White kitchens dazzle

A whiter shade of pale

Imagine a brilliant white kitchen, dazzling and fresh, awaiting your culinary skills. Gone are the days when heavy materials and dark colours dominated kitchen design – today’s kitchen trends are moving towards light and airy colours, particularly white, and it’s not just a passing phase. Homeowners are increasingly seeking out sophisticated and stylish design statements in their kitchens and appliance design seems to be at the forefront of this quest for the ultimate in seamless kitchen design co-ordination.

The all-white revolution

White kitchens can be über contemporary, retro, country or traditional, but above all they're clean and chic. In fact, they say that white is the new black. White is very in vogue at the moment – from Apple computers, to iPods, the new white Blackberry and white Mini Coopers – all very trendy, and all very white. The colour white prevents any chance of an eye stutter, especially in a small space – an all-white kitchen design allows your sight to move naturally from one thing to the next, from similar colour to similar colour, from shape to shape.

There are a number of reasons that make white the latest “it” colour for kitchens. First off, in recent years, the white kitchen is being looked at as a fixed architectural element to the home. It is often used as a classic backdrop, becoming one with the other millwork in the home. White, as we know, is often seen in architectural features in a home – in panelling, trim, doors, stairs, and so on, and in the case of white kitchens, there is often an underlying motivation to give built-in cabinetry in the kitchen a feeling of permanence. The look is one of timeless elegance – no matter what the style of the actual kitchen.

Secondly, it is easy to coordinate other design elements in an all-white kitchen – in fact, it can be described as a free-for-all design wise. White is sort of a classic "utilitarian" shade, and the kitchen is a utilitarian room to many. Also, white reflects light – brightening up the entire space and lifting one's spirits substantially, particularly in small or dark rooms. 

The third reason is because white represents purity, a reawakening, and a redefinition of kitchen design. In other words, an all-white kitchen can give a traditionally styled kitchen a more contemporary or modern aesthetic edge. It's an evolution of styling, a redefinition of what has been, into something that is fresh, exciting and above all, new. 

White appliances

Miele’s new exclusive “White Collection” is a prime example of the all-white kitchen trend and it is primed to set new standards in both open-plan kitchen-cum-living rooms and stand-alone kitchens all over South Africa. This range of appliances have been designed on the definition of the colour white – it is usually defined by what it is not – white should have no colour in it, no markings, no flaws. It is this interpretation that sits at the heart of this contemporary new range – each appliance is nothing other than sleek, pure and clean cutting-edge design and high-end functionality and durability. 

Although stainless steel has long reigned as the appliance colour of choice in modern kitchens, today’s kitchens are reverting back to the dramatically chic design statement that can be made with a pure white colour palette, where the minimalist look is taken to the extreme. State-of-the-art appliances with a sleek white gloss finish and a brilliant white aesthetic are all the rage, which are usually complemented with bright chrome handles and frames to complete their striking look.- Antonella Dési

Pictures courtesy of Miele: www.miele.co.za

Readers' Comments Have a comment about this article.  Email us now.