip: The darker the color, the deeper the texture will appear.)
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Add a Bright Spot

The square hardware of the drawer pulls is classic and ages gracefully. We love it in brushed brass and matte black, but it comes in other finishes as well.
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5 of 18 Courtesy of Schoolhouse Electric

Play up Curves

Keep in mind that a minimal space calls for reserved but remarkable lighting fixtures. The Alabax Large from Schoolhouse Electric is the perfect balance between sculptural and understated.
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Use Timeless Pieces

A classic pendant never goes out of style. Plus, it’s a great way to add low lighting to a kitchen workstation.
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Do Dishes the Right Way

Dinnerware offers up another opportunity to add interest you your space. Even if your taste veers neutral, you can mix up the palette with whites and off whites, beige, pale grays, and speckled patterns. This collection includes vintage Dasnk and Heath Ceramics, mixed among pretty pieces by Sarah Kersten.
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Clean up with a Vignette

Corral soap dispensers, sponges, and cleaning brushes in one spot with a stylish tray. For added character, use small secondhand crocks to stash sponges and brushes. An old French latte bowl makes a great soap dish, too.
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9 of 18 Courtesy of Anthropologie

Leave No Space Untouched

The floor is another opportunity to build on the neutral color scheme. Keep in mind you need a rug that will also stand up to foot traffic and can disguise the occasional spill. For all of the above reasons, we say layer on a natural fiber, such as jute.
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Let Art Play Its Part

We’re big fans of handwoven art and believe the soft, natural fibers make these pieces ideal for the kitchen.
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11 of 18 Schoolhouse Electric

Clean up Real Nice

Even minimalists have to do the dishes. This simple but graphic wood-handled dish drying rack was made with them in mind.
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12 of 18 Courtesy of Jenny Pennywood

Opt for Artful Accessories

Sustainably made in San Francisco with water-based inks, Jenny Pennywood tea towels are some of our favorites. Graphic and durable, the arty cotton towels are a simple way to incorporate another neutral or a pop of color.
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13 of 18 Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Mix Things Up

Don’t get too caught up in using the same tones. Think outside the traditional neutral palette with warm copper touches by way of a tea kettle, utensils, pots, or canisters.
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14 of 18 Courtesy of Terrain

Work in Wood

For an earthy balance, layer on the wood accessories, such as cutting boards, vintage crocks filled with wooden spoons, and utilitarian cleaning brushes.
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15 of 18 Courtesy of Wild Minimalist

Merge Form with Function

If you’re going have to clean, our vote is to do so in style. This mini wood hand broom and dustpan set is a looker on the countertop and pretty handy, too.
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16 of 18 Courtesy of IKEA

Level Up

A hard-working step stool is a must-have in any kitchen and our go-to also happens to be an affordable Ikea staple. Bonus tip: Add a coat of paint if you’re itching to add a pop of color.
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Go Twinning with the Kids

Milton and Goose’s Essential Play Kitchen is the ultimate clash-free splurge for little chefs (and their Montessori-loving parents). The heirloom worthy mini kitchens–each handmade in Pennsylvania–come in white or a soft shade of blue. This version is decked out with vintage enamelware accessories purchased from the flea market.
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18 of 18 Courtesy of Dyson

Make Cleanup a Cinch

If the secret to a happy family is a clean home, the Dyson Cyclone is a family’s best friend. We love it for two reasons: The copper finish looks great, and its handheld mode makes for efficient vacuuming around the house.
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