Some homeowners broke away from the all-white kitchen trend a few years ago. They wanted a more customized look without popping for a complete kitchen redo. Since then, the two-tone cabinet trend, or tuxedo kitchen, has morphed from black lower cabinets mixed with white or lighter upper cabinetry. Versatile designs, creative color combinations, and contemporary finishes are offering a fresh take.
Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Modern interpretations of the two-tone kitchen look offer diverse options. Homeowners are mixing painted finishes with natural wood tones, textured laminates, and inverted color schemes for kitchen islands. Other updates include:
New Two-Tone Color Combinations and Contrasting Finishes
- White uppers with caramel, charcoal, or walnut-stained lowers for a mix of modern and traditional
- Sage green uppers paired with natural oak lowers
- Textured black base cabinets with dark matte laminate uppers so that the contrast is in cabinet finishes more than colors
- Soft off-white perimeter cabinetry with a darker, contrasting island in navy, charcoal, or forest green
- Wood lower cabinets with painted upper cabinets in hues like in soft white, light green, taupe, or beige
Stained Wood Paired With Nature-Inspired Colors
"The use of a green paint alongside a stained wood is very hot right now,” says Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel in St. Louis. “Green paint, such as sage or laurel, and stained wood infuse the kitchen with hues found in nature, producing a calming kitchen."
Homeowners want wood and other biophilic elements in their kitchens, so they're going for stained cabinetry with exposed wood grain, Borcherding notes. “However, stained cabinetry can become boring or even look dated when used for both upper and lower cabinets."
Mixed Finish Treatments on Cabinetry
Homeowners may opt to mix the finish treatment they give their cabinetry, Borcherding says. Cabinetry manufacturers are offering a wider choice of stain, paint, and sheen options.
Island Focus in Two-Tone Look
Another option is to change only the color of the island and make it the focus. Painting the kitchen island in a bolder color, like deep blue, olive, or a muted terracotta, while keeping the surrounding cabinetry more neutral, can liven up the kitchen without overwhelming it, designers say.
Or consider pairing white perimeter cabinetry with dark countertops and an inverse island color scheme, Borcherding says. For instance, “if perimeter cabinetry features a white paint with a dark countertop, the island will feature a dark cabinet color alongside a white countertop.”
Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Can Add Resale Value
“I find buyers are very receptive to the combinations," says Anastasia Pinnick, a kitchen designer and real estate sales associate at Terrie O’Connor REALTORS®, in the New Jersey and New York City metro area.
“[The two-tone design] shows the home isn’t cookie cutter, and buyers notice that," says Brett Johnson, a real estate professional and owner of New Era Home Buyers in Aurora, Colo.
Keep in mind that color matters in marketability and resale value. “Soft neutrals and natural finishes tend to be safer bets than high-contrast black and white or bold, trendy colors,” says Andriy Bezruchuk, a licensed contractor and founder of Bezruchuk Inc., a remodeling company in Puyallup, Wash.
Tried-and-true color families — like whites, grays, blacks, greens, and blues — tend to feel current and have long-term resale appeal,” says Stephanie Trop, founder of FunCycled, an interior design and furniture repurposing firm, in Wynantskill, N.Y.
Make the Most of Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets
Designers share five ways to make the refreshed trend work for your home.
Balance Two-Tone Colors With the Rest of the Home
Consider the lighting, the kitchen space, and your overall home style. The two-tone combos should be cohesive with the rest of the home, designers say.
Flooring also plays a role. “I always recommend choosing tones that complement existing surfaces and feel inviting, especially if the kitchen is small,” Bezruchuk says.
Factor Kitchen Size into Two-Tone Colors
“Smaller kitchens benefit greatly from lighter wall cabinet colors, such as an off-white,” says Borcherding. “In larger kitchens, it is easier to get away with upper cabinets that feature a dark color, such as a navy or dark green.”
Use Unmatched Hardware Finishes and Styles With Two-Tone Cabinetry
“Don’t think that all of your knobs and pulls must match each other,” Borcherding says. “It is perfectly OK to use a different finish or style entirely on different colored cabinetry.”
Consider the Cost of Two-Tone Cabinetry Painting
Even though painting half the cabinetry for a two-tone kitchen would cost less than remodeling or painting all the cabinetry, the option may not be budget friendly. Generally, painting kitchen cabinets can range from $425 to $1,461, averaging $935 according to Angi. Latex-based paint is more affordable and doesn’t yellow as much as oil-based paint.
Get Pro Advice About Two-Tone Cabinet Kitchen Options
Consulting a professional designer can prevent buyer's remorse, Borcherding says. "Seeking their opinions about your two-tone color selections is a smart move.” A real estate professional can often recommend reliable contractors.
More homeowners are realizing they don’t need to overhaul their kitchen to have a big impact. “Two-tone kitchens let you add personality without fully committing to bold design,” Johnson says. That may be the secret behind their long-term appeal.