We get commission for products purchased through some of the links in this article.
Deciding which color of kitchen cabinets to choose can be tricky. But why limit yourself to one color, when you can have two? The latest trend in two-tone kitchen cabinets sees designers putting different color combinations, paint treatments, and finishes together, creating custom-colored kitchens that have a lot more personality than regular, off-the-shelf kitchens. The problem has been resolved.
Two-tone kitchen ideas can vary, depending on how bold or discreet you want it. Bringing the kitchen island in a contrasting shade is an easy way to create a two-tone effect. Or consider mix-and-match cabinets in an array of colors if you want to create a bolder look.
Two color kitchen cabinet ideas
When it comes to two-tone kitchen cabinets, color isn’t the only way to go. Mixing two different materials or contrasting finishes will also create a two-tone effect. For kitchen color schemes, we asked a team of kitchen experts to share their insights into how best to create a two-tone kitchen.
“Two-tone kitchens can be the perfect compromise for homeowners who want to go bold with color, but don’t want to commit to a full-on design,” says Ashley Hanwell, chief designer at Second Nature Kitchens. “Pairing an eye-catching tone with a neutral color palette will allow the design to work in both contemporary or classic settings.”
1. Put your island center stage
Image credit: Wren . Kitchens
One of the simplest and most popular ways to create the effect of a two-tone kitchen is to highlight a central island in a contrasting color. A great way to give an existing kitchen a new look, all that is needed is a new freestanding island or updating an old kitchen with a touch of paint, so it’s an easy hack that won’t cost a fortune. Learn how to paint kitchen cabinets before you begin.
“Choosing a contrasting color on a kitchen island, with a lighter shade on the cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen will attract the eye and add a focal point to your room,” says Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens.
A matte black kitchen with an icy white island in the middle will add instant drama; Or choose a gray kitchen island, perfect against a neutral background of soft white or cream, adds Darren.
2. Balance the color with half and half
Image credit: Howdens
Splitting halfway with base units in a single color and upper units in a contrasting color is another easy way to create a two-tone kitchen. Struggling to find white kitchen ideas? Adding a set of black wall units is a smart way to give an all-white kitchen a new look and simply replacing a few doors is much cheaper than buying an entirely new kitchen.
“Although darker tones may sound intense, they are a great way to add drama to a lackluster scheme,” says Tori Summers, Howdens director of design, production and innovation. “Black cabinets can be added to an all-white design to create an elegant monochromatic look.”
“These timeless colors also mean you can be more creative with materials that go with the trend, such as marble, or when adding linear details — proving that this scheme can be more than just black and white.”
3. Try the color block effect
Image credit: Life Kitchens
Instead of dividing the middle or island of a single focal point, color blocking is another technique designers use to create a two-tone kitchen. Color blocking works by dividing the kitchen into distinct color blocks and works well in large kitchens or open-plan restaurants.
Use high-contrast colors for best effect, with wall and plinth units as contrast blocks and perhaps islands and tall cabinets in contrasting colors as well. Tie the two colors together by bringing in coordinating accent details like door handles and drawer pulls.
“Introducing bold color to a kitchen makes a stunning design statement,” says Graham Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens. “How much color or tone you choose is a personal decision and ultimately depends on how brave you are.”
In order to brighten a room with a bit of color, while keeping the space balanced, paint the rest of the room a white, neutral, or light shade to provide contrast – these tones will help reduce the color intensity in the room and ensure a lower effect.
4. Choose colors that compliment
Image credit: Mereway Kitchens
“For complementary kitchen colors, choose two options that sit opposite each other on the color wheel,” says Emma Stewart-Stevens, Mereway’s chief marketing officer. “These complement each other greatly and would be the perfect choice for wall and plinth cabinets versus an accent island.”
This method provides an unlimited number of complementary kitchen colors for you to choose from and be creative. For example, a mix of purple and beige creates a sexy, contemporary pop of color against a subtly beautiful neutral tone.
5. Create a tangible atmosphere with tactile surfaces
Image credit: Magnet
Color isn’t the only option when it comes to two-tone kitchen cabinet ideas. Using contrasting finishes creates a more subtle effect but will add depth to the kitchen’s scheme. Mix matte surfaces with glossy wood grain with stone, marble, and smoothly ribbed surfaces for tactile effect.
“If your kitchen is on the smaller side, incorporating two colors into your design can help enhance the look of the space,” says Lizzie Beasley, Head of Design at Magnet. “Choosing a lighter shade for your upper cabinets draws the eye upwards, and enhances the feeling of spaciousness without sacrificing storage.”
For this type of design, your color palette can range from shades of color to bold contrasts – depending on your style and the look you’re aiming for. Neutral upper cabinets can pair with almost any color or finish to create a sleek, elegant aesthetic that stands out from the crowd.
6. Create a colorful highlight
Image credit: Tom Howley Kitchens
Give a traditional piece of kitchen furniture a modern twist with a two-tone treatment. Use contrast colors to create a color division on a single piece, such as a kitchen cabinet or full height cupboard, painting the top a pale color and the bottom a darker color.
“You can use bold colors alongside to create a high-contrast look or combine cool neutrals with a dark paint color on a full-height island or cabinet for depth and sophistication,” says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley. “Remember, when it comes to choosing a palette for your kitchen, it’s essential to choose the right tones to reflect and balance your lifestyle and personality.”
7. Add a touch of zing
Image credit: Harvey Jones
“When your head says ‘choose white’ but your heart screams at Farrow & Ball ‘Railings,’ adding a distinct color is the way to go,” says Melissa Klink, Harvey Jones’ creative director. Choose a bolder color in a third of the total space or less to make sure it’s not overbearing, especially in small kitchens.
Darker wall units will stand out in more modest spaces, while in larger rooms, island or wall-to-ceiling cabinets in contrasting shade work perfectly.
With almost unlimited colors to choose from, you can mix three colors together. Opt for subtle changes in muted hues to give a classic, irreverent look to a Shaker-style kitchen. Or opt for a bold contrast by accentuating a feature, such as a dresser or dresser in an eye-catching shade.
8. Color block with brightness fun
Image credit: Wren . Kitchens
“One fun way to color block is to use lots of different colors in the same room,” says Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens. This creates a fun and busy kitchen, especially when the cabinet doors are in different colors, or bright motifs are applied to the walls. Think of it as a carefully designed mess.
Another type of color blocking uses one color in the entire design scheme. Technically, all-white kitchen colors are forbidden, although many fans of the trend will choose a more dramatic color, such as eggplant or green, to make a statement.
Alternatively, color blocking with a bright color splash can also be applied in an otherwise monotonous kitchen. For example, a letterbox red cabinet against a white kitchen works well, or a pretentious yellow against a gray background.
9. Mix and match with wood and gloss
Image credit: B&Q
If high-contrast colors in the kitchen feel too overwhelming, take a look down and use a calmer color palette instead. While classic white kitchens never go out of style, they can sometimes feel a little too easy. For ways to add color to an all-white kitchen, try combining high-gloss white with Scandinavian-style wood for a natural pairing that gives contrast without too much color. Adding some doors in a contrasting color is a super easy way to give a modern twist to a classic all-white design.
10. Keep it subtle with an accent color on tone
Image credit: Superfront
For an ultra-chic but simple look, instead of choosing two contrasting colors, use different saturation of one color to create a tonal effect – as this cool gray kitchen idea demonstrates.
Paint the lower cabinets a darker color and the upper cabinets a lighter color to create a gradient effect. This look works best with neutral tones, such as grey, taupe, or beige, and with cabinets that have a surface effect or finish to add extra visual detail.
What is the best color combination for a two-tone kitchen?
“Kitchen color palettes often work in two ways, with complementary or similar colors,” says Emma Stewart-Stevens, Mereway’s chief marketing officer. “Determining how and why the colors work together is a science in itself, but it’s not as difficult as it seems.”
The color wheel is an ideal place to start in determining how colors go together and bring paintings to life. Use it to select complementary and similar colors to find the perfect palette for your kitchen.
For complementary kitchen colors, choose two options that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. These complement each other greatly and would be the perfect choice for wall and pedestal cabinets versus an accent island.
When working on a color section similar to your color palette, this works with the three sections of the color wheel combined together, which means the color scheme prioritizes the base color or bleeds the color over to another color. This works very well when a strong kitchen palette theme is what you’re after, such as by mixing assorted greens to achieve a natural and varied color scheme.
Should upper or lower kitchen cabinets be darker?
The general rule is to keep the dark colors low with the paler colors on top. Using dark colors on the base units creates a base effect and helps define the kitchen space, while using lighter colors on the upper units helps reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness, so it’s perfect for smaller kitchens.