There’s a good reason why two-toned cabinets have gained so much popularity! If you want to add visual depth to your kitchen, two-toned cabinets are an excellent option. However, choosing the perfect color combination for a two-tone design requires careful consideration.
Tips for Choosing the Best Two Tone Cabinet Colors
Not only is picking out your cabinet paint color difficult, but finding colors that go together can make the whole process more strenuous. Just because you love two particular colors doesn’t mean that they will complement each other or even look good on cabinet surfaces. Here are some tips to help you get the two-tone trend right:
Tip #1: Mix Bold and Neutral Colors
Many homeowners are drawn to the two-tone look because it offers a way to introduce bold color into the kitchen without overpowering the space. To achieve this, consider painting your kitchen island in a vibrant shade while keeping the surrounding cabinets neutral. If you don’t have an island, you can create contrast by using a rich, dark color on the base cabinets and a lighter, neutral shade on the upper cabinets. The key is to balance bold, eye-catching colors with more subdued tones to maintain harmony in the space.
Tip #2: Consider Balance
When selecting colors for a two-tone kitchen, balance is key. To create a harmonious and inviting space, opt for two shades within the same color family or complementary hues. For instance, pairing a rich, dark gray with a softer, neutral gray can create a sophisticated contrast. It’s essential to place the lighter shade on the upper cabinets and the darker shade on the lower cabinets. This arrangement grounds the room, providing a sense of balance and cohesion.
Tip #3: Use Wood as One Tone
Did you know that you don’t have to necessarily paint your cabinets in order to have two different colors? Instead, you might consider staining some of your kitchen cabinets, enhancing the beauty of the natural wood in the process. Then, you can paint the remaining cabinets in a coordinating color. The great thing about wood tones, is that they can function as a neutral color, so feel free to choose bold color to go with it.
Tip #4: When In Doubt, Choose White
If you’re uncertain about which neutral color to pair with a bold shade, white or an off-white variant is always a safe choice. For cooler bold tones like blue, go with a crisp white or a soft light gray. If your bold color has warmer undertones, a creamy white will complement it beautifully. This strategy helps to balance the vibrancy of the bold color, resulting in a kitchen that feels both cohesive and welcoming.
Tip #5: Follow the 60-30-10 Rule
When adding color to your kitchen, a reliable guideline is the 60-30-10 rule. This approach suggests that 60% of your cabinets should be painted in a dominant color, while 30% should feature a complementary neutral shade. The final 10% can be introduced through accent pieces like artwork, rugs, flowers, or window treatments, adding just the right touch of contrast and personality to the space.
Our Favorite Two Tone Cabinet Combos
At N-Hance of Central Coast, we’ve transformed countless kitchens with stunning two-toned cabinets. If you’re still deciding on the perfect color combination, here are some of our favorite pairings to inspire your design.
White and Dark Gray or Black
Paint your lower kitchen cabinets in a deep gray or black, while keeping the upper cabinets a bright white. This combination creates a clean, crisp look that’s both sleek and sophisticated. The best part? You can easily change up your accent colors to keep your space feeling fresh and new.
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 and sophisticated look. Enhance the elegance by incorporating gold light fixtures and hardware.
Blue and Brown
If you want to showcase the natural beauty of stained wood in your kitchen, consider pairing it with light blue cabinets. The blue will bring a lively energy to the space, while the wood tones add warmth and grounding.
Blending Neutrals
Another approach is to use varying shades of a single neutral color, like a deep gray paired with a lighter gray. This creates a timeless, layered look that’s both inviting and visually dynamic.
Green and Gold
This kitchen cabinet color scheme has gained popularity in recent years. Consider painting your kitchen island or base cabinets a rich, dark green, and then contrast it with a creamy hue on the upper cabinets. Add a touch of elegance with gold accents for a glamorous finish.
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 Central Coast, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you already have your cabinet colors in mind or need some guidance to get started, our cabinet makeover specialists are ready to help. We’ll work with you on every detail, from choosing colors and finishing techniques to selecting hardware and optimizing cabinet storage solutions. We can even bring samples directly to your home, allowing you to see how the colors look in your own kitchen.
While we offer a palette of the most popular colors, we’re also happy to match any specific shade you have in mind. Whatever your vision, we’ll guide you through the entire selection process to ensure you get two-tone kitchen cabinets that perfectly fit your style.