Table of Contents
- Tips to Make a White Kitchen Look Expensive
- Upgrade The Splashback
- More Luxury White Kitchen Ideas UK
- Modern White Kitchen Design Tips
- How To Style A White Kitchen On A Budget
- Colour Pairing Guide To Make a White Kitchen Look Premium
- Premium White Kitchen Worktops on Budget
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
“Everything white is too plain and boring.” Have you also got this when planning your white home interior? Cause I got plenty when I was renovating my home. Some would say, “How do you make a white kitchen look expensive? That’s too much work!”
But today, after a successful premium kitchen makeover on a budget, I can say that a white kitchen is a blank canvas — calm, bright, and full of potential. However, it can also look a bit soulless if everything’s flat and shiny. So it is important you all know the trick!
Give it character. Yes, don't be shy. Add texture, warmth and even contrast here and there so it feels designed, not just fitted. A good worktop, smart lighting and the right materials are all that are needed to turn your plain white into an expensive-looking kitchen.
Tips to Make a White Kitchen Look Expensive
Invest In Quality Worktops
Your worktop has great potential to set the mood for the whole kitchen. Worktops are in fact one of the main surfaces that differentiate a simple kitchen from a luxury kitchen. It is also the first thing people notice. Worktop surfaces catch light and tie the design together. So it does make sense when you choose your worktop material with time. Popular choices in British kitchens are Carrara Quartz, Calacatta Gold Quartz and Cream Granite countertops. The first two are manmade surfaces that are made to resemble marble. They look elegant and timeless without the fuss of real marble. Granite worktops add a gentle richness that keeps the space from feeling stark. These worktops introduce depth and character through veining and natural patterns.
Go for subtle contrasts in tone, a creamy or veined surface against crisp white cabinetry gives the illusion of depth and luxury.
Click Here to Book Your Free Personal Consultation
PURE WHITE QUARTZ
£314.00
Pure White Quartz will be the optimal choice. The Pure White Quartz slab design is inspired from Classic Bianco marble which is renowned worldwide and used in various historical designs. The quartz slab recreates the look with additional perks like… read more
WHITE METALLIC QUARTZ
£338.30
White Quartz is available in a variety of trendy, smooth metallic surfaces. These revolutionary finishes are created to look and sound like natural materials, giving you the look you want at a price you can afford. Sparkling White Quartz is a… read more
WHITE MIRROR QUARTZ
£293.75
White Mirror Quartz is ideal for anyone looking for a white work surface but prefers something less clinical than plain white. To help bring your kitchen to life, our extensive range of white mirror quartz features a reflective mirror fleck… read more
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting transforms everything, even a simple kitchen into a premium white kitchen. Light makes or breaks a white kitchen. If you get it wrong, everything can feel dull. On the other hand, if you are able to execute it well, you can bring your entire dead room alive. If you wanna know the trick, it is simple. Just layer it. Each type of light has its own contribution and adds something different. Ceiling spots or pendants give you your base glow. For keeping space practical, install under-cabinet lights. You can also go for glass-cabinet LEDs that bring a bit of polish. Stick to warm white tones. This makes your kitchen feel homely and welcoming, instead of clinical.
Keep reading more to find out how do you make a white kitchen look expensive.
Upgrade The Splashback
Our splashback is another opportunity to add visual interest. Most British homes would see tiles for a kitchen splashback in the past. These days we have a lot of options in the market for all types of themes:
Some like a seamless, hotel-style effect. Marble or quartz is the best for those categories.
Other sleek options are glass splashbacks in soft metallic or frosted finishes
To invite subtle drama, go for herringbone or metro tiles with contrasting grout.
It is important to choose a splashback that aligns with your kitchen. With the right guidance you can choose something that can easily make your simple kitchen look designer-grade.
More Luxury White Kitchen Ideas UK
Add Texture Through Finishes
If you have been told that a luxury white kitchen is just about colour, I’m sorry to break it to you harshly, but IT'S NOT! There are so many other elements that count. Light, material, texture – everything should work together. You can also mix multiple finishes to give your space personality. Matt cabinets with a polished quartz worktop. Or, pair high-gloss doors with brushed brass handles. Trust me on this. It exudes glamorous vibes. If you want more subtle details – use ribbed glass, reeded panels, or handcrafted tiles. These items bring quiet sophistication.
Next Read: How to Find a Perfect Match for My White Kitchen Cabinets
Incorporate Natural Elements
In my opinion, there is nothing that can make a white kitchen feel more grounded than a bit of nature. If you’re after something more relaxed, throw in a few wooden touches and black fittings. That mix of crisp white and earthy texture gives you the kind of luxury white kitchen that looks easy but feels expensive. This is one grounded answer for how you make a white kitchen look expensive. How do you make a white kitchen look expensive?
Modern White Kitchen Design Tips
Choose Statement Handles And Fixtures
How do you make a white kitchen look expensive? It’s the little touches that make a premium white kitchen stand out. Ditch the standard chrome handles and go for brushed brass, matte black, or antique gold. These instantly give your cabinets a bespoke, design-led look. A sleek tap — perhaps a swan-neck or industrial style, can add a subtle hint of luxury without breaking the bank. Even a black sink or Quooker tap can completely shift the mood. Keep your finishes consistent; matching taps, handles, and lighting make everything feel thoughtfully tied together — the mark of a luxury white kitchen.
Next Read: How to Warm Up a White and Grey Kitchen
Consider A Feature Island
Got a bit of space in your kitchen? Then why not make it count? Add a polished white quartz top, and you’ve got elegance, depth, and a bit of quiet confidence. Hang a few pendant lights above, and suddenly the space feels pulled together — stylish but still lived-in. Wouldn’t you want that balance?
Style With Minimal But Elegant Decor
This goes universal in designing – minimal in luxury. You might have noticed that the best interiors are the ones that never look crowded. The same goes for kitchens. Style them, don't stuff. Just select a few accessories that tell a story you like. Like what? Something simple like a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of bright lemons. Even a lovely wooden board leaning by the splashback can do it for you. If you’re not sure where to start, add plants. A few herbs in stone pots or a trailing green on a shelf can change everything — they breathe life into a premium white kitchen without trying too hard. Plants add life and warmth instantly.
Add Colour Subtly
A white kitchen doesn’t have to mean “all white everything”. Layering soft hues, greys, beige, blush, or sage adds warmth and sophistication. You could introduce these tones through:
Bar stools in a muted colour
Artwork or ceramics
Warm-toned pendant lights
A feature wall in soft taupe or off-white
The trick is to maintain a calm palette that feels deliberate and designer-led, not stark or mismatched.
ButHow do you make a white kitchen look expensive on a budget? Does everything have to be pricey? Let’s see…
ROSE QUARTZ SEMI PRECIOUS
£2,372.75
Rose Quartz Semi Precious Stone Slab is a fantastic decorative stone slab that is popularly used by both residential homeowners as well as commercial property owners. It has a soft visual appearance that features repetitive designs created by colours like… read more
LAPIZ LAZULLI SEMI PRECIOUS
£4,060.25
Lapiz Lazulli Semi Precious Stone Slab has a striking visual appearance created by deep blue colour. This stunning decorative stone slab is popularly used by both residential homeowners as well as commercial property owners. Also, this stain-resistant semi-precious slab is… read more
AMETHYST SEMI PRECIOUS
£2,654.00
Amethyst Semi Precious Stone Slab is a fantastic decorative stone slab that is popularly used by both residential homeowners as well as commercial property owners. It has a striking visual appearance that features repetitive designs created by varying shades of… read more
How To Style A White Kitchen On A Budget
Don’t Forget Lighting Temperature And Reflections
It is not necessary that you must have a bank-breaking budget to make your white kitchen look premium. Some small updates like lighting also play a role. White reflects everything — including light quality. Light can make or break a white kitchen. If you choose the wrong tone, it turns your kitchen cold. The right one, on the other hand, makes your simple kitchen glow like a premium one. You must also allow your surfaces to do some of the work. When light falls on your glass cabinets, chrome taps and polished worktop, that hint of shine from those surfaces will bounce the light. That makes the interior look stunning too.
Keep It Spotlessly Clean
Every luxurious space is not about adding something! Sometimes good maintenance is all that it lacks. Especially when it comes to white; it only looks expensive when it’s spotless. Imagine a messy, stained, pale cooktop; it would give very unhygienic vibes, let alone premium. So, take this simple trick as advice and wipe down your white kitchen worktop often. Look at your cabinet handles too; keep them gleaming. Don't let clutter pile up. You don’t need expensive harsh cleaners either. Just care and consistency. A hygienic, bright kitchen feels instantly more polished and far more luxurious than one that’s lost its sparkle.
How do you make a white kitchen look expensive? Are there any colouring guides for quick answers? Yes. Please keep reading…
Next Read: Timeless White Kitchen Ideas, Design Inspiration & Decors
Colour Pairing Guide To Make a White Kitchen Look Premium
Worktop or Accent Colour | Tone Balance | Overall Look & Feel | Perfect For |
Grey or Concrete Effect | Cool & Contemporary | Minimalist, urban, balanced | Modern apartments or sleek new builds |
Marble Veined (Carrara / Calacatta) | Classic & Refined | Elegant, timeless, luxurious | Traditional or transitional kitchens |
Black or Charcoal Quartz | Bold Contrast | Striking, high-end, dramatic | Designer or statement-style kitchens |
Warm Wood (Oak, Walnut) | Natural & Inviting | Cosy, organic, homely | Scandi, rustic, or country-inspired designs |
Soft Pastels (Sage, Blush, Blue) | Gentle Accents | Fresh, calm, uplifting | Coastal, cottage, or relaxed urban kitchens |
Premium White Kitchen Worktops on Budget
Click Here for Magazine-Worthy Home Decor Ideas
Final Thoughts
A white kitchen only looks truly expensive when the details are right — think texture, lighting, and quality finishes. The right worktop can change everything. Explore timeless quartz, granite, and marble options at Work-tops.com to give your kitchen that refined edge.
If you haven't already, choose your white worktops now and get a free quote.
You can also dial 0330 113 5868 to talk to us directly for the perfect white worktop for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What Is The Best Worktop For A White Kitchen?
If you meant material, I would say quartz. Look at its durability, need for low maintenance and variety. Whether you want a marble effect like Calacatta Quartz or a red worktop that pops out, it brings a lot of finishes that complement white kitchens beautifully.
How Can I Add Warmth To My White Kitchen?
Looks like your white kitchen is feeling too cold for you. Use some wood, rattan, or warm metallic fixtures here and there. Wooden tiles for flooring. Bronze or copper-finished taps and cabinet handles. Even the lighting, yes! Choose warm white lighting. That makes the space feel more inviting.
What Colour Handles Go With White Cabinets?
To be honest, it is known to us all that white can pair with literally anything! But Brushed brass, black and antique gold handles are best if you want a premium-looking kitchen. They add definition and a designer feel without overpowering the look.
Is A White Kitchen Too Boring and Outdated?
Never. White kitchens are timeless. You can easily refresh it from time to time if you wish, with just minimal updates. New lighting, painting cabinets, handles, tap replacements, etc.
How Do You Make a White Kitchen Look Expensive?
Keep it spotless, style it with care, and choose quality details. It is easy to make a white kitchen look premium, actually. Using textured finishes and a standout worktop can instantly lift the look. If you are working on a budget, you can also make it possible with small touches like polished handles and warm lighting.
