There’s a good reason why two-toned cabinets are all the rage! They add a fresh, dynamic look to any kitchen, making it easy to create visual interest. However, choosing the right color combination is crucial to achieving a balanced and stylish two-tone effect.
Tips for Choosing the Best Two Tone Cabinet Colors
Just because you love two colors doesn’t mean they’ll work well together on your cabinets. To nail the two-tone color trend, keep these tips in mind:
Tip #1: Mix Bold and Neutral Colors
Many homeowners are drawn to the two-tone look because it lets them introduce bold colors without overpowering the kitchen. One way to achieve this is by painting the kitchen island in a vibrant shade while keeping the rest of the cabinets neutral. If you don’t have an island, consider using a dark, dramatic color for the base cabinets and a light, neutral shade for the upper ones. Just remember, when choosing a bold, eye-catching color, balance it with a more subtle, neutral hue for a cohesive look.
Tip #2: Consider Balance
When painting your cabinets in two tones, it’s important to focus on balance. To create a calm, harmonious space, choose two shades of the same color or two hues that complement each other. For instance, a deep, dramatic dark gray pairs beautifully with a light, neutral gray. No matter the colors you select, always place the lighter shade on the upper cabinets and the darker tone on the lower ones. This will ground the space and provide a visually balanced look.
Tip #3: Use Wood as One Tone
You don’t need to use two different paint colors to embrace the two-tone trend in your kitchen. Instead, try staining some of your cabinets to highlight the natural beauty of the wood, while painting the others in a coordinating color. Since wood tones act as a neutral, you can confidently pair them with a bold color for a striking and stylish contrast.
Tip #4: When In Doubt, Choose White
If you’re unsure which neutral to pair with a bold color, go with white or a variation of it. For cooler bold shades like blue, choose a cool-toned white or light gray. If your bold color has warmer undertones, opt for a creamier white. This method helps balance vibrant cabinet colors, creating a kitchen that’s both harmonious and inviting.
Tip #5: Follow the 60-30-10 Rule
A helpful guideline for adding color to your kitchen is the 60-30-10 rule. This means using one dominant color for 60% of your cabinets and a neutral for 30%, or the reverse. The final 10% should be an accent color, introduced through details like artwork, rugs, floral arrangements, or window treatments.
Our Favorite Two Tone Cabinet Combos
At N-Hance of Columbus, we’ve assisted countless homeowners in achieving their dream two-tone cabinets. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some of our favorite color combinations for inspiration.
White and Dark Gray or Black
Paint your base kitchen cabinets a deep gray or black and the upper cabinets a bright white for a sleek and sophisticated look. This combination creates a clean, crisp aesthetic that’s both modern and elegant. The best part is that you can use any color as your accent, allowing you to easily change it up whenever you like.
White and Blue
If black isn’t your style, consider pairing white with navy or cobalt blue. A bold blue on the lower cabinets combined with white upper cabinets creates a striking visual impact. Enhance the elegance of this combination with gold light fixtures and cabinet hardware for a truly sophisticated touch.
Blue and Brown
If you want to stain some of your kitchen cabinets to showcase their natural wood beauty, consider pairing them with a light blue for the remaining cabinets. The blue will bring an energizing touch to the space, while the hardwood adds warmth and a grounded feel.
Blending Neutrals
Another option is to select varying shades of a single neutral color, like pairing dark gray with a lighter gray. This approach creates a warm, classic aesthetic that adds depth and visual interest to your kitchen.
Green and Gold
This kitchen cabinet color combination has gained popularity in recent years. You can paint your kitchen island or base cabinets a rich dark green, then create contrast with a creamy hue on the upper cabinets. To elevate the look, incorporate glamorous gold accents throughout the space.
Other Kitchen Cabinet Color Combinations to Consider
- Dark green with hardwood cabinets
- Olive green and cream cabinets
- Plum and cream cabinets
- Orange and white cabinets
- Beige and black cabinets
Ready to Add the Two-Tone Color Trend to Your Kitchen Cabinets?
At N-Hance of Columbus, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you already have a color scheme in mind or need help finding the perfect shades for your cabinets, our cabinet makeover specialists are ready to collaborate with you. We’ll discuss everything from color choices and finishing techniques to hardware and storage solutions. Plus, we can bring samples directly to your home so you can see how the colors look in your kitchen.
While we offer a selection of popular colors, if you have a specific shade in mind that’s not in our palette, just let us know—we can match it! Whatever your vision is, we’ll help you navigate the selection process to achieve the two-tone kitchen cabinets of your dreams.