Designer-Approved Two Tone Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
This post is about two tone kitchen cabinet ideas.
The two tone kitchen trend has gotten popular in recent years, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Let’s look at some ideas for two tone kitchen cabinets you can try in your home.
If you’re building a new home, or just thinking about updating your existing kitchen, two-toned painted cabinets is a cost-effective way to add visual interest and style to your space.
Two tone kitchens usually have an island that’s painted a different color than all the other cabinets.
Sometimes, though, a two tone kitchen might have lower cabinets painted in one color and upper cabinets painted in a different color.
Are two tone kitchens trendy?
Yes. And no. The latest iteration of two tone kitchens has become a popular trend in the last 5 or so years as all-white kitchens have gone out of style.
However, if done right, a two tone kitchen won’t go out of style quickly. The key is to choose classic paint color combinations.
And even if you do love the more trendy versions, the good news is that you can AFFORDABLY change it with just a few gallons of paint when you’re tired of it!
How to design a two tone kitchen like a pro
You have a couple of options when planning a two tone kitchen:
1) If you have a kitchen island, the island cabinets are painted one color while the perimeter cabinets (the cabinets against the wall) are painted a different color.
OR…
2) If you don’t have a kitchen island, you can paint the lower base cabinets one color and the upper cabinets a different color.
Two tone kitchen cabinet ideas
As a certified kitchen designer, I have a few favorite two tone kitchen cabinets color combinations. These cabinet paint color pairings usually work in most style homes:
Black island with white cabinets
Black and white kitchen cabinets are classic. These two neutral colors work well in any style of home. In fact, this is the style we have in our home!
Island: SW Iron Ore; Perimeter cabinets: SW Extra White.
Light gray island and white cabinets
A light gray island adds visual interest in the middle of white cabinets.
Island: SW Repose Gray; Perimeter cabinets: BM White Dove
Dark green and white kitchen cabinets
Two tone kitchen cabinets look beautiful even in small kitchens!
Base cabinets: BM Peale Green ; Upper cabinets: BM White Dove.
Dark gray kitchen island and white cabinets
If you like the look of a darker island but going totally black on your cabinets makes you nervous, try a dark gray, like Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore (pictured below).
Island: BM Kendall Charcoal; Perimeter cabinets: BM Simply White.
Soft neutral green and white kitchen
If calming colors are more your style, this combination of soft green with creamy white looks absolutely gorgeous.
Island: BM October Mist; Perimeter cabinets: BM Creamy White.
White oak and white kitchen cabinets
Two tone kitchens don’t have to just mean PAINT colors. Try pairing a white cabinet color with natural white oak cabinets for an organic modern style.
Base cabinets: Natural white oak; Upper cabinets: BM Swiss Coffee.
Sage green island and white cabinets
This combination that incorporates sage green into the island is totally on trend right now. Bonus tip: if you’ve got a decorative vent hood, it also looks great painted in the same color as your island!
Island and vent hood: SW Evergreen Fog. Perimeter cabinets: SW Pure White.
Dark blue and bright white kitchen
Deep, navy blue and crisp white are a classic example of two tone kitchen cabinet ideas that would work for a traditional home, a colonial home or coastal home.
Base cabinets: BM Hale Navy; Upper cabinets: BM Chantilly Lace.
Light blue and white kitchen cabinets
This light and airy combination is perfect for a coastal, beachy kitchen.
Base cabinets: SW Sea Salt; Upper cabinets: SW Pure White
Tips for planning a two tone kitchen
Start with a vision:
Think about the mood and style of your home. Do you prefer a bold, dramatic look or a soft, calming vibe? This will guide your color choices.
Keep things balanced:
Make sure there’s a good balance between colors. It’s best to use the darker color for the island or base cabinets to ground the space and lighter shades for perimeter or upper cabinets to keep it airy.
Coordinate with the other finishes in your kitchen
Your cabinet colors should create a cohesive look with the rest of your kitchen decor. Choose cabinet colors that complement your countertops, backsplash, and flooring.
Test real samples before you commit
Always test paint colors in your kitchen before making a final decision! Paint a small section of your cabinets and pay attention to how the colors look at different times of the day.