Make Your Kitchen Island the Star with Two Tone Cabinets

Is your kitchen island begging for a little extra attention? Boring single-tone cabinets got you down? If so, it may be time to try the on-trend look of two tone kitchen cabinets.

Using two different cabinet colors is a creative way to highlight your kitchen island and make it a focal point in the room. The contrasting island cabinets draw the eye, anchor the space, and give your kitchen a stylish, contemporary edge.

Make Your Island the Focal Point

There are a few simple design tricks that can help your two tone cabinets make the kitchen island pop:

Use Color to Draw the Eye

Painting or staining your island cabinets a different hue than the main cabinetry creates instant contrast. Going for a deeper, darker color on the island anchors it visually. Black, navy blue, or a rich wood stain are great island options against light cabinets.

The color difference pulls focus to the island and distinguishes it as the centerpiece of the kitchen.

Vary Cabinet Materials on Island

Using different materials exclusively on the kitchen island cabinets adds appealing texture variance. Glass door upper cabinets or open shelving on an island plays nicely against classic wooden cabinetry. Mixing metal and wood cabinet finishes can also look modern and luxe.

The unique island cabinets make that area stand out in an organic, complementary way.

Emphasize Island Size or Design

You can also emphasize an island through its dimensions. Sizing it significantly larger than the main cabinet runs commands attention. Giving the islandn interesting shape like a curve or unusual silhouette also draws interest.

Architectural details like thick corbels, trimwork, or prominent legs elevate an island’s presence as well. The goal is to highlight what makes the island special.

Two Tone Color Combination Ideas

Now that you have island focal point tips, what are the best two tone cabinet color combinations? Here are some charming and on-trend options:

Classic Black and White

A combo of crisp white upper cabinets and deep black lowers packs plenty of visual punch. The contrast pops, especially with stainless steel appliances and hardware. White provides and open and airy feeling, while black brings drama and elegance.

Warm Wood and White

For a slightly softer but still contrasting look, pair warm wood lower cabinets with bright white uppers. The wood brings warmth to balance the white. This works with traditional, cottage, and farmhouse kitchen aesthetics.

Blue Lower Cabinets with White or Gray Uppers

Try layering lighter and darker shades in the same cool color family. Soft blue bottoms with antique white or light gray up top lends subtle color without overwhelming.

More Unique Color Combinations

Feeling adventurous? Navy blue lower cabinets with brass uppers creates a nautical vibe. An earthy green on bottom with antique white tops can be organic and charming. Pops of red or yellow on the base make for a fun, retro-inspired style.

Design Tips for Two Tone Kitchens

To ensure your two tone kitchen cabinets look pulled-together and intentional, keep these design tips in mind:

Keep Finishes Cohesive

Hardware, fixtures, and appliances should coordinate across both cabinet colors. Matching finishes on metals and hardware prevents a disjointed look.

Repeat Cabinet Colors Elsewhere

Bring your second cabinet tone into the rest of the kitchen through the backsplash, island, open shelving, or lighting. Tying it in visually promotes harmony.

Transition Colors Smoothly

Using the same cabinet door style in both tones looks more cohesive than totally mismatched doors. Having a trim piece as a transition between upper and lower cabinet colors also smoothes the dual tones.

Seek Visual Balance

Be thoughtful about where you place each color in the kitchen. Don’t just have tones on opposite ends. Distribute cabinet colors in a balanced, intentional way for the best flow.

With the right island emphasis and color pairing, two tone kitchen cabinets can really make your island shine as the focal point of the room. It’s a look that manages to be modern yet classic at the same time. And it allows you to add personalized style to your kitchen in a bold yet elegant way.

Next time your kitchen island seems a little lonely, considering introducing a new two tone cabinet look. You’re sure to fall in love with this trending and tasteful design decision.