Kitchens are one of the most important parts of a home. From preparing food to doing homework at the counter to hosting meals, the kitchen is the most used and seen room in a house. When it comes to designing a kitchen, all-white has been a classic for a long time. It is bright and easy to match. While all-white is still timeless, a new two-toned kitchen trend is emerging bringing personalized character and a modern flair.
The new trend involves mixing cabinet colors and textures bringing visual interest, personalization, and joy to this important room. Many people do this on a budget through painted kitchen cabinet doors leading to two-tone kitchen cabinets. Others choose darker colors on lower cabinets and lighter colors up above. Still others mix materials and textures as well as colors!
Why Choose a Tow-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Design?
The two-toned kitchen design does not have to be an expensive endeavor. You can significantly elevate your kitchen without having to change everything at a high cost. Imagine making your kitchen welcoming, seemingly larger, and aesthetically pleasing through cost-effective means. These are the benefits of two-tone kitchen cabinets and doing a kitchen cabinet makeover.
Creates Visual Interest and Architectural Depth
The goal for many is to have a kitchen that is interesting and beautiful. However, they don’t know how to proceed and instead settle for a single color. Because kitchens are filled with walls and walls of cabinets, the single color can make their room feel flat and boring.
This is where painting kitchen cabinets can make all the difference. Choosing two contrasting colors in the room can break up this monotony. It can add depth and interest and make the space look custom-designed!
Makes Small Kitchens Look Larger
If you live in a smaller enclosed kitchen, the benefits of two-tone kitchen cabinets may be even greater for you. When you give lower cabinetry darker colors and place the lighter colors up above, you can give off the illusion that your space is bigger than it is.
Doing this draws the eye upward, making it seem like your ceilings are taller and you have more of an open room. You can take a small, enclosed, drab kitchen and elevate it to designer status! Not only that, but you can make it a space people want to be.
Cost-Effective Kitchen Renovation
You do not have to do a full kitchen remodel, replacing kitchen cabinets and paying serious money for a designer look and trendy two-toned kitchen. Oftentimes, all you need is a little fresh paint and some refinishing done by a professional.
Painting kitchen cabinets can be a way to re-use what you already have and be a cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen. Professional painters can make your kitchen look beautiful for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.
Golden Rules for Mixing Kitchen Cabinet Colors
While two-tone designs are becoming more common, there are certain rules for two tone kitchens you should keep in mind when choosing colors and textures to prevent a mismatched look.
It can be helpful to consult with a professional painter who is trained in knowing some of the interior design rules. At ACP Painting, our professionals have years of experience and training choosing the perfect colors and applying them!
Ground the Space with Dark Lower Cabinets
One of the most common kitchen cabinet painting tips used in interior design is to place darker colors below and lighter colors above. This makes kitchens look larger and more airy. For instance, you could place colors such as navy, forest green, or charcoal on your lower cabinets, and whites or creams on your upper cabinets.
This technique draws the eye upwards and gives the illusion that the room is larger than it is. It also provides needed coverage for the lower areas that are more prone to dirt and grime while keeping lighter colors involved to prevent a heaviness.
Apply the 60-30-10 Color Rule
Another helpful rule for two-tone kitchens is to follow the 60-30-10 color rule. This idea helps you get a uniform and connected design while making it unique by using different colors and textures. You will pick a dominant color that will be on 60% of your room. Your secondary color will be in 30% of your kitchen. And your accent color will be in 10% of your kitchen. An example is as follows:
- 60%- lower cabinets and walls
- 30%- Upper cabinets and island
- 10%- Hardware, backsplash, and lighting
Harmonize the Existing Elements
When you’re considering how to choose two-tone cabinet colors, you must think of more than just the paint. You must consider the elements that already exist in your kitchen. For instance, your countertops, flooring, or any current backsplash. In order to look truly elevated, everything must work together without clashing cool and warm tones.
This is where a professional color consultant, like the individuals at ACP Painting, can be vital. They are specially trained to evaluate what already exists and make recommendations that will bring everything together.
The Best Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Color Combinations
So this all begs the question, “What are the best two-tone kitchen cabinet color combinations?” While there are many colors to choose from, there are several color palettes that are stunning, professional, and timeless.
Timeless Contrast: Crisp White and Navy Blue
When you’re looking for a color combination that is classic, fresh, and works with many different home styles, navy blue with white is the tried and true answer. This combination can give a nautical feel in some homes, a simple and clean feel in modern or minimalist homes, and an elegant, long-standing, and historic feel in traditional and classic homes.
Earthy and Warm: Soft Sage Green and Cream
Other popular kitchen cabinet paint colors include sage green or other muted earthy greens and cream. This color combination is growing in popularity as it gives off a calm and organic feel in a living environment. When it comes to modern home aesthetics, these colors fit right in!
Sleek and Modern: Matte Black and Warm White
For those that love a modern and minimalist, yet striking color combination, consider a matte black and warm white. These two colors create a striking, tuxedo-style kitchen that feels sophisticated yet inviting and cozy. These colors work in many different styles of homes, especially when paired with natural wood or warm metals!
Alternative Ways to Pull Off the Two-Tone Look
Instead of going big and adding multiple colors to your kitchen cabinets, you could consider trying out the two-tone trend on other parts of your kitchen. Areas you could add color include:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Kitchen island
- Backsplash
- Accent wall
- Pantry Tower
The Standout Kitchen Island
If you want to try out the two-tone trend, but don’t want to be too bold quite yet, you could look at doing a painted kitchen island. Paint your island in a contrasting or bold color to add visual intrigue. This is often the safest and most popular way to try the trend.
Accent Walls and Pantry Towers
A different way to try the trend, instead of separating your kitchen into upper and lower cabinets, is to paint one single wall of cabinets, from floor to ceiling, a different color. Typically, you could do this on an accent cabinet wall or maybe a built-in coffee bar. This adds visual interest and a unique focal point.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen in the Phoenix Valley?
When you get the itch to transform your kitchen into something more modern, visually interesting, and designer-grade, you will need the help of professional cabinet painters Phoenix. These companies will prep, apply, and finish your painting project so it is unmatched.
At ACP Painting, we have over 20 years of experience and have dialed in our prep/painting process so it is precise, beautiful, and efficient. We provide free cabinet painting estimates along with color consultations so you can try the two-toned kitchen trend with confidence. We are a veteran-owned business so you know you are getting the best in dedication, integrity, and service. When you need cabinet painting in Maricopa, AZ, Scottsdale, and the surrounding Phoenix Valley, reach out to our professional painters for a free estimate!
