2021 Kitchen Trends: 2 Tone Cabinets – How to Elevate Your Kitchen Style with Contrast

Trending Styles and Designs

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are more versatile than one might initially think. The traditional approach is to use contrasting colors for your upper and lower cabinets. For instance, black lowers and white uppers create a simple and sophisticated look. However, there are many creative ways to incorporate two-tone cabinets into your kitchen. You could have an island with a different color scheme, use a different complementary color for the cabinets on either side of a range hood, or even have a unique vertical stripe down the center of your cabinets.

Color Combination

Choosing the right color scheme is essential when creating two-tone kitchen cabinets. Thus, it is crucial to consider the overall look and feel you are trying to achieve. Choose one bold or bright focal color and combine it with a more subtle, neutral tone. Examples include navy and white, charcoal and gray, green and white, or even black with brushed bronze.

Material

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are generally available in the same materials as other cabinets, but some materials stand out in creating this look. Wood is still the most popular material, especially natural wood finishes like oak and maple. Other popular options include flat-panel and shaker-style cabinets made from MDF or thermofoil. With two-tone cabinets, it is also possible to mix and match materials. For instance, have a neutral painted lower cabinet paired with a wood upper cabinet to add a unique texture or contrast.

Accessories and Finishes

Although two-tone kitchen cabinets are a statement piece, the accessories and finishes you choose will bring the kitchen together. Some great finishes for cabinets include shiny chrome or brushed nickel hardware, brass or gold, and matte black pulls and knobs. Don’t forget about the other details like light fixtures, faucets, and backsplash tiles that will build on the aesthetic of your two-tone kitchen.

DIY Tips

If you are looking to achieve the two-tone kitchen cabinet look without breaking the bank, DIY may be the right option for you. The first step is to choose the right color scheme. Once that is done, measure and cut the cabinet parts to size, clean and sand the surfaces, and then prime and paint the cabinet frames before starting on the doors and drawers. There are tutorials available online providing step-by-step instructions and advice when it comes to DIY two-tone kitchen cabinets. Ensure to take the time to do it correctly, try the techniques out on a piece of scrap wood first before attempting to apply them and skip any second guessing that could lead to costly mistakes.

FAQs:

Q: Can two-tone kitchen cabinets work in a small kitchen?
A: Yes, two-tone kitchen cabinets can work in a small kitchen. By using lighter tones for the upper cabinets, you can create an illusion of more space without compromising on style.

Q: What are some unique two-tone kitchen cabinet ideas?
A: Ideas include including an island with a different color scheme, using a different complementary color for cabinets on either side of a range hood, or creating a vertical stripe down the center of the cabinets.

Q: What are the latest two-tone kitchen cabinet trends for 2021?
A: The latest two-tone kitchen cabinet trends include natural wood finishes like maple and oak, flat-panel and shaker-style cabinets made from MDF or thermofoil, and colored painted cabinets like navy, charcoal, or green.

Q: What materials are used for two-tone kitchen cabinets?
A: Two-tone kitchen cabinets use similar materials to other cabinets, such as wood, MDF, and thermofoil. With two-tone cabinets, it’s also possible to mix and match materials.

Q: What accessories and finishes go best with two-tone kitchen cabinets?
A: Accessories and finishes such as shiny chrome or brushed nickel hardware, brass or gold, and matte black pulls and knobs work well with two-tone kitchen cabinets. Don’t forget about the other details like light fixtures, faucets, and backsplash tiles.

Q: Are there any tips for DIY two-tone kitchen cabinets?
A: Tips for DIY two-tone kitchen cabinets include measuring and cutting the cabinet parts to size, cleaning and sanding the surfaces, priming and painting the cabinet frames first before starting on the doors and drawers, and using tutorials and advice available online.