Are White Kitchens on the Way Out? Designers Say This New Neutral Is Taking Over

The all-white kitchen has long been considered a safe choice—but in today’s design world, it’s become increasingly controversial. Some argue it feels cold, sterile, or builder-grade, while others still insist it’s timeless and resale-friendly.

Lately, though, designers are rethinking what “neutral” really means. Rather than stark white, many are now turning to rich, earthy wood tones. When done right, kitchens with wood finishes are just as universally palatable and resale-friendly as white ones—yet far warmer, more textured, and full of character.

Here’s what designers are saying about the shift—and why wood is increasingly seen as the new neutral.

Why White Kitchens Still Work—But Aren’t the Default Anymore

We’re not here to bash the white kitchen. In some homes, they actually work really well. “There is a time and a place for white kitchen cabinets, especially when they are next to rooms that are highly saturated in color,” notes Mary Beth Sullivan, interior designer and founder of MB Sullivan Design. “They also allow for so much flexibility in other design decisions.” 

She adds that, often, her clients aren’t quite sure how much color they’re ready for, so a white backdrop opens up more space for color added elsewhere, like via a colorful oven range or kitchen island. 

At the same time, white kitchens can often read as stark, lacking personality, or even come across as a DIY project if not executed well (even if you paid a lot of money for a renovation). Shannon Askinasi, interior designer and founder of Ash & Pine Interiors, agrees that if you’re choosing a white kitchen, you’ve got to spend time choosing all the other details so your space feels custom and doesn’t fall into the cookie-cutter trap. 

“While I’ve never been one for an all-white kitchen—especially a bright white with blue undertones—I’m always up for a challenge,” she says. “In that case, I opt for warmer whites, mixing in warm colors. Right now, I’m loving taupes and earthy browns and grays to keep things just a little bit exciting.” 

Making the Switch to Wood Finishes

If you’re drawn to the timelessness and simplicity of a white kitchen, but crave a little more depth, then consider taking your cue from modern design trends and switch to more earthy wood finishes.  Think beautifully stained wood cabinets, butcher block counters, or a warm, wood island versus a cold “waterfall” island made from marble.

“Wood is beautiful, classic, and durable,” Sullivan says. “The main aesthetic consideration is balancing the wood species of the cabinet with the wood in your home. This is especially true if the kitchen has wood flooring, or when there are dominant wood elements, like beams or doors, in adjacent rooms.” 

Askinasi adds that wood details are an especially great choice in a bright home, or if your kitchen has tile flooring. She says this earthy touch can instantly make the space feel more homey, warm, and grounded. 

“Just be careful of veering into log cabin territory. When a home has wood floors and all wood cabinetry, the space can start to feel a little like a mountain house,” she says. “So if you’re not decorating your outdoorsy escape home, avoid that all-too-common pitfall by including painted cabinetry.” 

If you’re just looking to update your white kitchen for 2026 without a gut reno, Askinasi suggests experimenting with just one section. For example, swap out a single wall of your older cabinetry with wood, or maybe just your island or the floor-to-ceiling cabinets. 

“It’s a low-lift way to try out the aesthetic and play around with it—to see what you like and what you don’t before committing to redoing the whole kitchen,” she notes. 

Ultimately, the right choice is the one that considers your personal taste and the rest of your home’s aesthetic. So focus less on what’s trendy right now, and more about what will feel good to live in year after year.