Two-toned cabinets are all the rage for a good reason! If you want to add some visual interest to your kitchen, choosing two-toned cabinets is a fantastic idea. But remember, getting the right color combo for your two-tone kitchen cabinets is key.

Tips for Choosing the Best Two Tone Cabinet Colors

Just because you love two colors doesn’t guarantee they’ll work well together or look great on cabinet surfaces. Check out these tips to nail the two-tone color trend:

Tip #1: Follow the 60-30-10 Rule

When adding color to your kitchen, a handy rule is the 60-30-10 principle. This suggests using one dominant color for 60% of your cabinets, a neutral for 30%, or vice versa. The final 10% can be an accent color introduced through artwork, rugs, flowers, window treatments, and more.

Tip #2: Mix Bold and Neutral Colors

Many Arlington Heights homeowners embrace the two-tone trend because it lets them infuse a pop of color into their kitchen without making it feel cramped. To achieve this, try painting your kitchen island in a standout hue while keeping the other cabinets neutral. No island? Go for bold, dark shades on the base cabinets and lighter, airy tones on the upper ones. Remember, pairing a striking color with a subtle one is key to nailing the look.

Tip #3: Use Wood as One Tone

You can embrace the two-tone trend in your kitchen without painting your cabinets in two different colors. Try staining some cabinets to enhance the natural wood’s beauty and paint the rest in a coordinating color. Natural wood tones work as neutrals, allowing you the freedom to choose bold colors to complement them.

Tip #4: Consider Balance

When painting your cabinets in two tones, be sure that you think about balance. To achieve a balanced, calm space with the two-tone style, choose two colors with different hues or shades of the same color. Think of a deep, dramatic dark gray paired with a light, neutral gray. 

No matter the color you pick, aim to place the lighter shade on the upper kitchen cabinets and the darker hue on the base cabinets. By having the darker cabinets at the bottom, you’ll ground the space and achieve a solid sense of balance.

Tip #5: When In Doubt, Choose White

When you’re uncertain about pairing a neutral with a bold color, white or a variation of it is a safe bet. For instance, if you opt for a cool bold hue like blue, go for a cool-toned white or light gray. If your bolder color leans towards warmer tones, consider a creamier white. This method helps in balancing the vibrancy of the cabinet color, resulting in a harmonious and welcoming kitchen aesthetic.

Our Favorite Two Tone Cabinet Combos

At N-Hance of Chicago, we take pride in helping Arlington Heights homeowners in achieving a beautiful two-toned kitchen look. If you need some inspiration, here are a few of the popular color combinations we love:

White and Dark Gray or Black

Choosing a dark gray or black for the base kitchen cabinets, complemented by bright white upper cabinets. This creates a sleek, sophisticated, and clean aesthetic. It also allows you to experiment with accent colors for added versatility.

White and Blue

For a vibrant look, consider pairing white with navy or cobalt blue. Bold blue bottom cabinets alongside white upper cabinets offer a striking appearance. Enhance the elegance with gold light fixtures and cabinet hardware.

Blue and Brown

If you would rather stain your kitchen cabinets to highlight the beauty of the wood, choosing a light blue for the rest of your cabinets would be beautiful. The blue will energize the space, while the hardwood will keep it warm and grounded.

Blending Neutrals

Explore a mix of different shades within a single neutral palette, like dark gray paired with a lighter gray. This approach results in a classic, inviting look that is visually captivating and multi-dimensional.

Green and Gold

This particular paint color combination for kitchen cabinets has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. By opting for this style, you have the option to paint either your kitchen island or base cabinets in a rich dark green shade. To create contrast, consider using a creamy color on the upper kitchen cabinets, and introduce a touch of elegance 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 Chicago, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you have a clear vision for the colors of your cabinets or need guidance on where to start, we’ve got you covered. Our team of cabinet makeover experts is dedicated to walking you through every decision, from color choices to finishing techniques, hardware selection, and even optimizing cabinet storage solutions. We’re more than happy to provide samples for you to view the colors firsthand in your kitchen.

While we offer a palette of the most popular colors, if you have a specific color in mind that’s not within our selection, simply let us know, and we can match it for you. Whatever your preferences, we’ll navigate you through the selection process to ensure your two-tone kitchen cabinets are tailored to your liking.

Excited to explore the two-tone color trend for your kitchen cabinets? Contact N-Hance of Chicago at (847)234-8700 to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a personalized quote.