Everything You Need to Know About Creating a Two-Toned Kitchen

When it comes to kitchen design, cabinet doors are the most visible design element and typically sets the tone for other features in your kitchen like hardware, countertops, backsplash, and appliances. It can be overwhelming considering all the options out there today, but if you’re looking to create a design that’s uniquely your own, two-toned kitchen cabinets are the perfect creative solution!

Why should you choose a two-toned kitchen?

There are so many reasons to experiment with kitchen colour combinations in your home. While a single cabinet colour or material can create a uniformed design, incorporating two colours can make for a more creative look. Exploring different coloured cabinets is an instant and easy way to create interest in your kitchen. Plus, playing with colours and materials can change the entire feel of a kitchen, making it feel bigger, brighter, or warmer, while also creating a sense of depth and layers.

What is a two-toned kitchen?

Mixing and matching colours and materials in the kitchen is a design trend that has been steadily growing in popularity with homeowners because of its versatility and endless options. The term “two-tone kitchen” refers to any kitchen space that combines two different colours of cabinets. While there is many different forms this combination can be achieved, we’ve highlighted some tips for how you can create the perfect colour combination below:

1. Colour Balance

Creating a successful two-tone kitchen is all about visual balance and energy. A fail proof tip is to keep darker, bold hues as your lower cabinets and lighter, neutral hues as your upper cabinets.

Having darker lower cabinets help define a space, which is a great feature if your kitchen has an open concept design. Balancing the space by keeping the lighter colours higher will make the room feel light and spacious, regardless of the size. It can also double as an accent colour you can carry through your space for consistency.

2. Colour Blocking

Instead of designing with contrasting upper and lower cabinets, another way to achieve a two-tone kitchen is to colour-block a single wall or kitchen island. By having one wall of cabinets a certain hue, and the remaining in another, you can give the space some serious dimension and create a focal point. This works best for kitchens with pantry walls or islands.

3. Contrasting Texture

Two-tone kitchens are not just reserved for colours, but for textures as well! Use wood grains or metals as an alternative and play off their warm or cool undertones to create a dynamic two-tone kitchen. Variation in colour and texture adds so much interest and dimension into a space.

What are some other kitchen cabinet colour trends?

The beauty of two-toned kitchens lies with their limitless options. If you need some help figuring out where to start, here are some popular trends to inspire you:

White cabinets with a splash of colour: Pairing white cabinets with colours are a great way to liven up your kitchen and create a specific mood. Pastels evoke a vintage style, while bold colours have the same impact as a well-placed accent wall.
Colour & wood: Don’t be afraid to mix solid colours and textures into your space. Creating contrast with wood elements is an easy way to add a touch of warmth to your kitchen.
Black & white: The timeless appeal of bold black cabinetry offset by crisp white cabinetry creates a refined and highly designed space.
Similar hues: Having a two-tone kitchen doesn’t mean you have to opt for bright or loud hues. Using two darker shades, like black and grey, can create a kitchen that is subdued and sophisticated. Perfect for minimalistic spaces.

While there are no set rules for which colour combinations or design elements work best for two-tone kitchens, it all comes down to creativity and what suits you best. Need more inspiration? Reach out to our design curators to create your perfect palette or try it out in our Oasis Kitchens Tool to create the two-toned kitchen design of your dreams!