30 Stylish Two-Toned Kitchen Ideas (From an Expert)

Go Green + Gold

"Variables like tile and appliances may change in the future, but your cabinetry tends to stick around a bit longer, so pick combos you can live with for years to come," Makk advises. Here, gold handles connect white cabinets to complementary light green cabinetry beneath a white marble counter. The subtle green of the lower cabinets is a choice that could easily adapt to other changing design features.

Combine White Uppers + Black Lowers

A crisp way to test out two-toned kitchen cabinets in black and white is to contrast white countertops, backsplash, and upper cabinets with a bold black paint color below. With bright subway tile and a statement-making patterned floor, this kitchen appears refined and highly designed.

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Materials

"Whether your space is big or small, a two-toned effect adds instant drama to any well-designed space," Makk says. When mixing colors, don't be afraid to opt for unconventional materials and textures to bring the drama. This contemporary kitchen features slick black cabinetry paired with lighter ones made of an entirely different material. These disparate elements play with the contrast of the brown wooden door and table to give the kitchen a variation of colors and textures.

Experiment With Pastels

For something with a touch more edge, experiment with a unique hue like this pastel mint green. The burst of color completely shifts the tone of this otherwise minimalist gray and white kitchen. The muted palette of the rest of the space draws the eye upward and allows the cabinets to pop against the marble wall.

Mix Traditional Wood With White Cabinets

"Most kitchen designers have shaken it up by mixing traditional wood cabinets with a colorful kitchen island," says Makk. This two-toned kitchen seamlessly incorporates white upper cabinets with wooden lower cabinets. White countertops are continued to the island's waterfall design, while wooden features from the floor, under the island, and on the lower cabinets unite the space. The subtle black from the hanging pendant lighting also matches the black barstools to tie the kitchen together.

Layer Similar Hues

Using multiple colors doesn't mean you have to opt for bright, loud hues. This black-and-gray kitchen is subdued and sophisticated. The primary colors match the minimalistic décor of the space, making the kitchen look clean and streamlined. 

Try Color-Blocking

Instead of contrasting upper and lower kitchen cabinets, try color-blocking and leaving one wall of cabinets a single shade while switching things up on another wall. Here, all-white cabinets, counters, and subway tile backsplash stand apart from a wall of charcoal-colored cabinets. This gives the space some serious dimension.

Pair White With Blue

For a subtle distinction in color, pair white cabinets with a cool blue hue. According to Makk, "your color combinations are always reliant on a variety of things, and should complement your finishes." This design features two-toned kitchen cabinets in blue and white, offering a bright shade on the upper cabinets and understated blue shades below. By pairing the combination with a marble subway tile backsplash, the gray tint is brought out in the lower cabinets.

Streamline the Materials

A surefire way to ensure that two-toned kitchen cabinets remain cohesive is to use the same material throughout the room and only vary the design in color. This industrious kitchen ensures that white and blue cabinets look connected by uniting the elements with the same material featuring vertical lines and gold hardware.

Stay Timeless

"One common mistake is to choose colors that are too trendy and won't withstand the design test of time," Makk explains. Two-toned kitchen cabinets can stay aligned with popular looks by keeping the color choices simple.

To avoid this pitfall, stick with color combinations that you know work well together. This space utilizes a black island to add dimension and flair to the rest of the white kitchen. This look still features pops of color found in the pink runner rug and brown textured barstool chairs.

Consider the Flooring

Take the flooring into consideration when selecting colors for the rest of your kitchen. In this space, navy and white kitchen cabinets stand out against dark wood flooring, making the colors pop even more. The two-toned cabinets also match the island, keeping the various blue and white elements connected for a cohesive design.

Vary Color and Texture

A simple variation in color and texture between a kitchen island and kitchen cabinets adds so much interest and dimension to a space. This welcoming kitchen features a wooden island with deep brown cabinets that stand out against the black countertop and darker cabinetry above. Along with the cabinets, a colorful kitchen rug adds another element of design to the room.

Use White Uppers to Reflect Light

This small kitchen in the Upper East Side is brimming with stunning décor and sleek design elements. Shiny white cabinets sit above the countertops and complement the textured tile backsplash. Opposite a neatly organized gallery wall is darker cabinetry on the lower half of the kitchen. With lighter elements on top and dark pieces below, the kitchen feels much more spacious.

Invest in Hardware

This blue and white kitchen proves that the dynamic design can look and feel traditional. Located in a Carroll Gardens Townhouse in Brooklyn, the white subway tile backsplash, navy blue lower cabinets, and white upper shelving create a timeless look. Try using gold hardware like this to tie the varied elements together.

Add a Bold Countertop

Not only is this kitchen two-toned, but it also features beautiful marble countertops, shelves, and backsplash. Sleek, seamless white drawers and appliances on one wall contrast with black lower cabinets beneath the sink. Combined with the stunning marble countertops, this loft kitchen is a sight to be seen. Add a bold countertop into the mix to get the look for yourself.

Incorporate a Wood Island

The bones of this kitchen may have been built in 1885, but the two-toned cabinets and gold light pendants make this space entirely modern. A glamorous white ceiling, walls, and cabinets contrast with the dark wood of the kitchen island. In addition to the varying shades between the island and the cabinets, the white drawers also stand out again the black stove. If you have room, try incorporating a large square wood island in the center of an all-white kitchen to achieve a similar look.

Use Shelving to Create Dimension

This modern kitchen shows how subtle changes can upgrade a space. With two-toned cabinets in gray and white, it offers a minimalist perspective by pairing a textured white backsplash with the upper cabinets. Adding in the light wooden shelves just below the upper cabinets adds a brand new sense of depth, creating an interesting space to display smaller items. Incorporate some wooden shelves under your cabinets for extra space and an aesthetic boost. 

Decide Your Focal Point

Choosing your colors is essential, but so is their placement. Before finalizing your decision, keep in mind what you want the kitchen's focal point to be. If you have a stunning backsplash nestled between upper and lower cabinets, it's helpful to select a color (like this dark ocean hue) that will contrast enough to showcase it. With additional white cabinets under the sink and island, there is plenty of backdrops to allow the blue to shine.

Add a Splash of Color

Committing to painting an entire row of cabinets in a bright color can feel risky—but there is a way to make it work. Use a kitchen island as a focal point to display a radiant, eye-catching hue. This works exceptionally well if your kitchen is primarily a neutral shade, like this mostly white one, so your chosen color can shine without overpowering the whole room.

Go Monochromatic

Two-tone color schemes can suit a variety of designs, including different shades of the same color. Using a pale blue on the higher and muted periwinkle blue on the lower cabinets, accented with a wooden counter, gives a fresh, clean look. Select a color and experiment with different hues to ensure the space looks cohesive while still adding variety.

Use Subtle Pairings that Make a Difference

Sticking to strictly neutrals isn't the only option if you want something subtle. Using white on upper cabinets and pairing it with a paler version of another hue, like the sage green used here, gives a minimalist atmosphere while still including non-neutral possibilities. Try using muted tones of your favorite color to try the trend out for yourself.

Mix Dark Wood with Colorful Cabinets

If you want to embrace your eclectic side, a bright color for your upper cabinets can be a fun way to mix things up. This kitchen used a bright teal for the top cabinets, which command attention immediately. However, rather than pairing it with a white or strictly brown color, use dark wood instead. It works perfectly as an anchor and adds some variety. Throw in some circular modern light fixtures to add some flair.

Go High Contrast

White and black kitchen cabinets already look classic, but adding some dark wood into the picture takes it a step further. This kitchen uses ceiling-to-floor white cabinets that flow into a black and white marble backsplash, giving the impression of a larger space. Adding the kitchen island that contains charcoal cabinets, a marble counter, and dark wood gives the hallmarks of an upscale classic kitchen.

Try a Statement Backsplash

Colorful kitchens can be tricky, but they're absolutely worth it with the right design elements. These teal lower cabinets and pastel pink upper and side cabinets are tied together with a stunning marble-inspired backsplash containing both hues. It's a perfect way to tie the whole room together.

Use Matte Finishes for a Clean Look

Matte finishes can give a clean, fresh look to whatever space they're in—and kitchens are no exception. Using rich yellow for the cabinets along the wall provides a contemporary vibe and makes a perfect frame for the white and gray backsplash. Contrasting with deep blue cabinets under the island and topped with a white, reflective counter keeps things looking smooth. Use complementary colors with a matte finish to try the look in your space.

Go For Bright Colors

There is no need to shy away from brighter colors for your kitchen cabinets. Pairing a lighter pink on the lower cabinets and a darker plum shade on the upper seems like it's breaking the rules. Still, the result is a dazzling and inviting kitchen space that's worth it. Choose a lighter and darker shade of your favorite hue to add some excitement to the place you prep your meals.

Embrace a Fresh Farmhouse Look

Farmhouse styles don't always have to be the standard white and blue color scheme; gray works just as well. If you want to give your kitchen a modern farmhouse twist, lean towards a darker blue and light, muted gray, with golden wood accents and silver hardware.

Try Glass Cabinets

There is more than one way to create interest in your kitchen through cabinets. Instead of hiding plates and glassware behind solid doors, go for options with a glass door and white trim. The inside of the cabinets show off a stunning bright teal and make the space feel larger by revealing what's inside. Switch out your upper cabinets for options with glass doors and see how much your space changes.

Think About Your Wall Color

There are several aspects to consider when applying two-toned cabinets to your kitchen. Keep in mind what your wall color is—it may be the key to tying together two different hues. This kitchen combines multiple colors and textures: bright, blue-green lower cabinets and dark wooden upper ones, a marble backsplash, and a light, gray wall that serves as the perfect backdrop.

Use Purple and White for a Modern Touch

Shiny white upper cabinets and deep purple lower cabinets capture your attention right away in this kitchen. Add reflective cabinets to give a futuristic, modern feeling to your space, then incorporate a non-distracting backsplash and minimal dećor to keep things clean and sophisticated.