All-white kitchens have been a classic choice over the past century. Still, their bright monotony has the potential to wear on people. If you’re looking to add a little zest, these five design strategies will do the trick.

Introduce opposites

If you want to shake up a single-toned space, contrast is the name of the game. Paint your kitchen island a color that complements the white cabinetry, such as a dark gray or black. Or paint the lower cabinets their own distinctive, grounding color to break up the floor-to-ceiling white space. If you have the time and budget, consider replacing your countertop or flooring with contrasting materials, like a dark granite or wood. You could also incorporate a mix of textures and finishes to create dimension.

Switch up the details

If you want to do something bold, but you don’t want to go into serious construction, dress up your kitchen with disposable details like plumbing and light fixtures, hardware, and repurposed items or materials.

Add a bold color

There are lots of ways to incorporate bold colors, and they can do wonders to amp up a sterile space. You can decorate with colorful accessories like vases and art, swap out a dull backsplash for an engaging color or texture, and even splurge on a poppy appliance. If you’re going to buy a matching set of specialty appliances, it might be difficult to replace one that breaks years down the road.