Table of Contents
There’s something about a cream kitchen that is both comforting and timeless.
Over the past decade I’ve attended countless kitchen industry events, and I’ve seen firsthand how this versatile neutral hue has remained an enduring favourite amidst all the changing design trends.
Cream kitchens feel light and airy, but they also evoke a sense of warmth and softness that instantly makes a space feel like home. Little wonder then that it’s a colour that has never really gone out of style.
From sleek modern spaces to charming old farmhouse kitchens, cream is a timeless shade that seamlessly bridges different styles and eras. So in this blog post, I want to share my love for cream-coloured kitchen spaces and showcase some of the many possibilities that this timeless neutral offers.
The timeless appeal of cream Kitchens
Cream kitchen cabinets truly have a classic, enduring beauty about them. The rich, warm neutral manages to straddle traditional and contemporary styles beautifully. It sometimes evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, prompting us to think of old farmhouse kitchens and other vintage spaces. Yet it also pairs wonderfully with glossy tiles, marble worktops, and modern brass fixtures. There’s something innately bright, cheerful, and flexible about cream that lends itself to almost any kitchen aesthetic.
Cream instantly makes small, dark spaces appear larger and airier, so it’s an ideal choice for compact kitchens. And in larger open-plan kitchen extensions, which can sometimes feel a little stark and sterile, cream cabinets will add a subtle warmth and cosiness.
This versatile colour also makes an excellent backdrop for displaying other décor and accessories. From brightly glazed pottery to stainless steel appliances, a cream base will highlight pops of colour and interesting textures.
While trends ebb and flow, cream remains a safe and timeless colour choice for kitchens, bringing a fresh yet familiar warmth to any space.
Classic Shaker Style Cream Kitchens
With their straightforward design and enduring quality, it’s easy to see why Shaker-style kitchens have enjoyed such popularity over the years. They manage to feel both fresh and timeless at the same time. Cream is an obvious colour choice for these spaces, helping reinforce the pared-back Shaker aesthetic.
When working in a cream palette, opt for subtle variation across cabinets, counters, and backsplashes to add gentle interest. If you’re worried a tonal cream scheme might feel too flat or boring, there are plenty of ways to inject character. Mixing up different materials is one of the easiest ways to achieve this – hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and natural stone or concrete accents will all add delightful contrast and texture.
Take this deVOL kitchen in a lofty old schoolhouse in Brixton. The cream cabinetry has been mixed with a stainless steel island to create a truly unique look. Glass pendant lighting keeps things light and airy, while open shelving filled with storage jars adds a more personal touch.
Modern Minimalist Cream Kitchens
While cream may bring to mind images of traditional country cottages, it also translates beautifully into modern minimalist spaces. This mellow hue can inject warmth and softness into sleek contemporary kitchens.
If you’re designing a contemporary kitchen, take care to keep finishes streamlined. Sleek, handleless cabinetry makes a smart style statement, while high sheen finishes will reflect light and add dimension.
Consider pairing cream cabinetry with concrete, quartz or granite worktops and continue the spare, impactful aesthetic in your choice of appliances and fixtures. Opt for integrated refrigerator and dishwasher panels over stand-alone models for a seamless built-in look.
The absence of ornamentation places the focus on the texture and pattern. So you can afford to be a little braver in your choice of worktops and backsplashes. Stainless steel or richly veined marble will provide a striking counterpoint to cream minimalist kitchen cabinets.
Mixing textures and patterns to add depth
Cream cabinets may be the headline act in your kitchen, but by adding supporting pieces in a range of textures and patterns you can create depth, which will lead to a richer visual experience.
Cream kitchens present the perfect canvas to juxtapose elements like weathered wood tabletops, nubby linen blinds, or handmade pottery. Glass or metallic finishes will catch and reflect light, adding dimensional brilliance. For example, a stainless steel prep station or a row of faceted glass pendant lights.
What colour goes with cream kitchen units?
Cream serves as a beautiful base for other accent colours. From bold hues like navy blue and emerald green, to earthy terracotta and charcoal grey or softer tones of sage and buttery yellow – you have plenty of options. The soft, warm personality of cream plays well with other shades, allowing bolder paint colours, materials or decorative elements to shine.
One of my personal favourites is creamy white cabinets, paired with veined marble worktops and brass taps and hardware. The crisp contrast looks elegant and striking. Alternatively, for a more modern rustic look try accents in burnished red or forest green.
Ultimately, cream cabinets offer a versatile starting point for a wide variety of different kitchen aesthetics. The key is choosing accent colours, materials and finishes that complement your overall vision.
What is the best worktop for a cream kitchen?
In my view, you’ll want a material and colour that complements the cabinets without overly matching or blending in. The key is finding the sweet spot between cohesion and contrast.
For a classic appeal, I love natural stone countertops paired with cream cabinetry. Options like Carrara marble or quartz look striking against off white cabinets. The subtle grey veining and creamy backdrop of the stone ties everything together beautifully. Marble also offers that coveted patina as it ages. For a lower maintenance option, today’s quartz mimics marble convincingly, offering durability and style.
Looking to make a bolder style statement? Try solid surface counters in black or matte charcoal. Stainless steel countertops channel an industrial, ultra-contemporary vibe. And let’s not overlook wood! Butchers block islands, maple counters, or rich walnut surfaces impart gorgeous organic texture. For a lighter, Scandinavian-inspired look, try oak or ash against painted cream cabinets.
There are a huge range of options. Just keep in mind your overall vision and aesthetic preferences.
How To accessorise a cream kitchen
When it comes to accessorising a cream kitchen, small flourishes can make a big decorative impact. From textiles to accent hues, carefully chosen accessories will enhance the overall aesthetic.
Here are a few ideas:
- Open shelving featuring brightly coloured cookware, tableware or storage jars.
- Textural ceramics like handmade mugs, vases, bowls and serving platters for an artisanal touch.
- Vintage rugs with intricate patterns.
- Hanging plants such as trailing ivy, ferns or herbs for organic contrast.
- Warm metallic tones in your lighting fixtures, hardware and barstools to echo the inherent warmth of cream while adding sheen.
A few final thoughts
As you pull together pieces and ideas for your space, remember to keep sight of the bigger picture. The most successful design schemes align lighting, textures, finishes and accessories to purposefully enhance (not compete with) the main foundation colour.
Hopefully I’ve showcased just a few of the possibilities a cream kitchen colour scheme offers. You can find more cream kitchen ideas and inspiration over on my Pinterest Kitchens board.
I’d love to continue the conversation on bringing this timeless neutral into your kitchen. Are you leaning traditional or contemporary? Share your kitchen dreams and dilemmas below or drop me an email!
Save to pinterest
