A Fresh Take On The Classic White Kitchen

The popularity of the classic white kitchen refuses to wane, but this version offers a lesson in keeping it fresh.

“Doing something classic is never wrong,” says designer Elizabeth Bennett, who, along with Mallory Robins, leads the design firm Kobel + Co. “This kitchen isn’t bright white — it’s very creamy.

Everything is warm, with pieces that have patina peppered in.”

The home sits on a golf course with a beautiful view, but the 1990s Provençal aesthetic didn’t vibe with the current owners’ vision. The Kobel + Co reno makes an oversized island the star of the show, which has a mushroom-hued Lacanche range, pullouts for spices and oils, and dedicated slots for custom cutting boards.

The nearby back kitchen is designed as an additional workspace. Shelves with stacks of locally made dishware float in front of the new windows. “For a collected feel, we incorporated pieces with a bit of age that the client loves,” says Mallory of the handmade dishes. “She was looking for a fresh start, but her new kitchen still reflects her and her family.” The butcherblock island with turned legs and a woven pendant are farmhouse touches.

The kitchen has a symmetrical look, with fridges bookending the windows. Brass accents keep the white palette from looking sterile.

On a striking feature wall are the client’s go-to cookbooks. “The cookbook wall is almost like art,” says Elizabeth. “The books are beautiful and fit with the breezy style of the house.”

The tone of the French range warms up the white palette; a custom riveted vent hood has updated country style.

Keep scrolling to shop the look!

Ludlow Stripe Flatweave runner in Sepia-beige by Lauren Ralph Lauren. $410. Wayfair Canada

Balmain Aluminum bar and counter stool in Iron and Sand Textured Linen Weave. From $1,265. RH

8″ Massey drawer pull in Unlacquered Brass. $68. Rejuvenation

Extra-large Corinne Woven Hanging Shade pendant in Soft Brass and Natural Wicker by Marie Flanigan. Approx. $3,603. Visual Comfort

Campo bridge faucet with Side Spray in Italian Brass by House of Rohl. $2,180. Robinson Lighting & Bath

Louis Vintage basins. $159 each. Hauer Market

Medium Rui sconce in Hand-rubbed Antique Brass and Linen Shade by Amber Lewis. Approx. $1,001. Visual Comfort

55″ Sully range in Frangipane with Brass Handles by Lacanche. $34,310. The French Barn

The Hawthorne Walnut End Grain Over-the-counter cutting board. From $380. Deer Park Woodwork

Swiss Coffee (OC-45), Benjamin Moore