What Are Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets?
Two-tone cabinets are used in modern, farmhouse, traditional and transitional kitchens to create contrast and visual interest. Typically, lighter colors are used on upper cabinets, while darker and deeper shades are shown on lower cabinets. This creates the illusion of a brighter and larger kitchen. But it's important to consider your kitchen's size, style and the natural light that the kitchen gets throughout the day. Here are some general guidelines.
Tips for Choosing a Two-Tone Cabinet Look
- For a cohesive look, it's best to stick to two cabinet colors.
- To create a bright and open feel, use lighter colors on the upper cabinets.
- To ground the space, use darker colors on the lower cabinets.
- Unless you're doing a full remodel, coordinate the new cabinet colors with the existing countertops, flooring and backsplash.
- Always test cabinet or paint samples in natural and artificial light to determine if the color will work.
- For an easy and affordable change, leave the upper and lower cabinets the same color, but change out the peninsula or kitchen island.
Now let's explore some of the most popular color combinations.
White & Navy Cabinets
In this image, a kitchen gets a fresh and modern update with white upper cabinets and navy lower cabinets. By keeping the countertops, range hood, lighting and backsplash all white, the room feels open and spacious. If possible, take upper cabinets to the ceiling and frame them out with moulding because it also makes the ceilings feel taller.
To ground the space, deep navy blue cabinets are paired with a matte black faucet and black countertop stools.
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White & Gray Cabinets
This modern farmhouse kitchen gets a sophisticated update with a set of white upper cabinets and charcoal lower cabinets. Wooden dish racks and glass front cabinets show off your favorite plates and serving pieces. Dark rustic flooring and brass cabinet pulls provide warmth and texture.
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Two-Tone Black & Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Black cabinets with wood accents are a popular kitchen combo. This remodel introduces a number of modern updates, including smart storage and open shelving. Black cabinets frame the one-wall kitchen. By taking them to the ceiling, it provides ample space for linens, small appliances, dishes and seasonal supplies.
Wood cabinets and fluted panels on the island bring texture and warmth, while under cabinet lighting and cream countertops lighten the mood. They opted for minimal hardware, but brass or polished nickel pulls and knobs would work well in this space. Use matte black if you prefer that the hardware blends in.
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Green & White Cabinets
Create a sense of calm with this fresh cabinet combination. A soft sage green on the lower cabinets grounds the look, while creamy white cabinets with glass fronts feel open and light. Rather than using a tile backsplash, the white marble countertop flows seamlessly onto the back wall for a sophisticated update. Honey oak floors and brass hardware provide warmth and texture.
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Beige & Warm Wood Cabinets
If you love modern farmhouse or traditional spaces, this kitchen color combo is a top contender. By pairing beige upper cabinets with warm oak cabinets below, it gives a cozy and rustic vibe. Pair with dark countertops and pendant lights for some contrast. Black matte hardware completes the look.
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Blue Island & White Cabinets
You don't need to do a complete kitchen remodel to make a big impact. An all-white kitchen gets an infusion of color with a blue island. This navy kitchen island provides needed contrast, making the gold pulls, faucet and lighting pop even more. If navy isn't your color, try a pale blue, hunter green, taupe, warm wood or black kitchen island. Just make sure that it coordinates with your hardware, backsplash and flooring.
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Paint Your Own Cabinets
You don't need to run out and buy a whole new set of cabinets to achieve the two-tone look. For a budget-friendly way to update your cabinets, painting them is a great option. We recommend pairing a softer paint color on the upper cabinets with a darker or bolder shade on the bottom. Here are some popular color combinations to get you started.
Recommended Color Combinations
- Cream and sage green
- White and deep blue
- Light gray and charcoal
- Taupe and warm white
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If you're ready to paint your kitchen cabinets, Lowe's has all the tools you need. We can also color match your favorite paint color. Shop online for cabinet paint, primer, brushes, rollers and new hardware.
Let's Get Started
Modernize your kitchen with two-tone kitchen cabinets. By purchasing new cabinets or painting the existing ones, it adds visual interest and contrast to your space. If you're ready to get started, shop online or visit your local Lowe's and speak to a kitchen design specialist.