Design Trend: Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets

A recent trend we’re seeing a lot in home design is the 2-toned kitchens which have cabinets that are 2 different colors. Now this trend isn’t for everyone and it can be tricky to get the colors right but here are a few tips to help you execute the 2-toned kitchen well:

1. Stick to 2 Colors

Ok let’s not get too crazy here, you’ve decided to take the plunge and go 2-toned. That’s a bold decision already so unless you’re hiring an expert, introducing more than 2 colors on the cabinets is going to feel like a hodgepodge mess. You can still introduce other colors in your flooring, barstools, and metal finishes so you’ll have plenty of other opportunities to include other colors and textures.

2. Pick High Contrast Colors

When choosing your paint colors make sure you have lots of contrast between the 2 colors. You don’t want the colors you chose to look so similar that people look at the kitchen and think “are those 2 different colors or just the shadows?”

3. Keep The Uppers White

One thing you may notice that all of these kitchens have in common is that the upper cabinets are white and the lower cabinets and island are darker. This is a good combo because it’s easy to chose a coordinating color that has lots of contrast (as mentioned above) and it keeps the kitchen feeling grounded as opposed to top heavy and like the cabinets are falling in on you.

4. Think About Using Natural Wood Instead of Paint

Think outside the box a bit. You can still create a 2-toned kitchen without different paint colors. This kitchen perfectly shows how using a painted upper cabinet with a wood base cabinet works so well because wood is the perfect element to add texture and warmth to your kitchen.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Add a Unique Color

Your 2 options for accent colors are not just black or gray and clearly you’re not afraid of making a bold statement if you’re thinking about a 2-toned kitchen.  Consider going with a unique accent color like a muted or grayed down version of your favorite color like this sagey green or a dusty blue. Feeling a little nervous to make the plunge? Try starting with just painting your kitchen island and living with that for a bit, if you’re feeling it’s not enough then you know it’s time to keep on painting!

Hope these tips helped, let me know if you give the 2-toned kitchen a go!

Photo Sources:

  1. Dark Gray & White Kitchen via Ferris Rafauli
  2. Blue & White Kitchen via Domino
  3. Black & White Kitchen via Elizabeth Lawson Design
  4. White & Wood Combo via Interior Design Pro
  5. White and Green Kitchen via Sarah Sherman Samuel

Have you always dreamed of becoming an Interior Designer? In Natalie’s self-study online course she teaches beginners how to become Interior Designers (WITHOUT needing a degree).

 

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