Do you mean no windows in your kitchen I am a bit confused.

Will it be used as a kitchen or will it be more of a bar?

Check out that pin site. I’ve been collecting quite a few and I’ve noticed the bars are typically using warm wood tones.

isn't that some sort of code violation? no egress from the basement?

but to answer your question, of course white would work. So would wood or any other color. It just depends on the overall look you wish to achieve.

Decent lighting will mitigate the lack of sunlight.

this is a basement bar. I think it looks great. The lighting you have down there will be a key point in whether or not it's too dark. Get your lighting done correctly and you can do any color you like

Here is a link to pictures of our basement. Conventional basement. Used black, birch and stainless steel cabinet faces. Comments are included with many of the pix. Good luck.

http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/treeshouse/library/Basement?sort=6&page=1

I think it is a code violation only if you plan to make a " sleeping room" in a basement.

I second comments regarding lighting from Beth. Install a plenty and use dimmers. We used cans, pendants and scones plus a couple tabke and uplights set on the floor.