Choose Your Moment
- Zelliege in Weathered White, $19.50/sq. ft.
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.
Mess around with Whites
- School House White, from $125/gallon
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.
Double down on Texture
- Domingue Architectural Finishes in Neige, from $26/liter
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.)
Add a Bright Spot
- Lew Bar Pulls, from $7
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.
Play up Curves
- Alabax Large in White, $179
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.
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.
Do Dishes the Right Way
- Quail Egg Dishes, from $26
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.
Clean up with a Vignette
- Serving Tray in Pigeon Gray, $32
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.
Leave No Space Untouched
- Handwoven Lorne Rug, from $88
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.
Let Art Play Its Part
- Knots, from $200
We’re big fans of handwoven art and believe the soft, natural fibers make these pieces ideal for the kitchen.
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.
Opt for Artful Accessories
- Tiles Tea Towel in Shell, $26
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.
Mix Things Up
- Copper Canisters, set of three, from $49
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.
Work in Wood
- Reclaimed Teak Cutting Board, from $58
For an earthy balance, layer on the wood accessories, such as cutting boards, vintage crocks filled with wooden spoons, and utilitarian cleaning brushes.
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.
Level Up
- BEKVÄM Step Stool in Birch, $20
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.
Go Twinning with the Kids
- Essential Kitchen, $649
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.
Make Cleanup a Cinch
- Dyson Cyclone v10; $599
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.
