Two-Tone Kitchens Combine Light and Dark Cabinets for a Striking Style

Home décor trends change over time and the kitchen is no exception. If your kitchen is looking dated, it might be time to freshen it up. Given that kitchen cabinets are a dominant feature in a kitchen, changing them will dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you want to completely replace your cabinets or just give them a facelift, changing the color can make a drastic difference.

Homeowners often struggle to decide between going with white cabinetry or cabinets in wood finishes. A current trend that has been gaining popularity is bi-color or two-toned kitchen cabinets, which blends the two. In this design style, light-colored cabinets are paired with dark cabinets, typically with the lighter color on the top and the darker color on the lower cabinets. Using contrasting cabinetry adds depth and visual interest to your kitchen. Using a darker finish on the lower cabinets will anchor the kitchen while the lighter upper cabinets will create an open, spacious feel and give the impression of higher ceilings. Another variation is to use dark cabinetry on the island and use white cabinetry throughout the rest of the kitchen, making the island a focal point.

White is the most common color for the upper cabinets. White has long been a favorite for kitchen cabinetry. White cabinets brighten the kitchen and make it feel larger. White cabinets are also extremely versatile, coordinating well with virtually any color scheme. Cream, off-white, and other light neutral colors also work well for the upper cabinets.

For the bottom cabinets in a two-tone kitchen design, dark wood finishes such as cherry and mahogany are popular along with sleek black cabinets. These rich, deep finishes help the kitchen blend in with the décor of the rest of your home. Greys, blues and greens are also being used more for the bottom cabinets to add some color.

Depending on the type of kitchen cabinets you have, you may be able to achieve this style by simply painting or refinishing your existing cabinetry. The experts at Mission Kitchen and Bath can work with you to select colors and determine the best refinishing technique for your cabinets and the look you want to achieve. Ready for completely new cabinets? Mission Kitchen and Bath offers an extensive collection of kitchen cabinets in a variety of styles, finishes and materials.