The classic white kitchen remains a staple in home design, but today’s top interior designers are rethinking the traditional monochrome look. In our recent design contest, these standout runner-ups demonstrate how to evolve the white kitchen using warm wood accents, textured tile, and unexpected metallic finishes.
A Departure from the “Usual Suspects”
When designer Leslie Davis was asked to revamp this kitchen in Hoover, there wasn’t anything inherently wrong with it. It was perfectly acceptable as functioning kitchens go, but it didn’t suit the way the owners wanted to live or their personal style. Leslie’s first move was the floor plan.
“I shuffled the layout to create one long line of cabinetry to unite the kitchen and dining spaces,” Leslie says. Custom wood cabinetry anchors the dining side and kitchen wall opposite, enveloping the central white space in a warm finish. The break in color brings both interest and distinction to the room’s varied uses.
Rooted in Place: Natural Materials Elevate the White Kitchen
Organic touches extend to material choices such as the countertops, backsplash, and tile framing the kitchen window. “The island’s River Black granite was chosen for its durability as well as contrast,” Leslie says of the sleek surface that harmonizes with veining in the perimeter countertops and backsplash. As a finishing touch, Dolomite tile extends from the backsplash to frame the kitchen window.
Blurring Boundaries
“I designed the hood with a soft, organic shape specifically to capture the texture,” she says. “I love every step of designing a custom kitchen. Like all of our work as interior designers, it’s very personal,” Leslie says. “I learn how my clients desire to live in their space.”
Why We Love It
Beyond White
Cabinetry is painted Sherwin-Williams ‘White Duck,’ while walls are ‘Accessible Beige,’ a warm neutral with creamy golden undertones that reads as a natural extension of the custom wood stain in the dining nook.
Light Focus
This kitchen was designed around natural light. Aged brass and mirrored pendants and sconces offer 19th-century character—artfully inspired pieces designed to be noticed without overly demanding attention.
Personal Touches
The tower cabinetry flanking the dining nook handles the practical storage, but the real moment lives in the open space between them. There, prints brought home from a trip to China and sculptural pieces gathered from years of travel spark curiosity and conversation.
Runner Up: Creating a Mood Beyond the White Kitchen
Designed by Tombrello Collective, a residential design company and shop in Gardendale, this warm, moody cottage kitchen brings sophistication and style to the forefront. Oxblood-red cabinets combine with dark, honed soapstone countertops and backsplash for drama and flair. Slate tile floors keep things cool underfoot. A custom island built from pine brings a handcrafted touch to the space, upping the welcoming vibe even more.
Resources
Designer: Leslie Davis; Deeply Southern Home, deeplysouthernhome.com Countertops and Tile: Maranatha Stone and Floors Light Fixtures/Lighting: Visual Comfort Cabinets: Mendez Woodworks Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group, Inc.
Design: Tombrello Collective Honed Soapstone Countertops: Stone Concepts Lighting: Mayer Lighting Island: Tombrello Collective Hardware: Brandino Brass Plumbing Fixtures: VW Supply
More Kitchen Contest Content
See our 2026 Kitchen Contest Winner HERE
