Out with the White In with the Hues

In a world full of white kitchens (which we still love), the unexpected is trending. From bold colors to vibrant patterns, hued appliances and statement furniture, we tapped local interior design experts to share what homeowners can do to elevate these much-loved, high-traffic spaces and satisfy any kitchen (revamp) craving. Their ideas outlast any trend to inspire something absolutely timeless.

Singing The Blues

Designs by BSB, Alpharetta

To modernize a dated ’90s kitchen, Becky Sue Becker, owner and principal designer, oversaw a complete overhaul to merge aesthetic refinement with practical design solutions. While embracing the timeless appeal of a soft palette, this project redefines the white kitchen trend through distinctive features such as a statement-piece backsplash, a showstopping cast stone hood and sparkling polished nickel lighting.

These elements add color to the white space while driving a sophisticated feeling, elevating it beyond standard conventions and certainly amping up the idea of anything traditional. It evokes charm and functionality without being too loud. Translation: This trend is timeless.

Becky Sue’s Tip: Before starting a remodel, collect photos of elements that resonate with you. It will help clarify your preferences and goals. Then, enlist a certified kitchen designer to guide you through refining those ideas and transforming them into reality.

General Contractor: Level One Construction
Knobs and Pulls: Jeffrey Alexander Hardware
Lighting: Capital Lighting Fixture
Appliances: Sewell Appliance
Cast Stone Hood: Artistic Artisans

Favorite Finds

Backsplash: LILI, Nora Cement
Pro Range Top: Wolf
Kitchen Island Cabinets: Medallion Platinum Series in Gale

Orange is the New White

LeVine’s Designs, LLC, Milton

Even with plenty of white, this kitchen design is a happy and colorful refresh. Pairing contemporary decorative wood elements with acrylic white cabinetry—and a whole lot of bold, geometric prints and bright color—this father-daughter design team transformed a traditional kitchen and breakfast nook into something no one will ever call boring.

The teal tiles complement the use of orange throughout the space, while affordable accessories make this look attainable (and easy to update). The seamless design across both spaces nods to contemporary and mid-century modern aesthetics, ensuring it will never go out of style.

Melissa’s Tip: Balance out bold design choices with a neutral foundation, like this space’s white cabinetry and wooden accents against the colorful decorative elements.

Lead Designer: Melissa LeVine, LeVine’s Designs, LLC , @levines_designs
Fabrication and Installation: Melissa LeVine and Eli LeVine 

Favorite Finds

Backsplash: Bedrosians’ Sorrento line in Turchese
Breakfast Nook Wallpaper: Spoonflower, Triunity #6a Wallpaper by Tonya Newton
Breakfast Nook C: Amazon, ONEVOG Velvet Dining Chairs in Orange
Pendant Lights: Amazon, Gute Swinging Humanoid Light Fixture Ceiling Light

Wood-Washed White

RSZ Design + Development, Clermont

On the surface, this may look like a white kitchen—but it’s really not! With the soft, neutral foundation that nods to the traditional trend, lead designer Rosa Santiago Zimmerman took that idea up a notch. Now, with white oak custom cabinets, a custom-designed and fabricated black metal hood with hand-forged antique brass accents and the distressed stain of the island, this new space exudes elegance to span any trend.

Honed leather countertops on the island combined with polished quartz tops on the perimeter with a waterfall feature at the end work together to lend a high-end look that can be dressed up, down or not at all.

Rosa’s Tip: The biggest impact in a kitchen is a backsplash tile! There are many big box suppliers that offer outstanding products for good prices. Hit up YouTube and watch DIY videos on how to install it. It’s not hard, and anyone with a little effort can change the look of their kitchen over a weekend.

Lead Designer and General Contractor: Rosa Santiago Zimmerman and RSZ Design + Development
Project Manager: Steven Zimmerman
Design Plans and Renderings: Visualize Renderings

Favorite Finds

Island Counter Top : Taj Mahal Honed Leather, Installed by Top Tops Atlanta
Backsplash: Viviano Marmo Nova Dolomite Brass Polished Marble Mosaic, Floor & Decor, Installed by Epic Custom Tile Works
Hood: Designed by Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, Fabricated by Pirkle Sheet Metal

Green with Envy

JPO Interiors, Avondale

If there was ever proof you don’t need white cabinets for a timeless kitchen, it’s this space by lead designer and project manager Jenny Ochotnicky. Her clients wanted a comfortable space that was clean and crisp but also had character and felt timeless, modern and homey. Her solution is threefold; gorgeous green cabinets, a statement-making wood-finished island and natural stone countertops bleeding into the backsplash.

Each works to bring more character to a space that gets filled with lots of people, a lot of the time. Just one of these three trends can warm up any white kitchen, but Ochotnicky shows off that it works to do them all.

Jenny’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to use color and mix trends. Also, if you love it, do it. At the end of the day it’s your home and if you see something and feel inspired by it, go for it.

Builder: Bradford Custom Homes 

Favorite Finds
Cabinet Color: Vintage Vogue, Benjamin Moore
Island Pendants: Ruhlmann 18 inch,Visual Comfort
Counter Stool: Hollis Metal Framed Upholstered Bar Stool, Interior Define

Time Capsule Trending

Gina Sims Designs, Sandy Springs

Not all decades need to be left in the past—especially when they were as colorful and eye-catching as the ’80s. Designer Gina Sims’ client was inspired by the era’s famous design motifs, like bright and bold primary colors and wild geometric patterns, so her team focused on highlighting those elements in a way that gives this kitchen staying power.  

With warm woods trending, Sims chose a flat panel walnut cabinet with integrated handles and a gray top to cool down some of the warmth. Using 4-inch white square tiles was a no-brainer—the black and white grid pattern is a classic of the ’80s—and then they had space to punch it up with red overhead sconces and an awesome yellow range.

Gina’s Tip: Compare what you love with what you have and determine what will be the biggest bang for the buck. A new backsplash, piece of art or light fixture can make a huge difference. Start there!

Favorite Finds

Range: Bertazzon
Red Fixtures: Cedar & Moss
Cabinets: Dove Studio

In The Mood Hues

Blessed Little Bungalow, Atlanta

This new construction kitchen was originally bland, beige and drenched in dark cabinets. Designer Amber Guyton immediately decided to paint them a bold color that wasn’t too bright or distracting from the rest of the house. It added a sultry pop of color, complemented by new brass cabinet pulls and amazing lighting.

Although on the smaller side and lacking much direct sunlight, color was the solution to make the space feel brighter and more inviting. In a world where white, neutral kitchens lead the pack in solving this issue, Amber proves that colorful kitchens (and showstopping wallpaper installations) are a trend worth the intrigue.

Amber’s Tip: Paint is the most affordable way to make a big impact. Sometimes homeowners are afraid to paint cabinets or add color in a space because of its permanence, but if you like color, add color! You deserve to live in a joyful home.

Favorite Finds
Cabinet Color: Clare Trim Paint, Current Mood
Counter Stools: Statements by J
Lighting Installation: All Hands, Lots of Appeal
Cabinet Hardware: CB2