Two-toned kitchen cabinets are having a moment in design. What are two-toned cabinets? It’s when the top cabinets are a different color from the bottom. If you are tired of the same color throughout your kitchen and want to bring in some visual interest, this trend may be for you.
Read on to discover tips for choosing two-tone kitchen cabinets.
Reference the color wheel
When choosing the colors or stains you want for your kitchen cabinets, consider the color wheel. You want to be sure you use colors that complement each other rather than clash. Tones matter as well. For example, if you choose a cool tone for the bottom, such as blue, be sure the color on top is also cool-toned. A warm beige will look out of place, while a cool cream will look stunning.
Place darker shades below
When choosing the colors for your two-toned cabinets, you’ll want to make sure the darker color goes on the bottom. Using the darker shade on the bottom of your cabinets grounds your kitchen space and makes it feel larger. Placing dark colors toward the ceiling makes the room feel cramped, while a lighter color opens it up. If your kitchen doesn’t get a lot of natural light, you’ll want to keep this tip in mind, says a Warren, NJ interior decorator.
Include accents
Two-toned cabinets may act as the star and focal point of your kitchen, but you still need to tie them into the rest of your space. A great way to do that is by using the colors of the cabinetry as accent colors throughout your kitchen. Most people opt to use the lighter of the two colors as an accent color to keep the space open and cohesive. Consider incorporating the lighter color via a backsplash. Another way you can use the color is through your tea towels and countertop décor. For a dramatic look, you can even paint your hood vent the same color as your cabinetry to tie everything together.
Opt for neutrals
If the idea of choosing two different colors for your cabinets seems overwhelming or garish, consider selecting white or cream cabinets for the top row. This option will tone down any bright or statement colors below and balance out the rest of your space. White and creams are an excellent choice for small kitchens, as they open the space up and don’t overwhelm it with loud colors and tones. Another option is to mix materials. For example, a wood stain cabinet on top of a brightly painted one looks elegant without being excessive.
Bring in balance
Two-toned kitchen cabinets are a bold look that requires design balance. For example, if you choose a bright, bold color for your bottom cabinets, it may benefit the design to include a neutral wood for the top cabinets instead of another color. Another way to balance the room is to stay within the same color family. Rather than choosing bright yellow and blue tones for your cabinets, consider a more vibrant yellow for the bottom paired with a pale, muted yellow for the top. This way, you have different saturations of one color, which tie together your cabinets without going over the top.
Two-toned kitchen cabinets are nothing to fear. They add interest to your space and allow you to add color to neutral rooms. Make sure you choose hardware that goes with both of your color choices. For example, gold knobs and handles look fantastic with warm colors, while silver works best with cool tones.
