Modernize Your Kitchen With Striking Two Tone Cabinets and Island

The two tone kitchen cabinet trend brings visual excitement through contrasting finishes and colors. This modern design style adds depth, dimension, and flair to any kitchen remodel. Combining a lighter perimeter with a dramatic dark island or mixing wood and painted finishes creates striking spaces brimming with personality.

Read on to discover inspiring ways to incorporate two tone kitchen cabinets and islands for a contemporary look that feels anything but cookie-cutter.

Choosing Your Two Tone Color Combination

Most Popular Color Schemes

When designing a two tone kitchen, selecting complementary cabinet colors is key. Popular pairings include:

• White and black
• White and navy
• White and gray
• White and wood tone

Light perimeter cabinets contrasted by a bold dark island is a common approach. But don’t be afraid to flip the scheme and try darker main cabinets with a light-colored island for dramatic effect.

Tips for Selecting Colors

Choosing cabinet colors with visual impact while avoiding a clash requires forethought. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Contrasting colors should complement each other, like crisp white and rich navy.
• Consider undertones. Mix warm and cool cabinets or choose neutral shades.
• Lighten up perimeter cabinets to make a dark island pop.
• Accent colors can make exciting island choices.

Cabinet Finishes

Beyond color, think about the finishes of your two tone kitchen components. Options include:

• Painted vs. stained cabinets – Many designs pair painted perimeter cabinets with stained wood islands for natural contrast.
• Glossy vs. matte finishes – A glossy island has a glamorous appeal against flat matte cabinets.
• Mixing finishes – Consider combining wood, lacquer, laminate, and other finishes between upper and lower cabinets.

Design Inspiration for Two Tone Kitchens

Contemporary Style

Want a modern kitchen with two tone cabinets? Aim for:

• Clean lines and minimal ornamentation
• Mix of cabinet colors and materials like wood and painted
• Matte finishes rather than high-gloss
• Black hardware for an ultra-modern look

This pared-down style really lets your two tone palette shine.

Traditional Kitchens

Prefer a more classic kitchen vibe? Try:

• Softer two tone combinations like white and light wood cabinets
• Natural wood finishes and details
• A darker wood island to gently contrast the main cabinets

Even traditional spaces can incorporate two tones in a nuanced, elegant fashion.

Eclectic Style

For a playful spin, consider:

• Bold color combinations like navy blue and peach cabinets
• Mix of modern and traditional elements
• Unique backsplash tile as an accent

Embrace your adventurous side with an eclectic two tone kitchen.

Tips for Your Two Tone Kitchen Remodel

Island as Focal Point

When planning your two tone kitchen, make the island a statement. Ways to accomplish this:

• Use a bold color or finish to draw attention
• Choose a different finish than the main cabinets
• Spot to highlight dark dramatic colors and materials

Your island is the natural spot to really play up contrast and make it shine.

Cohesive Design

Avoid a disjointed look by:

• Repeating cabinet colors in wall paint or accent tiles
• Tying the space together with hardware and lighting
• Incorporating wood tones throughout

Repeating finishes and using metallic or black hardware creates harmony.

Proper Lighting

With varied cabinet colors, thoughtful lighting is key:

• Mix task lighting for prepping with ambient options
• Avoid shadows with sufficient overall lighting
• Use fixtures as metallic focal points to pull together two tones

Proper illumination keeps your kitchen looking crisp and cohesive.

Accentuating Your Two Tone Kitchen

Backsplash

Use your backsplash to enhance two tone cabinets by:

• Adding visual excitement with mosaic tile
• Tying in cabinet colors with backsplash hue
• Using natural stone like marble or travertine

A beautiful backsplash bridges your cabinet combinations.

Countertops & Floors

Ground your two tones with countertops and floors like:

• Crisp white quartz countertops with dark wood floors
• Warm wood countertops on light floors
• Natural stone or concrete that complements cabinet finishes

Counters and flooring should enhance, not compete with, two tone cabinets.

Accessories

Final touches to consider:

• Dramatic pendant lighting over a bold island
• Sculptural hardware as metallic focal points
• Potted greenery and decor to warm up an island

Well-chosen accents give your two tone kitchen personality.

Two tone kitchen cabinetry makes a gorgeous, modern design statement. Clever color and material combinations add visual drama and dimension while creating a focal point island. Whether aiming for contemporary chic or understated elegance, two tones give kitchens an instant style upgrade.

Keep these tips in mind when planning your own striking two tone kitchen remodel. Choose complementary finishes, repeat details for cohesion, and accent with tile, floors, and decor. The design possibilities are endless – have fun and get creative with contrasting cabinetry!