Contemporary and chic, two-tone kitchen cabinets can breathe unique life into a more traditionally-styled kitchen. Natural wood and stainless steel, white-washed and black lacquered … there are tons of fun mixed and matched designs to choose from.

Today, we’re showing off 30 of the best two toned kitchen cabinet ideas. Allow yourself to become inspired before your kitchen renovation!

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Shaker

The Shaker style is composed of five flat-panel components, four of which form the frame and one of which serves as the fifth element. According to HGTV, this is a popular style because of the basic and classic appearance it lends to either contemporary or traditional designs.

Shaker cabinets are easily identifiable by their flat paneled doors with rail frames, solid construction made of high-quality wood. When it comes to the materials used to construct Shaker-style kitchen cabinets, they are frequently made of high-quality American wood, particularly those found in the northeastern United States (that includes hickory, maple, and cherry).

Flat-panel

Flat-panel kitchen cabinet doors, often known as “slab” cabinet doors, are basic yet attractive. This cabinet type features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that is devoid of pricey details. The simple flat-panel cabinet’s appearance makes it an excellent fit for both modern and contemporary kitchens.

Cabinets with flat panels can be manufactured in a variety of ways. One defining aspect of this style is the absence of frames on the slab doors. Rather than that, they are essentially solid slabs, as their name implies.

Inset

Like the name implies, inset-style cabinets feature an inset door fitted within the cabinet frame rather than outside the frame as standard cabinet doors do. Each door is designed and constructed with extreme precision to guarantee the wood fits properly inside the frame. Depending on their looks, they can match styles that range from contemporary to mid-century modern.

While inset kitchen cabinets and drawers are among the most expensive on the market, their timeless appearance can last for years. Custom cabinets with beaded or un-beaded inserts are simple to design with inset cabinetry. The cabinet door is designed with a beaded insert construction. This creates a well-crafted edge detail.

Louvered

These kitchen cabinets are characterized by horizontal wooden slats and a premium price tag. Louvered cabinets, which are normally found on windows, furnishings, and internal doors, offer a unique look to kitchen cabinetry. They look great in farmhouse or mid-century modern kitchens.

Louvered cabinets are ideal for areas that demand air, as the majority of louvered doors feature spaces between the slats. Bear this in mind while looking for doors for a cabinet near a pantry cabinet, a radiator, or a laundry room.

Traditional

Traditionally styled kitchen cabinets frequently include a single arch at the door panel or the top of the cabinet. The “cathedral style” or rounded cathedral top design is the most common traditional kitchen cabinet style.

Additionally, this is the most frequently utilized kitchen cabinet design type in low-cost homes and rental apartments. Due to its low cost, it is also frequently utilized in low-budget house remodeling projects.

The “double traditional kitchen cabinet style” is another variant of the traditional cabinet style. This style incorporates two circular arches, rather than one, at the bottom and top of the panel.

The arch design is achieved by incorporating deep grooves, which provide a prominent shadow effect. Cost-wise, the single arch and double arch designs are identical.

How to Clean Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are cleaned pretty much the same way as other cabinets.

Step One

Simply combine warm water and 1/4 quarter cup trisodium phosphate in a spray bottle or container.

Step Two

Apply/mist the solution thoroughly to the fronts of cabinets and drawers while wearing gloves.

Step Three

After a few minutes, wipe away any remaining TSP residue using a sponge or a soft cloth.

Alternatively, you can clean excessively dirty kitchen two tone cabinets with a 50 – 50 mixture of warm water and vinegar. You can also make a solution by adding a few drops of mild liquid detergent to a bowl of warm water. Apply/mist the solution thoroughly to the fronts of cabinets and drawers while wearing gloves.

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets

Often, utility takes precedence above style, but this does not have to be the case. Whether you’re attempting to determine the optimal storage method for your spices or experimenting with new methods to style your counters, drawers, cabinets, and pantries can prove useful in a variety of ways.

Use drawer organizers for different small items and kitchen utensils.Use vertical separators for cutting boards and pan lids.Label everything using a label maker.Group kitchen items based on the activity you use them for.Use pop-up shelves where possible.Add liners to your drawers and cabinets.Use stick-on hooks on the insides of cabinet doors.

How to Decorate Top of Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

The top of your two-tone kitchen cabinets deserves some sprucing up, so here are some tips that might help you make it look nicer:

Conceal clutter with canisters.Add woven baskets for extra storage.Show off your collectibles.Add an extra shelf.Display your plants.Place holiday decorations.Put up some art.

How Deep Are Kitchen Cabinets?

A conventional base cabinet is 24 inches deep. For islands or other situations where such a deep cabinet would be too large, you can adjust the size by three inches at once. The lowest size for shallow kitchen cabinet bases is 12 inches deep (something mostly characteristic of wall cabinets).

Wall or upper cabinets do not require as much weight support because they do not have a countertop. But you must place them correctly on the walls to support the weight of whatever you place inside them.

Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets Inspiration Ideas

London

This little London kitchen is adorned with smooth, white cabinets and striped, dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances. We’re in love the initial contrast and slick finishes on these two toned cabinets.

Retro

There’s a bit of a retro appeal woven throughout this kitchen. It may just be that easy pop of red surrounding the charcoal lower cabinets and upper white cabinets.

Bright

There’s a beautiful brightness surrounding this kitchen. The combination of natural wood cabinet colors and crisp white cabinets suits an open vision for two tone cabinets.{found on rendallandwright}.

Nautical

By adding bright whites and royal blues, you get an easy nautical vibe throughout the space. Even in the kitchen you can bring about that beach effect with upper white cabinets and blue lower cabinets.

Formal

Black and dark wood cabinets seem to be quite the drab duo. But in an open space with the right, natural lighting, and stainless steel appliances, you’ll get a formal, traditional two tone cabinet look that fits into larger homes.{found on signaturekitchensandbaths}.

Ease

This lofty space sure has a breathy, easy feel to it. And if you notice the kitchen, you’ll also notice the romanticism behind the hazy grey and white cabinet combination.{found on hutkerarchitects}.

Cottage

These cottage colors are such a perfect way to highlight the kitchen. Pale yellows with frosted doors paired with a grey counterpart at the other end of the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, it’s such a light and welcoming presence.

Homey

Creams and olives can create such a beautiful, homey ambiance. Just look at this stunning combination in this light and bright kitchen with two tone cabinets!{found on rasmussen-su}.

Subtly

Notice the small addition of the gray drawers highlighting the white cabinets. And the white cabinets highlighting the stainless steel appliances. It’s a subtle two-tone cabinet experience but it can make such a world of difference.{found on venegasandcompany}.

Contemporary

Here’s another look at a contemporary way to utilize both finishes on the white and wood cabinets. We love this combination and this design even more. These two tone cabinets are refreshing but incredibly fashion-forward as well.{found on johnlumarchitecture}.

Elongated

The unique combination embellishes this elongated kitchen. Charcoal cabinets and naturally-colored wood cabinets and pieces that make the space feel a bit more welcoming.{found on dyergrimesarchitects}.

Contrast

White cabinets with dark, chocolate cabinets up above, this steep contrast gives a more formal feel to this smaller space. Although it doesn’t enlarge, there is a certain sophistication to these two tone cabinets.

Multi

There’s more than two tones here. But we still needed to feature this gorgeous, multi-toned piece. Orange, red, charcoal and white on top, this is such a festive display of two tone cabinets.{found on sandbergschoffel}.

Classic

Sometimes black kitchen cabinets with white cabinets is truly all you need. It’s contrasting, it’s versatile and it’s always timeless when it comes to interior design to fashion. You’ll always win with two tone cabinets!{found on eminentinteriordesign}.

Sweet

Personally, this is one of my favorite designs of the bunch. The combination of powder blue and creamy white cabinets make for such a sweet pairing.

Unique two tone kitchen cabinets

We’re sure it doesn’t get much more unique with this cabinet pairing. With the plum backsplash and black upper cabinets, you really have something original to enjoy.{found on increation}.

Outlined

White cabinets with a gray outline, this is a contemporary way to jazz up traditional looks. And we’re in the love with the subtle charm and stainless steel appliances.{found on gibsongimpel}.

Chic

Here’s an example of what we like to call “rustic chic.” This slick kitchen, covered in oak wood cabinets with white additions, have such a slick appeal with a rustic charm.{found on sh-interiors}.

Transitional two tone kitchen cabinets

There is such an eclectic mix of styled in this kitchen we just had to feature its uniqueness. It melds interior visions with an ease and with so much interest.{found on bricesfurniture}.

Wood

These wood cabinets are double the fun. Lighter wood cabinets surrounding and framed in dark wood pieces, they’re interesting but also traditional enough to feel right at home.{found on charlestoddhelton}.

Feminine

The combination of finishes and colors in this kitchen suggests a very soft and feminine design with graceful lines and balanced contrasts. The upper cabinets are natural wood cabinets while the bottom ones are a soft shade of pink. A speckled countertop and matching backsplash, sink and storage shelving compliments the cabinets.

Brass

The color palette in this exquisite kitchen designed by Snøhetta is as beautiful as it is unexpected. The walls, ceiling, the upper and lower cabinets and even the radiator and the curtains have a delicate pastel pink nuance.

The countertops of green marble are bold and eye-catching but the most unexpected feature is the brass kitchen island.

Dark green

There’s something very comforting about the design of this modern kitchen. Instead of a robust island it has a slender and stylish wooden table with a trapezoid-shaped base which looks amazing in combination with the two-tone parquet flooring.

Furthermore, the cabinetry showcases two different styles. There are white upper cabinets with cutouts that reveal a few wooden accents and the lower cabinets have a dark green finish, almost black. This is a gorgeous design by Colombe studio.

Neutral

Simple and neutral colors and timeless materials and finishes go hand in hand. They are a perfect fit for many modern and contemporary kitchens, including this one.

The minimalist white upper cabinets add a very clean and airy feel to the room while the white marble backsplash adds just a hint of sophistication. Furthermore, the island introduces warm wooden accents which ensures a seamless transition towards the living room. Design from Direct Painting Group.

Farmhouse white

White is a very versatile color, very commonly used in contemporary interior design but also capable of looking magnificent in farmhouse-inspired spaces.

This kitchen designed by Bria Hammel is a gorgeous example with white cabinets. It’s simple with stainless steel appliances and it’s also very welcoming despite the lack of color.

Purple two tone kitchen cabinets

Purple is a magnificent color with a royal flair and a sophisticated vibe. Here it is an accent color in combination with bright neutrals and various finishes, patterns and details.

The result is a very chic kitchen with a simple but also very attractive and harmonious interior. This beautiful design was created by studio Les Ensembliers.

Sage green

The renovation of this open kitchen done by studio Blakes London brought with it a soothing and calming palette of colors and finishes. The upper cabinets feature a beautiful sage green exterior with dusty pink accents on the inside.

The lower cabinets and the island introduce a lovely natural wood texture with a distressed look. Stylish brass accents complete the design.

Timeless

When in doubt, go with black and white. It’s a timeless combination which suits any style and you can personalize in an infinite number of ways.

This modern kitchen designed by Studio Tate puts a big emphasis on the simplicity of the décor, making use of clean lines, minimalist shapes and matte finishes. The gray details and the wooden floor prevent the space from becoming monotonous.

Metallic two tone kitchen cabinets

This modern kitchen has a super clean and stylish look, featuring visible industrial influences in its design but ultimately maintaining a balanced look. Dark wood cabinets and metal complement each other perfectly by bringing out the uniqueness in each material. This is the creation of interior designer Iva Hajkova.

Black and Dark gray two tone kitchen cabinets

The use of dark grays and black marble in this kitchen give the space a masculine look and emphasizes the minimalism of the interior design as a whole.

The large kitchen island is the focal point of this area, introducing rich wooden accents into the mix. This has a big impact on the area and renders the space warm and welcoming. This is a design by studio ORKO.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Are two tone kitchen cabinets out of style?

A kitchen with varying tints doesn’t go out of style. In fact, two tone cabinets can bring a great deal of dimension and life into the kitchen.

Can I paint my kitchen cabinets two different colors?

Kitchen cabinets can still be classy and sophisticated with two different colors. You could even argue that you can create a more sophisticated kitchen with more than one color.

Which color combination is best for kitchen cabinets?

There are many different color combinations for two tone cabinets, the most popular being any dark color paired with white. A favorable color combination is black and white cabinets.

Should upper or lower cabinets be darker?

Typically, darker colors go better on lower cabinets. Dark cabinets give the kitchen a sense of grounding. And the upper light to white cabinets provide a sense of light and space to the kitchen.

Can upper and lower cabinets be different colors?

Play with color variations to find the perfect combination for two tone cabinets. Almost any color paired with white cabinets will go well together.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to redesign your space for a more innovative aesthetic or doing a simple update on your cabinets, two tone kitchen cabinets can provide the ultimate style when upgrading your kitchen.