White Kitchens vs. White Oak Kitchens: Which One is Right for You?

At Amareaux, we’ve designed countless kitchens—and if there’s one truth we’ve learned, it’s that the kitchen really is the soul of the home. It’s where family mornings begin, where friends gather lateinto the night, and where design has to balance beauty and everyday function.Lately, we’ve noticed a common question from clients:“Should I do a classic white kitchen, or lean into the warmth of a white oak kitchen?”Both are beautiful, both are timeless in their own way—butthey send very different messages. Let’s break them down

The Classic White Kitchen

There’s a reason white kitchens have dominated design magazines for decades. They feelclean, fresh, and endlessly versatile. White cabinetry reflects light, instantly opening up a space and makingit feel airy—something especially important in Michigan homes where winter months can feel long and dark.A white kitchen is also the perfect backdrop for bold statements. Want to try brass hardware? It will shine. Thinking about adramatic quartzite backsplash or a colorful rug? White lets those details takecenter stage. And from a resale perspective, a white kitchen appeals to almost everyone.But here’s what we tell our clients: white kitchens need warmth layered in. Without texture, they risk feeling sterile. That’s where details like natural stone countertops, wood accents, or warm lightingmake all the difference.

The Rise of White Oak Kitchens

On the other hand, white oak kitchens are having a major moment—and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. White oak cabinetry bringswarmth, texture, and a natural, organic beautythatwhite alone can’t always deliver.When we design with white oak, the kitchen instantly feels more grounded and welcoming. The subtle grain of the wood adds depth,and the warm tone softens the overall palette. It’s a look that pairsbeautifully with modern stone slabs, matte black hardware, or even plaster hoods.In Michigan, where long winters often make us crave cozy interiors, white oak kitchens create a sense of comfort that clientsfall in love with. They’re modern, yet timeless—and they age gracefully,developing character as the years go on.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Here’s a secret: you don’t always have to choose. Some of our most stunning kitchens are a mix of white and white oak.Imaginewhite perimeter cabinetskeeping the space light and bright, while awhite oak islandanchors the room with warmth. Or the reverse: oak lowers paired with crisp white uppers. This balancecreates dimension, interest, and a more custom look.Hybrid kitchens are also perfect for families who want the timeless appeal of white without losing the cozy feel of natural wood

What We Recommend

When clients ask us “Which is better?” the answer is always personal:

  • Choose whiteif you want a kitchen that feels fresh, open, and resale-friendly.
  • Choose white oakif you love warmth, texture, and a more organic aesthetic.
  • Choose bothif you want a kitchen that feels layered, custom, and truly yours.

At Amareaux, we believe kitchens should reflect the people who live in them. Whether crisp white, warm white oak, or a thoughtful blend of both, the goal is always the same: to create a kitchen thatfeels welcoming, functional, and timeless