Neutral Kitchen Tour: Favorite Features and Necessities

Neutral Kitchen White Cabinets and Lantern Lights

The kitchen layout is what sold me on our house plan. The house plan is what sold me on our builder. So ultimately, you could say that this kitchen is why we are now in this home, in this neighborhood. Because I have had a lot of questions through Instagram on specifics such as the color of our granite and type of backsplash, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to share a little kitchen tour along with some of my favorite must-haves and necessities.

Neutral Kitchen White Cabinets and Stainless Steel Range Hood

My top kitchen requirements were lots of cabinet space, lots of counter space, and accessibility to the main living area. I’ve mentioned before, but being from the south, we are all about hosting platters and casserole dishes a-plenty (possibly the understatement of the year… imagine cabinets upon cabinets filled with Pyrex and Corningware). Also, because I am my mother’s daughter, I have never met a set of bowls I didn’t need.

Neutral Kitchen White Cabinets and Stainless Steel Range Hood Cream Backsplash

I am inundated with gorgeous kitchens that I lust after daily. While I am responsible for everything that went into this kitchen, I still experience pangs of kitchen envy when I see stark white, carrera marble, sub zero fridges, and farmhouse sinks. I don’t know if the aesthetic I went for in here will satisfy me forever, but my goal was practical and pretty, with a few extras thrown in. We spent more on upgrades in this space than any other space in our home… times 5 haha. What I quickly discovered is that while I knew kitchens were the most expensive part of your home, I didn’t realize just how quickly things could spiral out of control if you weren’t paying attention. We splurged in some places, but were more conservative in others. Ultimately, I am happy with all our decisions.

Neutral Kitchen White Cabinets Stainless Steel Appliances

Our refrigerator was a big upgrade from our previous side by side fridge/freezer combo. I am in love with the french doors, spaciousness, and the huge pull out freezer with drawers. If you are considering a change, you can check our model out HERE.

Samsung Stainless Steel Refrigerator in Neutral Kitchen

Our cabinets are a cream color with coffee glaze; the glaze is subtle but adds a touch of dimension. My favorite feature is that the doors and drawers are soft-close.

Cream cabinets with coffee glaze white kitchen

Another feature I had installed was a pull-out trash receptacle. It is set between the sink and dishwasher and I love not having to make room for a separate container. The drawer holds two cans; who knew how much pleasure I would get out of such a simple thing?

Pull out trash can in white cabinet

While I don’t have a big, beautiful farmhouse sink, I do love the extra deep and spacious sink we went with. And, I can still pile those flowers in for a drink of water before arranging them.

Hydrangeas in Sink in Neutral Kitchen

I keep a pretty bottle of hand soap, dish soap in a pump dispenser, and lotion on a pedestal next to the sink. The pedestal is no longer available from Crate and Barrel, but I love the idea of using this dessert stand as a soap holder. Also a necessity (in my kitchen and everywhere else in my home), are these volcano candles. You will seriously never smell anything more delicious! And, the mercury glass finish coordinates in my home perfectly.

Flowers and Hydrangeas in Sink in Neutral Kitchen

When I was picking out cabinet and drawer pulls, I agonized over brushed nickel vs. bronze vs. chrome. I ultimately went with an aged pewter which was a great compromise between each of those original thoughts. It is still in the silver steel family, but is dark enough to go with a bronzed look. A similar style can be found HERE.

I love having this island for extra counter and cabinet space. We keep several small appliances in the bottom cabinets and zip lock baggies, foil, plastic wrap, etc. in the drawers. To dress up the island a little, I opted to have bead board applied around the non-cabinet sides. Also, you may notice we keep candy in a bowl next to the Keurig on the side counter… candy from this past Halloween to be exact haha.

Neutral Kitchen with Beadboard Island

Center Island in White Kitchen Wine Lattice

This gorgeous pottery was crafted by my friend Jamie. I am fortunate that she has actually gifted me with a few pieces of her work. Isn’t that detail ridiculous?

White Pottery on Kitchen Island Neutral Kitchen

Our floors are Nottaway Hickory in Weathered Saddle in 5″ planks. While they do show a little more than I hoped, even with two pups, I am totally in love with them. They are scraped and textured which help with disguising the visibility of some debris, and knock on wood (no pun intended), we still have no scratches almost one year after having moved in.

White Kitchen Cream Cabinets Coffee Glaze Dark Floors

I love having a butler’s pantry which separates our kitchen and dining room. I keep our nice stemware in the glass cabinets, cordials and mis-matched “fun” glasses in the cabinets below, and accessories and beverage napkins in the drawers. I am hoping to do something to the back of the glass cabinets and add some lighting at some point.

butler's pantery with glass doors and granite counter top

The oyster painting was a gift from Amy Fogg Art and once spring hits, it will be moving to a more prominent spot in my living room.

Butlers Pantry Wine Lattice

I desperately wanted wine lattice, but didn’t want to compromise on shelf space in our small butler’s pantry. I opted to have it built above the stationery desk and since it is just around the corner, I haven’t missed it being in the actual butler’s pantry one bit.

Wine in Wine Lattice

Sometimes, our little desk area has a tendency to be overtaken by mail and random papers to be filed. I am hoping to get a new system in place this year to prevent that from happening. In the upper cabinets, I keep extra candles, vases, and cookbooks. Desk supplies and other typical “junk drawer items are all down below. I keep our menu board (which I try to keep updated each week- you can check out my method for weekly meal planning HERE) and “Alexis” here as permanent fixtures. We purchased “Alexis”, the Amazon Echo, when you had to be put on a wait list to be “invited” to purchase. I think she is a little easier to purchase now and you can check her out HERE. For those who aren’t familiar, “she” works similarly to Siri for iPhone, but in your home- you can ask her to play music, set timers while you are cooking, ask her questions, or even ask her to place an order for you. She is pretty much awesome! I also recently shared my apothecary jar ideas and am still enjoying the fruit I styled in these.

Wine Lattice above Stationery Desk

One of my latest additions is this sweet print from Designs by Maria. I dressed it up a little with a mirrored frame and double white matte; it was the perfect way to bring in typography while keeping it kitchen/dining appropriate. You can find this mirrored frame HERE.

Say Grace Typography Print in Kitchen

Double ovens have made life so much easier. Not only are they a huge help for larger meals such as Thanksgiving, but we cook dinner most every night. We use both even more often than I thought we would. I even love the small drawer below, which holds grill pans and accessories.

Double Ovens in White Kitchen

Because we have a breakfast nook off the kitchen, and barstools at the bar, I didn’t think it was necessary to put stools at the island. Instead, I leave this area open for more room to prep.

Kitchen Island with Granite Counter Stainless Steel Appliances

Here are our barstools; we eat dinner here and do computer and evening work here most every night. They are super sturdy and I could not be more pleased with them- we have them in the linen color and you can find them HERE. They are basically the taller version of our dining room chairs.

World Market Lydia Bar Stools Linen Neutral Kitchen

Linen Lydia Bar Stools at Bar in White Kitchen

Because we have double ovens and a range hood, we chose to install the microwave in the lower cabinets. I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it hasn’t been an inconvenience at all. In fact, I like that it is in a more inconspicuous space.

Microwave Low in White Kitchen Dark Floors

You may notice that we have outlets everywhere. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kitchen Island with Bead Board and Flowers

Instead of pendants or traditional lighting, I knew I wanted dual lanterns over the bar area. As a matter of fact, these are identical to the lanterns hanging on our front porch. Similar options can be found below:

Kitchen Lanterns

I am not a fan of much overhead lighting so I try to keep many lights on dimmers. Our under-cabinet lighting is the perfect way to bring a small amount of light to the kitchen without overhead or can lights. The builder originally installed a bright white color which went straight back and were exchanged for a soft, warm white.

Under cabinet lighting in white kitchen

To bring a little warmth into the space, and also to disguise streaks and crumbs, I went with Giallo Ornamental granite countertops. The backsplash is Puebla Travertina Beige in 3×6 tiles with Snow White grout. While I don’t have enough guts to go with a stark, white floor grout, the grout on the walls has remained bright and unstained.

Swan neck kitchen sink faucet

The wide, five-burner gas stove top was a huge help in cooking our dinners, coming from a small, four-burner range. The pot and pan drawers below have also become an absolute necessity.

Double ovens by whirlpool in white kitchen

Much like I decided against counter stools at the center island, I also decided against a chair at the stationery desk, choosing to house a small step stool in the opening instead. Our cabinets are deceptively tall, with the cabinet pulls falling directly at my eye level. Like I said, tall, but I had to have space for those casserole dishes!

Center Island with bead board in white kitchen

I still have some plans for this space, such as installing crown molding throughout the kitchen and breakfast nook, but since moving in, this remains one room I have been most content with. I tried to keep it pretty traditional in here to withstand several years to come. Most importantly, when picking out your kitchen, or any room for that matter, make sure you are designing it for you. If you prefer a contrasting island, go for it. If white marble isn’t your thing, go with a counter in which you feel comfortable cooking. If you want to renovate but can’t accomplish everything at once, prioritize areas and take your time. Whatever you choose, do it for you and what works for your family. While this may be my favorite room and I think it is perfect for our family, I know it may not suit everyone, and that is ok.

There are so many “fun” add-ons for kitchens and I hope some of my favorites have been helpful. I would love to hear about some of your favorite kitchen features in your kitchens in the comments section below! Stay tuned; another room tour will be coming soon!

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53 Comments

  1. 1.17.16
    Mrskich said:

    Wow…what a spectacular kitchen. Love everything about it. I subscribed to your updates so I don’t miss any of your blog news!!!

  2. 1.17.16
    Maria Keating (housefivedecor on Instagram ) said:

    Gorgeous kitchen tour Kelley! I love each and every choice you and your hubby made. I have the same granite in my kitchen and around my fireplace. I’m very happy with it.

    • 1.17.16

      Maria, thank you for stopping by, my friend! Great minds… 😉 Sometimes, I have an identity crisis when I seen something modern and super white (which I also really love) and have to re-love my kitchen a bit haha. I am in good company with you and we truly do love our counters. Enjoy your day, Maria!

  3. 1.17.16
    Ammu said:

    Ive never seen such gorgeous kitchen in my life. Super Stylish and perfect 🙂 i love it. This was such an inspiration. You described everything perfectly.

    • 1.17.16

      Wow! Thank you so very much for such an incredible compliment! It means a lot to have you visit. Enjoy your day!

  4. 1.17.16
    Susan said:

    Love it all! Does your friend sell her pottery?

    • 1.17.16

      Hi, Susan! Thank you! I can put you in touch with her if you want to shoot me an email 😉

  5. 1.17.16
    Gretchen Thomas said:

    I love your kitchen so much. It truly is the heart of your beautiful home! Of course, I am also pretty partial to all of your delightful bowl sets, too!

  6. 1.17.16
    Sue said:

    So pretty! I love that color granite. Everything looks so glamorous! Thanks for all the links. I love that mirrored picture frame; it went right into my cart, lol.

  7. 1.17.16
    Luxmy said:

    Kelley you kitchen is beautiful!!!!!

    • 1.17.16

      Luxmy, thank you so much and thank you for visiting! Xo

  8. 1.17.16
    Bree said:

    Absolutely stunning kitchen, Kelley!! I love the way you’ve styled it as well…not too over done but just the right amount of accessories! Must be a joy to cook in here:)). Thanks again for another wonderful post!!!

    • 1.17.16

      Bree, thank you so very much, my wonderful friend! Your encouragement is so special to me. I can’t wait to get to stop by your blog 😉 xo

  9. 1.18.16
    Mary Irby said:

    What is the name of your granite? Love it!!!

    • 1.18.16

      Thank you, Mary! It is Giallo Ornamental 😉

  10. 1.18.16
    Janice said:

    Just stunning! I adore every detail of your kitchen and appreciate the tiny details that make it so very “you”!
    Xoxo Janice
    @figandtwigs

    • 1.18.16

      Janice, thank you so much! I just adore all of YOUR wonderful details. Thank you for visiting with me!

  11. 1.19.16
    MaryJane said:

    Wow I have been following you for quite sometime now, this post about your kitchen has inspired me to de clutter mine. My twins have Cerebral Palsy and having a decluttered kitchen means easier life for my whole family. So I just want to thank you for being an inspiration.

    • 1.19.16

      MaryJane, thank you so much for following along with me; I appreciate it so much! In my last home, I had every inch of my counters lined with appliances, decor, and kitchen accessories. The tops of my cabinets also had decor filling them. When we built this home, I loved how calming and fresh my bare kitchen felt, I vowed to keep it simple and not to let clutter take over. Best of luck in simplifying your space- you will love it!

  12. 1.19.16
    Tammy said:

    I so enjoy your posts. I also agree with all, that you have a wonderful talent. I love the white cabinets and grey walls. If you work with Benjaminmoore I would love some advice on a colour that goes with HC-27 Monterey White. I can’t find one that doesn’t look blue or purple against my cabinets. There are only so many samples I can test.
    Thanks so much.

    • 1.19.16

      Thank you so much! Have you tried “Smoke & Mirrors”?

  13. 1.21.16
    Irma said:

    We are in the process of building our house and after seeing your kitchen I realized ours will be very similar, now I am excited to see the finished product! I hope it looks just as nice as your beautiful kitchen. 🙂

    • 1.21.16

      How exciting! Congratulations, Irma! I would love to see the finished product!

  14. 1.22.16
    Francine said:

    Our kitchens are so different, but yet the same. I chose espresso cabinets, Mendola granite, Harmony glass midnight backsplashes and blond wood floors. It looks like we have the same appliances too! (fyi, I live across the street from the beautiful and talented Kelley Nan) it’s so cool to see some of the upgraded/off the standard stuff I picked out in your home; it makes me feel like I chose well if a designer picked them too!!

    • 1.22.16

      Francine, I need to come by and check it out!! You are so sweet. Stay warm and snuggled in this weekend!

  15. 1.23.16
    Chelsey said:

    Kelly- I started following you on Instagram several months back and swoon over your house/style all the time! Do you have any tutorials on how to style a large coffee table? I’m have a really hard time with mine. Thanks! Chelsey

  16. 4.14.16
    Brittanie said:

    what is the exact cream color of the cabinets? I love these and your simple style and grace!

    • 4.14.16

      Hi, Brittanie! Thank you so much for visiting. Unfortunately, I do not have the exact color of the cabinets. I actually picked these out of a lineup; I am so sorry!

  17. 6.29.16

    This is just wow. I loved the designs and placements of all the things that is done here. Thanks for sharing these ideas.

  18. 8.10.16
    Monica said:

    I love everything about this kitchen! your kitchen and master bedroom are my favorites!

    • 8.11.16

      Aw, Monica, thank you so much for taking the time to share such kind words! Have a great day!

  19. 11.3.16
    Jen said:

    What a gorgeous kitchen!! Would you mind telling me what paint you have on your walls?

    • 11.3.16

      Thank you so much! It is Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams.

  20. 11.19.16
    Bubbly said:

    Hi Kelley Nan!

    I just discovered you, and can’t stop looking at your beautiful home!

    We just remodeled our entire downs stairs. Now I am in the process of putting everything back. Quite frankly, I am having a hard time putting things back because I just love the fresh clean look.

    I would like to get your ideas regarding “what’s on the inside”. Mostly, how are your kitchen cabinets arranged. What type of shelf liner do you use? I used a rubber mat (the kind you cut to size) from rubber made, but I noticed after a few years they left an imprint. We had them painted, so I do what to protect from scratching.

    Also, how do you really keep the white chairs throughout you house from getting everyday spots?

    Love the lol that you have! Very elegant and welcoming.

    Thanks!
    Bubbly

    • 11.20.16

      Thank you so much!! What a kind compliment! I totally understand; if it isn’t necessity, leave it out 😉 I actually do NOT use shelf liner. At one time, I did but it seemed to be more hassle and mess so now, I go without. The linen (off-white) fabric color helps them from looking dingy. We have been lucky thus far but I would suggest maybe trying scotchgard.

  21. 12.11.16
    Melissa said:

    What color paint did you use for your trim? This is gorgeous!!!

    • 12.12.16

      Thank you! I’m not sure of the cabinet color (I picked out of a lineup) but the trim in our entire house is Creamy by Sherwin Williams 😉

  22. 2.6.21
    Destinee said:

    Do you have a link for the backsplash? I’m in love!

    • 2.8.21

      Destinee, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a note. Here are more details on the backsplash. It’s Puebla Travertina Beige in 3×6 tiles with Snow White grout.