Combine Colors, Combine Style With Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets
Two-tone kitchen cabinets are an enduring and charming design choice that can elevate your kitchen with dimension, interest, and personality. By painting your upper and lower cabinets in two different colors, you create a stylish and classic look that stands out from all-neutral kitchens.
Read on to learn why this timeless trend is anything but boring!
What Are Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets?
Two-tone kitchen cabinets refer to kitchen cabinetry that utilizes two different colors--typically lighter shades on top and darker on bottom.
This design approach is also known as:
- Split-tone kitchen cabinets
- Two-toned kitchen cabinets
- Colorblocked kitchen cabinets
Common two-tone kitchen cabinet color combinations include:
- White upper cabinets with gray lower cabinets
- Black upper cabinets with tan or white lower cabinets
- Blue uppers paired with green lowers
Benefits of Two-Color Kitchen Cabinets
Why opt for two tones instead of ordinary one-color cabinetry? Here are some of the top benefits of incorporating two colors:
Adds Visual Interest
Contrasting upper and lower cabinets creates a bold colorblocking effect, drawing the eyes to different areas of the kitchen. The mix of colors provides more visual interest.
Allows You to Customize
Two-tone kitchen cabinets allow for nearly endless customization when it comes to choosing your color scheme. Go for sophisticated neutrals or make a vibrant statement. Reflect your personal taste.
Enhances Dimension
Painting bottom cabinets in a deeper shade helps ground them, anchoring the space. The lighter uppers recede, creating depth and layers.
Cost-Effective Upgrade
Painting your existing cabinets can refresh the look at a fraction of the cost of a full cabinet replacement. It's an affordable DIY way to upgrade.
Choosing Your Two-Tone Color Scheme
With so many potential color combinations, where do you start? Some guidelines when selecting two-tone cabinet colors:
Complementary Colors
Choose two tones next to each other on the color wheel, such as sky blue and mint green or tan and gray. This creates a cohesive, sophisticated look.
Contrasting Colors
Go bold with opposite colors like navy blue and burnt orange. This creates vibrancy and energy.
Tips for Finalizing Colors
- Order paint swatches to view colors in person before committing.
- Factor in undertones so they don't clash with countertops and floors.
- Consider how natural light impacts the cabinets throughout the day.
Two-Tone Cabinet Techniques & Design
Once you've settled on your two colors, next comes bringing your vision to life. Here are some techniques and design considerations for flawless execution:
Painting vs. Staining
Will you paint or stain your two-tone cabinets? For painting, proper prep and primer are essential to an even finish. For staining, use a darker color on the lower cabinets for contrast.
Door Styles and Hardware
Mixing door styles, like solid and glass-front cabinet doors, adds interest. Coordinating matte bronze and brushed nickel hardware pulls the mismatched colors together.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Tie your two-tone palette together with countertops and backsplashes. Quartz or granite complement most colors. Or create even more contrast with a bold tile.
Maintaining Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets
Two-tone kitchen cabinets make a stylish statement, so follow these maintenance tips to keep them looking their best:
Regular Cleaning
Use a microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner for daily wipe-downs. For tough spots, a magic eraser removes scuffs. Monthly deep cleaning keeps grime at bay.
Touch-Ups
To fix minor nicks in the paint, use a small brush to spot paint. Plan to recoat every 2-3 years. Refinishing is better than repainting for longevity.
Two-tone kitchen cabinets offer charm, flair, and character to any kitchen. The mix of colors provides depth and dimension for an eye-catching look. This timeless trend withstands fads, remaining a sophisticated and customized design choice.
By selecting complementary hues and finishes, your two-tone cabinetry can come together in gorgeous harmony. Choose contrasting tones for vibrancy or sophisticated neutrals for an elegant effect. However you combine colors, this versatile trend is sure to upgrade your space.