White or coloured kitchens — pros and cons, colour combinations and how to decide

White kitchens never go out of fashion, and there is a good reason for this. They are the most versatile and functional choice you can make for a kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at the reason that white continues to be the preferred choice of architects and designers all over the world.

A white kitchen is brighter and makes the space seem larger

The first and most obvious advantage of a white kitchen is its ability to amplify natural light. White reflects light rather than absorbing it, and the result is that it makes even small spaces feel bright and airy. If your kitchen has few windows or is north-facing, a white kitchen can transform the mood of the room.

The optical effect of magnifying the space is another key strength. White visually “expands” the space, making even a small kitchen seem bigger. This trick is particularly valuable in modern apartments, where every square metre counts.

A white kitchen with a gloss finish further magnifies the impact. The reflective surfaces create light effects that enhance the feeling of space and of a modern style. It is an ideal solution if you want to achieve a sophisticated, contemporary look.

A white kitchen never goes out of fashion

A white kitchen is like a little black dress: always elegant, always appropriate. White is a neutral colour, which gives you a multitude of options for mixing colours. You can change the style simply by introducing different accessories, fabrics or wall colours, without replacing the entire kitchen.

Whether you prefer a minimalist, classic, country or industrial style, white adapts perfectly to any aesthetic. It withstands passing trends, which means your kitchen will never look dated, even years down the line.

If you are looking for a kitchen that will stand the test of time, like an Ar-Tre kitchen, this timelessness is a good investment, because a white kitchen retains its value over time.

How to choose the right white kitchen

Not all whites are the same, and at Ar-Tre we know this very well. In modern white kitchen collections you will find a sophisticated range of shades to suit a variety of different aesthetic and practical requirements.

The modern kitchen collections include Sky, with White Artic and Ivory lacquer finishes, which are two different interpretations of white. Ivory is a warm, cosy white, perfect for those who want a look that is both welcoming and modern. White Artic, on the other hand, is a contemporary, optical white, ideal for rooms with a more geometric, minimalist style. Utopia bianco is another option, adding a tactile dimension with its textured finish.

If you prefer natural colours, the Up Design collection offers a selection of beautiful white coloured woods. Nodo bianco retains the natural grain of the wood, creating interesting textures, while Noce talco has a more even finish with its elegant vertical grain. Rovere bianco and Olmo artic complete the range, offering a natural look with horizontal grain that retains the brightness of white while maintaining the warmth of wood. Finally, the smooth matte white lacquer and gloss white finishes offer even more choice and can adapt to any style you may choose.

Each finish has its own character and can be interpreted differently. Take a look at the modern kitchen collections to find out which shade of white best reflects your taste and fits in with the rest of your home.

Colour combinations for a modern white kitchen

Once you have chosen white as the main colour for your kitchen, you have a world of creative options to choose from. The beauty of this choice lies precisely in the freedom to play with different colour combinations, creating different moods every time, while maintaining a sophisticated, neutral base.

A grey and white kitchen is one of the most stylish and contemporary combinations you can create. Grey, in its various shades, adds depth and personality without dominating the room. You could opt for white wall units and grey base and tall units, or alternate both colours to create an interesting visual rhythm.

A white worktop in the kitchen creates colour continuity and maximises the clean visual lines, which works extremely well with coloured cabinet doors or when the central island needs to dominate the space. Conversely, a dark worktop that contrasts with white cabinet doors gives more definition to the volumes and adds personality to the kitchen as a whole. Selecting different materials can totally transform the look of your white kitchen.

Do not forget the importance of lighting — warm lights can turn a cold white kitchen into a warm and welcoming room, whereas neutral lighting highlights a clean, modern design. Combining different sources of light — ambient, functional and mood lighting — enables you to change the lighting to meet different needs during the day.