Do you dream of a kitchen that’s light and bright but also has a pop of color? Consider painting two-tone kitchen cabinets so you get the best of both worlds! Learn more about two-toned painted kitchen cabinets and how to choose the best colors for them.
Is it time to give your kitchen a much-needed facelift? Perhaps your kitchen cabinets are still that builders-grade honey oak color that was popular in the 1990s. It’s time for a change!
As you consider options and choices for your kitchen cabinet makeover, do you want to keep your kitchen light and airy? If so, the ideas of white cabinets and off-white cabinets have probably crossed your mind.
Or, maybe you want to add an eye-catching bold pop of color to your kitchen. Green cabinets, perhaps?
But, what if neither option is exactly what you want…or you want both options? If that’s the case, I have a solution for you.
You can have it all with both options at the same time! How? By painting two-toned kitchen cabinets!
What are two-tone kitchen cabinets?
This term refers to painting groups of cabinets in the same kitchen in different colors. What does that look like?
Well, for example, you might paint all your main cabinets one color but paint the island a different color. Or maybe you paint the upper cabinets in one color and the lower cabinets in a contrasting color. Another option that can look incredible when used well is to create blocks of color.
Are two-tone kitchen cabinets in style?
While this design choice was considered risky or daring at one point, I can assure you that it’s become a popular and savvy kitchen design that’s here to stay!
How To Choose Colors For Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets
There are many options for choosing colors when you go with a two-tone design.
Many people opt to paint their upper cabinets a light color and paint or stain their bottom cabinets darker. That’s because this design helps to keep the kitchen bright and airy while also adding darker color. It also helps define the kitchen space, which can be very helpful in an open concept layout.
When it comes to the actual colors, avoid choosing super trendy colors and aren’t likely to stay popular. Some general ideas for color combinations that will stand the test of time are:
- Black and white
- Gray and white
- Blue and white
- Navy and cream
- Brown and white
- Green and white with gold fixtures
- Two shades of the same color (such as pale blue and darker blue or pale gray and darker gray)
Tips For Stunning Colorful Kitchen Cabinets:
Here are a few tips that will help you create a design you’ll love in your kitchen.
- Decide which cabinets will be different from the rest. Having those accent cabinets creates a focal point. Many homeowners opt to paint their island the contrasting color, but it’s entirely up to you.
- Coordinate colors. If you have warm tones in the cabinets, on the walls, and in the fixtures, stick with warm tones. By the same token, if you have cool tones around the room, stick with cool tone paint choices.
- Use fixtures and hardware as a unifying element between the two primary colors. Using matching hardware throughout the kitchen helps create an intentional and cohesive look.
Fun Examples Of Two-Tone Cabinets In Kitchens
I wanted to give you some examples of great two-toned kitchen cabinets to show you how amazing they can look. I hope these ideas inspire you as your plan your cabinet makeover!
Farmhouse Two-Toned Design
If you love the modern farmhouse look, this kitchen makeover from Sarah Sherman Samuel is for you! The light gray-green paint on the cabinets makes a happy compromise of offering a pop of color without being too bold. The gold pulls throughout brings everything together for a cohesive look.
Blue And White Kitchen Design
Here’s a stunning example from Houseful of Homemade. She changed many things in this kitchen in addition to the cabinets. But when you look at the side-by-side pictures, you can see that it’s the cabinet makeover that makes the most significant impact on the feel of the kitchen.
I love the blue she used on the bottom cabinets and how the gold hardware pops against the blue!
Gray And White Kitchen Cabinets
I love gray and white together and don’t think you can go wrong whether you go with light gray, dark gray, or somewhere in-between.
Here’s an example from Modern Jane Design that shows how chick the gray and white combo can be. The wood floors and wood-tone counters add that natural brown warmth that brings it all together.
Color Blocking Kitchen Cabinets
Painting your upper cabinets a different color than your lower cabinets isn’t the only way to enjoy two-tone kitchen cabinets in your home! You can use color blocking as a way to draw the eye toward a specific part of the kitchen, like this example from Designing Idea.
Learn How To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets Yourself!
Are you ready to add a double dose of color to your kitchen cabinets? No matter how you decide to incorporate this design style, you can transform your kitchen into the kitchen of your dreams.
If you want to give your kitchen a makeover, you can do it at a fraction of the cost by simply painting your kitchen cabinets. The thought of painting their cabinets creates anxiety in most people, but it doesn’t need to. I firmly believe that anyone can paint their kitchen cabinets.
My DIY Cabinet Painting 101 class will show you everything you need to know about the process. And I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it from start to finish and end up with professional-looking results.
No matter which (or how many!) colors you use, your kitchen will look fantastic!
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