Refresh Your Kitchen With Two Toned Cabinets
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do the oak cabinets make the space feel dark and closed in? Are you longing for an updated, modern look but don't have the budget for a full renovation? Painting your existing cabinets in two different colors could be the affordable solution you’ve been searching for.
Two toned kitchen cabinets refer to having the upper and lower cabinets painted in contrasting colors. Typically, the lower cabinets are painted a darker shade while the upper cabinets are a lighter color. This instantly adds visual interest, dimension, and a contemporary vibe to your kitchen.
What Are Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets?
As the name implies, two toned kitchen cabinets involve using two different colors of paint on your upper and lower cabinets. Usually, a deep hue is selected for the bottom cabinets since darker colors ground the space. The upper cabinets are then painted in a lighter, brighter tone to add lightness and draw the eyes up, helping make small kitchens appear more spacious and airy.
While white kitchen cabinets used to be the trend, two toned kitchens have risen in popularity for their ability to inject color, create depth, establish contrast, and modernize the look of existing cabinetry. It's become a favorite approach for renovating outdated kitchens without undertaking a full, expensive remodel.
Common Color Combinations
Some of the most popular two toned color schemes for kitchen cabinets include:
- Navy lower cabinets with crisp, bright white uppers
- Charcoal gray bases with soft, light gray uppers
- Deep green, blue, or teal bottoms with antique white tops
- Yellow lower cabinets paired with blue uppers
- Wood-toned bases with ivory or off-white uppers
Choosing colors within the same color family helps create cohesion. You can also select cabinet colors to complement other elements like your backsplash, flooring, and countertops.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
When planned thoughtfully, a two toned kitchen can infuse visual excitement and give your space a modern facelift. Here are some tips for using this trend to enhance your kitchen design.
Accentuate Architecture
Darker lower cabinets can help ground the kitchen while lighter uppers draw the eyes up, which can make ceilings feel higher and rooms appear more open. This technique works especially well in small galley style kitchens.
Add Visual Interest
Stark white kitchens have had their moment. Two toned cabinetry breaks up monotony and adds appealing layers of contrast and depth. The mix of tones makes small kitchens feel larger and more spacious.
Highlight Focal Points
Strategic use of color on lower or upper cabinets can direct attention to other important elements like a statement backsplash, large island, or decorative range hood.
Achieving the Two Toned Look
While the two toned style brings undeniable visual impact, repainting your dated oak or maple cabinets does require proper planning and preparation for best results.
Preparing Cabinets
To paint your cabinets, start by removing all doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts thoroughly, then lightly sand to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion. Fill any holes or imperfections, then apply a high-quality primer.
Painting Techniques
Use angled brush to carefully “cut in” edges and trim. Then apply two coats of topcoat paint to larger surfaces using a mini foam roller. Allow proper drying time between coats. Use painter's tape to create clean lines between upper and lower cabinet colors.
Finishing Touches
Once paint has fully cured, seal with a protective clear topcoat. Reinstall doors, hardware, and fixtures. Finally, pull together your fresh two toned style with updated backsplash tiles, pendant lights, or other accessories.
The Pros and Cons of Two Toned Cabinets
Like any design choice, two toned kitchen cabinets come with both advantages and considerations.
Benefits
- Visually expands tight spaces
- Gives a modern, upgraded look
- Conceals dirt and wear better than white
- Increases style without replacing cabinets
Considerations
- Requires deliberate color coordination
- Not suited for some architectural styles
- Repainting can be tedious if you later tire of the look
FAQ About Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets
How do you choose cabinet colors?
Consider the size of your space and the overall style you want to achieve. A darker color on bottom anchors the space while a lighter hue up top illuminates. Neutrals, complementary colors, or different tones within the same color family work well.
What preparation is needed before painting cabinets?
Proper prep is crucial for long-lasting results. Remove doors, clean thoroughly, fill imperfections, sand, and prime. Use high-quality primer and paint designed specifically for kitchen cabinets.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
With proper prep, expect the painting process to take 2-3 days. Allow prescribed dry time between coats. Curing to fully harden and become durable takes 1-2 weeks before reinstalling doors.
Should you hire a pro or DIY cabinet painting?
Careful DIYers can paint their own cabinets if they have the time for proper prep and patience to do it right. Consider hiring a pro painter for best results on large kitchens or if you want an immaculate, flawless finish.
Two toned kitchen cabinets offer an easy and affordable way to infuse color, contrast, and visual impact into your existing kitchen. Strategic use of a darker and lighter tone adds modern flair while opening up small, cramped spaces. With deliberate color choices and proper preparation, you can give your kitchen an up-to-date makeover without the expense of brand new cabinetry.
Follow the tips above to thoughtfully design your own gorgeous two toned kitchen. Ready to refresh your space with this stylish trend?