The Subtle Countertop Color That Works Great In A White Kitchen

White kitchen designs will never go out of style, as they perfectly embody a timeless, bright, and airy look. However, sticking too closely to an all-white theme can leave the space feeling flat or even overly sterile. Before you know it, your stark white kitchen has become out of place in your own home due to the lack of contrast and personality. Incorporating other tones and textures can prevent this from happening. But if you are afraid of adding bold colors and straying too far from the classic all-white aesthetic, you can always opt for a shade that makes a noticeable difference without going overboard. In particular, pale gray Carrara marble countertops pair well with white cabinetry, especially those painted in soft bone white. The subtle tone differences result in an understated kitchen palette that has depth and dimension but still feels light and airy. 

Since bone white is a neutral with yellow and gray-green undertones, it's easy to assume that it goes well with just about any color. While this may be mostly true since this warm, neutral shade is highly versatile, finding its match for a timeless kitchen design can actually be far more challenging. By pairing it with a pale gray countertop, however, you are guaranteed a space that feels layered instead of monochromatic. Plus, the Carrara marble's delicate gray veining brings in an interesting variation that feels organic and refined, sans overpowering the white cabinetry and other design elements in the room.

They say a white kitchen might decrease a home's value, but this is only true for an all-white design devoid of contrasting elements, as many home buyers find the monochromatic style uninteresting. The pairing of bone white cabinetry with pale gray Carrara marble is anything but dull, and that's because the visual texture the marble adds yields a careful balance between contrast and cohesion. Moreover, there's something about the subtle temperature contrast between the shades that makes the combination pleasing to the eyes. While bone white, as a color, is warmer and more nuanced than pure white, it readily complements the cool undertones of the pale gray shade of the marble. Additionally, the gentle movement evoked by the marble's veins prevents the white kitchen from appearing too uniform.

When using this combination in your kitchen, you can maximize its potential and achieve a seamless look by extending the marble to the backsplash. However, you may have to prepare a bigger budget for this project, since Carrara marble doesn't come cheap. It starts around $40 to $60 per square foot, and the cost can go even higher depending on the size you need and your location. If you're tight on budget, having the Carrara for your countertop will already suffice. Since pale gray is also a neutral shade, it won't clash drastically with whatever color or material you decide on for your backsplash.