Two-toned cabinets have gained popularity for good reason! If you want to add visual interest to your kitchen, they’re an excellent choice. However, choosing the right color combination for your two-tone kitchen cabinet painting requires careful consideration to achieve the desired effect.
Tips for Choosing the Best Two Tone Cabinet Colors
Even if you love two particular colors, that doesn’t mean they’ll complement each other or even look good on cabinet surfaces. Follow these tips for getting the two-tone color trend right:
Tip #1: Mix Bold and Neutral Colors
A major reason why homeowners appreciate the two-tone look is that it lets them introduce a bold burst of color into the kitchen without making the space feel overwhelming. To achieve this, you might consider cabinet painting your island in a unique, vibrant shade while keeping the rest of the cabinets in a neutral tone. No kitchen island? You can also create a dramatic contrast by painting your base cabinets in a dark, rich color, then choosing a light, neutral shade for the upper cabinets. Just remember, when using a bold, attention-grabbing color, it’s best to pair it with a more subdued hue to maintain balance.
Tip #2: Consider Balance
When cabinet painting with a two-tone scheme, be sure to focus on balance. To create a harmonious and serene atmosphere, choose two tones that either differ in hue or vary in shade within the same color family. For instance, you could pair a deep, dramatic dark gray with a light, neutral gray.
Regardless of the colors you choose, make sure the lighter shade is used for the upper kitchen cabinets, while the darker shade is reserved for the base cabinets. The darker base cabinets help ground the space, providing a solid sense of balance and visual stability.
Tip #3: Use Wood as One Tone
To embrace the two-tone trend in your kitchen, you don’t always need cabinet painting with two distinct colors. Instead, you can create a striking look by staining some of your kitchen cabinets, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood. You can then paint the remaining cabinets with a coordinating color. Since wood tones act as a neutral backdrop, you can choose a bold shade to complement the stained wood for a vibrant and stylish contrast.
Tip #4: When In Doubt, Choose White
If you’re uncertain about which neutral color to pair with a bold shade, consider going with white or a variation of white. For cooler bold colors like blue, opt for a cool-toned white or a light gray. If your bold color has a warmer tone, choose a creamy white instead. This approach helps balance the vibrant color, creating a harmonious and inviting look for your kitchen.
Tip #5: Follow the 60-30-10 Rule
A helpful guideline for adding color to your kitchen is the 60-30-10 rule. This involves painting 60% of your cabinets in a dominant color and 30% in a neutral shade, or vice versa. The remaining 10% should be used for accent colors, which can be introduced through artwork, area rugs, floral arrangements, window treatments, or similar decorative elements.
Our Favorite Two Tone Cabinet Combos
At N-Hance of Quad Counties, we’ve assisted numerous homeowners in achieving their dream two-toned cabinets. If you’re not sure which direction to take, here are some of our favorite combinations to inspire you.
White and Dark Gray or Black
Consider painting your lower kitchen cabinets in dark gray or black and the upper cabinets in bright white. This contrast creates a sleek, sophisticated appearance with a clean, crisp aesthetic. The advantage of this approach is that it allows you to use any accent color you prefer, and you can change it as often as you’d like to suit your style or the season.
White and Blue
If black doesn’t suit your taste, another popular color to pair with white is navy or cobalt blue. Painting the lower cabinets in a bold blue shade and the upper cabinets in white results in a striking visual contrast. To add a touch of elegance, consider incorporating gold light fixtures and cabinet hardware into your design.
Blue and Brown
If you want to highlight the natural beauty of your kitchen cabinets by staining them, consider choosing a light blue color for the rest of your cabinets. The blue will bring energy and vibrancy to the space, while the stained hardwood will provide a warm, grounded feel.
Blending Neutrals
An alternative approach is to select varying shades of the same neutral color, like dark gray and light gray. This creates a warm and classic appearance that feels layered, visually interesting, and full of depth.
Green and Gold
This combination of kitchen cabinet painting colors has gained popularity in recent years. To achieve this look, paint your kitchen island or base cabinets in a rich dark green. Complement this with a creamy shade for the upper kitchen cabinets, and add a touch of glamor with gold accents.
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 Quad Counties, we’re ready to assist you. Whether you have a clear idea of the colors you want for your cabinets or you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Our cabinet makeover specialists are happy to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing colors to selecting finishing techniques, hardware, and even cabinet storage solutions. We can also bring samples to your home, so you can see the colors in your kitchen’s unique lighting.
We offer a palette with some of the most popular colors, but if you have a specific shade in mind that’s not on our list, just let us know, and we’ll match it. No matter what you’re interested in, we’ll lead you through the selection process to ensure you end up with two-tone kitchen cabinets that you absolutely love.
Ready to find out more or bring the two-tone color trend to your kitchen cabinets? Call N-Hance of Quad Counties at 951-772-1903 to set up a FREE consultation and quote.