Bored Of Your Monochromatic Kitchen? Here's How To Give It A Quick Update

There was a time when monochromatic kitchens felt like a breath of fresh air. However, their drawbacks have become more glaring these days, and some designers say they need aesthetic tweaks to stay relevant. Fully or nearly all-white kitchens — or those dominated by shades of any single color — need touches of visual interest and personality to keep them from feeling flat and lifeless. 

You're not alone if you feel like the trend can get too impersonal — and even anonymous. In an exclusive interview, Erika Dale, House Digest's interior design expert and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, concurs that the once-trendy kitchen design aesthetic, which peaked in popularity in the 2010s, has since fallen out of favor. "Plagued by a lack of interest and a standoffishness, these bland white-on-white-on-white spaces quickly fell out of fashion in favor of more thoughtful, well-curated interiors with character and dynamic, layered color palettes (even the neutral ones!)," she said. Fortunately, there's an easy way to remedy this lack of warmth, personality, and depth, according to Dale. To quickly update your monochromatic kitchen, add depth and texture with wood pieces, fixtures, or art in warm tones or contrasting colors. 

The most ambitious homeowners may completely remodel a monochromatic kitchen, with a major upgrade ranging from $10,000 to $60,000. If you're not ready for a full upgrade, adding small touches, such as natural wood, is a budget-friendly way to give a monochromatic kitchen some character. "In order to pull off a sleek, modern space that doesn't fall into the trap of being boring or one-note, warmth and nuance are key," Dale explained in her exclusive interview with House Digest. "Natural wood tones or warm-undertoned hues layered in will help bring even the most streamlined looks to life."

For less than the cost of a full-scale renovation, you can also paint parts of the kitchen in warmer tones, or refresh your kitchen by adding texture with wooden countertops or a new backsplash. Add some thrifted rustic decor, such as wooden cutting boards, bowls, or crates. "If you are working in neutrals, incorporate natural wood tones in a stain that suits your aesthetic and then layer in earth tones with warmer undertones like cream, beige, taupe, and brown in accessories, paint colors, and any new finishes that fit the budget," Dale shared.

To add a touch of personality, hang some art in the kitchen. "If you're open to adding color, bring your home's personality to the kitchen by adding pops of color in artwork and accessories on top of a layered neutral palette with warm tones," Dale offered. On a practical note, position your artwork away from the sink or the oven to prevent heat or water damage. Another route is leaning into accessories like lighting options or items displayed on open shelving or cabinets. Even contrasting solid-colored tea towels, containers, or utensils can provide the vibrancy you seek.