For a time, stark white kitchens were all the rage. Now that we’ve let color back into the kitchen, people are starting to mix it up and go for dual-tone cabinetry. It’s a design trend that’s having a moment, which is great because there are many good reasons to go with dual-tone cabinets. They can improve the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen, make small spaces feel bigger, and increase the home’s resale value. Read on to learn more!

Traditional cabinetry has been, well, dull. Designed to match, the cabinets were typically in the wood tone, neutrals, or whites, with matching hardware. They were created as more of a backdrop than a feature, designed to blend into the background. Two-tone cabinets are changing that. This trend refers to any kitchen where cabinetry is in two different colors. The execution of the concept can vary significantly between kitchens, with some people going all out and making it half and half. In contrast, others simply choose an island that’s different from the cabinets. If you’re interested in trying dual-tone cabinets in your kitchen, check out these ideas for inspiration.

• Consider your focal point. Knowing which spot should draw the eye can help you make good design choices. Maybe it’s your kitchen island, or perhaps it’s some cabinets that are set apart from the others. Decide ahead of time which area should pull the focus.
• Consult the color wheel. It’s not always easy to find colors that look good together. When you’re choosing, take your time checking out books, magazines, and websites for inspiration. Then, look to the color wheel for guidance: adjacent, analogous, or complementary colors go well together, and you can’t go wrong with a pair of similarly hued neutrals.
• Contrast the upper and lower cabinets. Go with a lighter color on top to brighten the kitchen, with a darker color on the bottom cabinets to anchor it. Install a backsplash between the two sets of cabinets that pulls in both colors to tie it all together.
• Go monochromatic. Just because it’s two tones doesn’t mean it has to be two completely different colors. Using different shades of the same color can be very impactful while also giving the space a clean and cohesive look.
• Try color blocking. Rather than creating contrast between the upper and lower cabinets, consider painting just one wall, or even just one section, of your cabinets in a different color from the rest.
• Mix materials instead of colors. Everything doesn’t have to be painted; you can have wood cabinets contrasted with white and make a statement.
• Get creative with textures. Perhaps you have dark wood cabinetry on the bottom. Why not put glass cabinets for your upper level? White, shiny cabinets above a textured backsplash are another example of mixing textures to add interest.
• Make your second color an accent. You don’t have to go all-in with the two different colors. For example, you could paint all the cabinets neutral, except the island cabinets painted in a bold color.
• Take your flooring into consideration. Choose colors that work with the floor so that all the elements of your kitchen feel connected.
• Don’t forget the hardware. If you’re going to do something interesting with the cabinets, make sure your hardware gives it the finishing touch. The proper hardware can pull it all together, so go ahead and invest in quality.

When you’re ready to incorporate the latest trends into your kitchen design, Capitol Design Build can help. We’ve been performing custom remodeling since 1989 and building custom, high-end homes in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area for 29 years. We serve businesses and individuals in Virginia, Washington D.C, and Maryland, meeting every need from kitchen renovation and bathroom remodeling to custom home design and building.

We look forward to working with you with experience spanning many disciplines, including engineering, design, remodeling, construction, and customer service. Feel free to shop our website, call us at (703) 436-6919, or contact us online for a free, no-obligation estimate.