Eastwood Homes Blog

By Lisa Lenhart,  Charlotte Design Center Manager

About 4 years ago, I made the decision to remove the white and off-white cabinets from my offerings here at the Eastwood Homes Design Center in Charlotte.  Rarely did a homebuyer inquire about white cabinets.  Some buyers even scoffed at the offering.  In my opinion (and theirs), the white cabinets were “So 90’s.”  Never again would white cabinets be offered in MY design center. 

At the time, my own personal 1962 semi-remodeled kitchen was the home to white painted cabinets.  The cabinets were original, no doubt once a natural wood stained cabinet.  The stark color in my kitchen was likely the product of a 1990’s-era remodel.  To stay within the budget, the previous homeowners simply painted the cabinets and updated the laminate countertops and white appliances.

When I had the opportunity to completely renovate my own kitchen, like most Eastwood Homes buyers, I chose the darkest cabinets that were in my price range.  I topped them off with lovely white granite counters.  I am very proud of my kitchen.  It’s beautiful.  But a new trend in cabinets is starting to make me second-guess my selections.

White cabinets are ALL THE RAGE.  Pick up a kitchen and bath remodeling magazine.  Peruse the internet.  You will find page after page of white kitchens and bathrooms.  If your taste is traditional or modern, or anywhere in-between, expect to find a white cabinet to suit your style.   Even vendors of related products are noticing the trend.  Check out this article by Moen. 

The movement toward white cabinets seems to be pervasive.  New kitchens and remodels in all price points appear to be moving away from the dark espresso that has been a favorite in recent years.  From custom cabinetry to affordable Lowe’s designs, white is the new black (or at least, the new espresso).

I know when it’s time to make a change.  Our buyers have even let me know their thoughts.  Eastwood homebuyers are surveyed by mail after they meet me for their design appointment.  After a few buyers made negative comments about the lack of white cabinet options, I decided that it was time to bring them back.  Effective August 1^st, I will be offering 2 Aristokraft Cabinetry styles in white.  We will display the Durham and the Benton White and toasted antique white styles.   I’m super excited about the new addition, and I can’t wait to include the new color in a model home. 

And such is life.  I have a newly remodeled kitchen, and I can’t wait to change it again so I can include WHITE CABINETS!