If you’re feeling uninspired by your all-white kitchen, you’re not alone. While white kitchens are timeless and clean, they can sometimes feel a little… safe. Today, I’m walking you through exactly how to add color to a white kitchen using simple, budget-friendly DIY projects that make a major impact — all without a full renovation.

From pink-painted cabinets to charming scallop details and a quick wallpaper swap, these easy updates turned my space from plain to full of personality.

How to Add Color to a White Kitchen

BEFORE

For being a color lover, our kitchen was white everything. White cabinets, white tile, white ceiling, even white crown molding — it was clean and bright, but also felt flat and a little too safe. While I loved the layout and charming details like the brass bow handles and open shelf, the overall space was missing personality. It didn’t feel like me.

I craved color, character, and a little whimsy — something that would make me smile every time I walked in. So I decided it was time to transform our blank canvas into a kitchen that feels joyful, cozy, and completely custom with just a few simple updates.

SUPPLIES

1. Paint Cabinets

• Cabinet paint (in your favorite color – Beloved Pink is shown)

• Degreaser/cleaner

• 100 Grit Sandpaper

• Primer

• Foam Roller
• Bow Cabinet Pulls

2. Wallpaper

• Wallpaper (here’s a similar pattern to what I used- mine is out of stock)

• Utility knife

• Smoothing tool

3. Scallops

• MDF Scallops (what I use for the toe kick)
• Smaller Scallops (what I use for the front of the shelves
• Paint (I used Beloved Pink)
• Construction adhesive
• Nail Gun

step 1- Scallops

First up, I needed an easy win — so I grabbed some scallop trim to add charming curves to the toe kick area and a mini option for the open shelf. I painted them Beloved Pink by Behr, a soft, cheerful shade that instantly made the room feel more playful.

For the toe kicks, my husband cut and nailed the scallops into place. On the shelf, I used construction adhesive to avoid splitting the trim. If anything needed trimming, we used the miter saw to get them to the correct length.

After filling in nail holes and sanding everything smooth, I touched up the paint for a polished, custom look. These scallops are such a small detail, but they pack a big punch and set the tone for the rest of the makeover.

step 2- Paint the Lower Cabinets Pink

Next, the boldest step — and the one that was the most work. We started by removing the lower cabinet fronts and then sanding and cleaning them.

After that, I primed them thoroughly. I first brushed on the primer and used a foam roller to eliminate any brush strokes. I personally don’t like spraying cabinets- I find figuring out the sprayer to be a pain. And this was really simple and looks amazing. Once they were ready, I rolled on the same Beloved Pink paint used for the scallops.

It took three coats and a little bravery, but wow — it was worth it. The pink gave the kitchen a whole new vibe: cozy, fun, and full of character. It also created beautiful contrast against the white upper cabinets and tile. And since I used cabinet-specific paint, it’s tough enough to handle daily use, spills, and scrubbing. If you’re looking for more details on painting cabinets, click here.

If you’re not sure where to start when figuring out how to add color to a white kitchen, painting just the lower cabinets is a great place to begin. It’s a smaller commitment, but the visual payoff is huge.

step 3- Wallpaper Swap

And now, a fast and fresh wallpaper swap.

I love designing areas that are easy to change with my mood — and the open shelf space above the backsplash is perfect for that. I usually use peel-and-stick wallpaper so I can switch it out in under 30 minutes.

This time, I reused a mint green pattern already featured elsewhere in the kitchen to help everything feel cohesive. I cut the wallpaper to size, put it in place, and used a smoothing tool to apply it to the wall. It took a little longer than planned (corners, you know?), but the result was adorable — especially with the new pink cabinets.

I actually think this might be the step that made the biggest change to the look of the kitchen!

The Reveal: A Kitchen That Feels Like Me

After just a few budget-friendly updates, the kitchen feels completely transformed. It still has its clean white elements, but now it’s layered with charm and color.

Between the pink cabinets, scalloped trim, and mint wallpaper, it feels whimsical, cozy, and 100% personal — like living inside a dollhouse in the best way.

price breakdown

The best part? The whole makeover cost me about $142:

• $12 for a roller

• $30 for primer

• $50 for cabinet paint

• $50 for scallop trim

That’s proof you don’t need a big budget to make a space feel brand new.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dreaming of a kitchen refresh or just want to dip your toes into adding more personality to your space, these updates show exactly how to add color to a white kitchen in a fun and approachable way. Don’t be afraid to try bold paint, playful trim, or a fresh wallpaper pattern — it’s your home, and it should reflect you.

Which update was your favorite — the pink paint, the scallops, or the wallpaper swap? Let me know in the comments below! And if you love budget-friendly DIYs that help you fall back in love with your home, be sure to check out the full transformation in my YouTube video and subscribe for more colorful ideas.

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