‘Cashmere Kitchens’ Are the Dreamy New Trend Designers Are Loving Right Now

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where everyone congregates for parties, for homework prep, for regular weeknight dinners, and all of those little moments in between. It’s no wonder we put a lot of thought and effort into making sure our kitchens feel inviting. White kitchens have always been a trend, but lately designers are leaning on warmer white and beige tones to really give kitchens an extra dose of cozy. It’s a trend that many believe started in 2020, when our homes really became our sanctuaries. “People want to feel safe and held in their kitchen, and what is more cozy than cashmere?” says Rachel Fisher, principal and founder of Further Afield, a Connecticut-based design/build firm.

These types of kitchens are referred to as “cashmere kitchens” because of the luxurious and comfy vibes they give off. The palette also happens to work in any kitchen. “This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also offers incredible adaptability, making it easy to complement various decor styles and personal tastes,” says Caryn Rideau, owner of Kitchen Design Group. We asked designers how to execute this look perfectly.

What Is a Cashmere Kitchen?

 “A cashmere kitchen embraces a warm, neutral color palette, reminiscent of the soft and delicate tones of cashmere wool,” says Rideau. “This design choice not only creates an inviting atmosphere but also exudes a sense of luxury and timeless elegance.” Coming out of the pandemic, people spent so much time in their kitchens, cooking many of their meals and growing their own sourdough starters. I think people want to feel safe and held in their kitchen, and what is more cozy than cashmere?” says Fisher.

What Paint Colors Are Best for Cashmere Kitchens?

You want something neutral but with warm undertones. Cantley has designed her fair share of cashmere kitchens and finds herself going back to a few shades of creamy white again and again, like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee and Farrow & Ball’s Whimborne White. “These kitchens don’t demand attention, they are elegant, neutral, and always livable. In a room as permanent (and expensive) as a kitchen, that kind of timelessness and restraint matter,” says Cantley. Fisher echoes this sentiment, recommending “any color you might find in your coffee from warm browns to light creams.” Think Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or Farrow & Ball’s Stony Ground.

What Materials Are Best for Cashmere Kitchens?

Think luxe and clean. Fisher notes that because these kitchens are so simple, each material will carry a lot of weight. She suggests using natural materials that will patina and further the aesthetic, like unlacquered brass and Carrara marble. Rideau agrees and also recommends incorporating natural stone into this look, like Taj Mahal Quartzite, and pairing it with a soft colored zellige tile backsplash. “This combination not only keeps the palette neutral but also introduces a captivating interest through varied textures,” she says.