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27+ Fresh Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for 2024 (With Pictures!)

    A collage of 3 different two tone cabinet color schemes. Graphic reads "Two tone Kitchen Cabinets"

    It doesn’t matter if you are building a new kitchen from scratch, or refinishing your existing cabinets, two tone kitchens are still on fire in 2024!

    Let’s take a look at some classic color schemes, popular trends, and a few off beat options, as we explore two toned cabinets in all kinds of real homes.

    A collage of 3 different two tone cabinet color schemes. Graphic reads "Two tone Kitchen Cabinets"

    I will also share exactly which paint colors you should choose!

    Let’s get started!

    This post may contain affiliate links. Should you choose to make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products that I actually use, or have been recommended to me.

    Two Toned Kitchens with Wood Cabinets

    White and Wood Toned Cabinets

    If you want to do white two-toned cabinets in your kitchen, but are finding the second color hard to choose, why not let nature do it?

    Wood cabinets come in all different grains and colors, so there is sure to be something that suits you!

    White Cabinets with Light or Natural Wood

    When I hear white and wood cabinets, I immediately go somewhere Scandinavian. Let’s take a look at some classic combinations with lighter tones of wood.

    Two toned Alabaster and Natural Wood Cabinets in a spectacular white kitchen with waterfall marble over the island.
    Photo Credit: @spacedesignokc

    I’m starting off with my two favorites in this category! Both have all white perimeter cabinets and a light wood island with stunning waterfall countertop.

    Ooh la la! (Or should I say “Ja!” ?)

    The white cabinets in the first kitchen are Sherwin Williams Alabaster:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

    Here is my other white and light wood fave:

    two toned kitchen with white perimeter cabinets and bamboo island
    Photo Credit: @heritagecabs

    I love the Portuguese inspired tile! I think this is the only kitchen that I saw which features bamboo.

    Keep your eyes peeled for lots more cabinets by @heritagecabs.

    Here is a more traditional kitchen with white upper cabinets and light maple lowers.

    Two toned cabinets with white uppers and light maple lowers and island
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    I love that new cabinets almost always go to the ceiling!

    Turns out we no longer need that space to display ceramic roosters. Thanks though!

    White Upper Cabinets with Dark Wood Lower Cabinets and/or Islands

    Let’s go to the dark side now, and explore the world of white cabinets with dark wood contrasting cabinets.

    Long white run of Greek Villa lower cabinets with no upper cabinets in a two toned kitchen with dark wood pantry in corner
    Photo Credit: @zebuhill

    The lower cabinets in this kitchen are the same color as the white on everything else: Sherwin Williams Greek Villa.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Greek Villa

    You can see more of Greek Villa, and the house on @zebuhill, in my post: Sherwin Williams Greek Villa Review (and Dupes!)

    Greek Villa in a new kitchen with wood floors
    Photo Credit: @zebuhill

    The bold matched-up grain on these next wood cabinets makes them the showstopper in an otherwise simple kitchen:

    White glossy upper cabinets with brass hardware over bold grain walnut cabinets. White stone countertops and green subway tile backsplash.
    Photo Credit: @bespokeredesign

    I do love a glossy cabinet!

    Bespoke Redesign used this same Semihandmade wood style for a retro inspired two tone kitchen:

    White glossy upper cabinets and bold wood grained lowers with a wall of retro avocado green tiles
    Photo Credit: @bespokeredesign

    The avocado green tile is a bold choice, but the vertical stacking keeps it modern.

    If you haven’t heard of Semihandmade, they offer a huge variety of cabinet doors that allow you to get a custom look from an Ikea kitchen!

    Here is another white kitchen, but this time the dark wood is featured only on the island:

    Two toned kitchen with White upper and lower perimeter cabinets with black hardware, and island in dark wood with brass hardware
    Photo Credit: Riemer Kitchens

    Riemer Kitchens used a contrasting stone and different hardware on the island to create this unique look.

    Moving on, if I was to describe to you a kitchen that has white lower cabinets, a combination of white with wood and glass uppers, and a wood island, that would sound pretty darn busy.

    So how does it look so good?

    Two toned white and dark wood cabinets. Uppers are combination white and dark wood with glass. Lower cabinets are white. Island is dark wood. White stone countertops
    Photo Credit: @residencedesignbuild

    The perfectly spaced glass front cabinets add some eye-catching symmetry to this spacious kitchen.

    I’m fairly sure that the color on the white cabinets here is from the factory..

    Medium Wood Toned and White Cabinets

    For something traditional and timeless, you might be considering a mid-toned wood to pair with white cabinets.

    This birch island is stained to mirror the floor, and the custom hood vent features a nice accent of the same wood.

    Two toned kitchen with white perimeter cabinets and a birch island stained medium and similar tones floor. White stone countertops
    Photo Credit: @crippsandsons

    Simple black hardware and white countertops complete the look. This is one of the only kitchens where they opted for an extension of the countertop instead of a tile backsplash.

    Also by Cripps and Sons, this kitchen features a similar mid-toned wood, but this time it’s on all of the lower cabinets, with white for the uppers.

    two toned kitchen with white upper cabinets and mid toned wood lowers with white countertops
    Photo Credit: @crippsandsons

    They opted to use the same black hardware on both.

    I don’t know if you spotted the trend, but there were a few kitchens with gold hardware amongst these white and wood variations.

    Here is one more!

    Chantilly Lace cabinets and 3/4 strength Simply White walls in kitchen
    Photo Credit: @thehawthornhouse

    The pendant lights really make you notice the hardware and faucet.

    The cabinets here are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, and the the wall color is Simply White.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Simply White

    Cream and Wood Toned Cabinets

    I kept this classically chic kitchen to its own category because the upper cabinets are decidedly cream and not white.

    Creamy white upper cabinets with walnut mid-toned lowers, black hardware, white quartz countertops, and a beige mini herringbone tile backsplash. Kitchen is decorated for subtley for halloween with pumpkins fake crows and cobwebs.
    Photo Credit: @Kristinmacchia_homeinprogress

    Kristin (@Kristinmacchia_homeinprogress) refinished her dark espresso oak cabinets into this cream and walnut dream. Real wood for the win!

    Creamy white painted upper cabinets and real oak lowers in a walnut color. Cream herringbone backsplash and white countertops complete the look.
    Photo Credit: @Kristinmacchia_homeinprogress

    Get the Look

    After stripping the original finish (she used Jasco but I couldn’t find a link for it, so you could try Smart Strip), Kristin rough sanded with a palm sander and finished with 180 sanding sponge.

    She applied Varathane Wood Stain in the color “Flagstone” but that doesn’t seem to be available on Amazon. I would try this water-based non toxic stain in the color “Whole Wheat.” That seems to be the best reviewed and closest color.

    For all the details, Kristin has saved Instagram highlights that you can follow step by step.

    wide shot of Creamy white painted upper cabinets and real oak lowers in a walnut color. Cream herringbone backsplash and white countertops complete the look.
    Photo Credit: @Kristinmacchia_homeinprogress

    Pretty incredible transformation!

    For the upper cabinets, try Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

    White and Stained Wood Cabinets

    So yes, technically all of these wood cabinets have probably been stained, but I wanted to show a couple that were stained in a less traditional color.

    This first kitchen features a driftwood gray color. Again Bespoke Redesign used Semihandmade doors, this time in the color “Cove.”

    Two toned cabinets in white and gray stained wood in a kitchen with a bold marble backsplash and oversized white hood.
    Photo Credit: @bespokeredesign

    They matched the wood on the hood vent to the same tone.

    These next cabinets might just be my favorite wood color ever!

    Marissa from @in_vest_homes, managed to create the taupe color on these lower cabinets with stain!

    White upper cabinets with taupe stained lowers, gold hardware, white marble, and black picket tile backsplash.
    Photo Credit: @in_vest_homes

    Marissa used a Sherwin Williams exterior stain, in the color Mountain Ash (SW 3540).

    The cabinets here are custom made in birch, so you may want to spot test on your own wood to get the right shade.

    Black picket tile with white grout in kitchen with white upper and wood lower cabinets
    Photo Credit: @in_vest_homes

    If Mountain Ash isn’t going to work with your wood, try a whitewash stain and add a couple drops of one with a purple tone.

    Black and Wood Toned Cabinets

    As an alternative to a classic black and white color scheme, let’s take a look at a black and white wood two-tone kitchen.

    Tricorn Black cabinets with light wood upper shelving, light wood pantry cabinet floor to ceiling, and light wood trimmed black hood vent. Gold hardware and white dtone countertops.
    Photo credit: @thehouse_on2060

    Jessica (@thehouse_on2060) mixed black cabinets with light natural wood.

    You can see much more of Jessica’s home in my post: Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (Is it the Best Black? Plus Dupes!)

    Her whole house is Sherwin Williams Extra White and Tricorn Black, but when it came to the kitchen she chose natural wood instead of more white, which I think was a smart choice!

    Incomplete kitchen with Tricorn Black cabinets with light wood upper shelving, light wood pantry cabinet floor to ceiling, and light wood trimmed black hood vent.
    Photo credit: @thehouse_on2060

    The gold hardware, faucet, and light fixtures work well with the light wood to create a third color in her palette.

    Here is a closer shot of the finished product:

    Fall decor on white countertop in kitchen with tricorn black cabinets and natural wood shelving
    Photo credit: @thehouse_on2060

    Another wood trimmed range hood! I smell a trend.

    Initially, these were the only wood and black two-tone cabinets that I found when I was gathering inspo for this post.

    If you are considering doing two tone black and white cabinets, this is a more unique take on a traditional look!

    Here is the one other kitchen that I found which did two toned black and wood cabinets:

    mid toned walnut island cabinets with black waterfall countertop and black wall cabinets in background.
    Photo Credit: @Johnaskewcustomhomes

    The cabinets here are carefully matched to the floors. This is also one of the only kitchens in this article that has dark countertops.

    To get this look, try Sherwin Williams Caviar.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Caviar

    If you are drawn to the charcoal tone that the cabinets have in the light, you will like Sherwin Williams Iron Ore.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

    Blue and Wood Toned Cabinets

    This next look is pretty specific, but if you like a western inspired vibe with a masculine feel, you may like it.

    Bright Blue island with dark brown perimeter cabinets
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    Now that’s a huge kitchen!

    Close up of bright Blue island with dark brown cabinets in background
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    Get the look with Sherwin Williams Salty Dog:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Salty Dog

    It’s a color somewhere between electric blue and navy.

    Bright blue island with white countertops brown leather stools and darker brown perimeter cabinets
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    Green and Wood Toned Cabinets

    These next two-toned cabinets, are not two tones that I would have ever put together!

    Evergreen fog cabinets in a kitchen with warm wood floors and matching warm wood peninsula

    The team at Residence Design chose a sage green color for most of this galley kitchen, and manufactured the look of an island, by doing the peninsula in the warm wood tone.

    two tone Evergreen fog cabinets with warm wood peninsula and white waterfall countertop
    Photo Credit: Residence Design

    Now the color here is Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, but you would never guess because it looks super bright in this kitchen.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

    If you like the color as it appears in these pictures, take a look at Sherwin Williams Clary Sage.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Clary Sage

    This next kitchen was designed by Rachelle from Wall to Wall Design.

    Dark Essex Green perimeter cabinets with light wood island and white stone countertops
    Photo Credit: @wall.to.wall.design

    Rachelle used natural wood-toned shelving in place of upper cabinets, and duplicated the same color on the island.

    The rest of the lower cabinets are Essex Green, which is a super dark green by Benjamin Moore:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Essex Green

    I love a dark green cabinet! If you do too, you will enjoy my post: Trend-Setting Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (Plus: 22 Paint Colors to Use!)

    Two Toned All Wood Cabinets

    In a category all by its lonesome, is this kitchen that features two different tones of wood. The perimeter cabinets are in a medium walnut color, and the island is slightly lighter.

    two toned wood cabinets with Medium wood tones on perimeter cabinets and lighter wood island
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    The wood floors are a different tone again, as is the wood on the staircase. The result is simple, but not boring.

    White countertops, marble backsplash, and gold hardware complete the look.

    Black and White Two-Toned Cabinets

    I had to pair down these kitchens to just my most favorite, because I could do a five mile long post on just black and white two tone cabinets!

    Simply White upper cabinets above white subway tile framing a kitchen window above black lower cabinets in the color Onyx
    Photo Credit: @lexstyleanddesign

    In this kitchen, Meridith (@lexstyleanddesign) not only chose two different cabinet colors, she maxed the contrast by choosing different hardware too!

    Simply White in a two tone kitchen with onyx black lower cabinets
    Photo Credit: @lexstyleanddesign

    Get this look with the Benjamin Moore colors Simply White and Onyx:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Simply White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Onyx

    Meridith used Simply White throughout her home, and you can see plenty more of it in my post: Simply White – A Benjamin Moore Classic (Plus Alternatives!)

    A view into the dining area of a simply white kitchen with smokestack gray trim around the door and black lower cabinets
    Photo Credit: @lexstyleanddesign

    This next “kitchen” is actually the butler’s pantry in Jessica’s house.

    (Remember Jessica from the black-and-light-wood kitchen?)

    Extra White upper cabinets with Tricorn black lower cabinets and gray tile
    Photo Credit: @thehouse_on2060

    I just wanted to show it, because I think many of us have pokey little kitchens like this, and it looks very chic and crisp.

    Just like her walls, the upper cabinets are Sherwin Williams Extra White and the lowers are Tricorn Black:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Extra White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

    Here is a funky kitchen that I would brand as “farmhouse industrial” :

    White upper cabinets with black lower cabinets and island, wood floors, and a funky garage door in the wall
    Photo Credit: @clarkansaslove

    Sure there’s shiplap, wooden shelves, and an apron sink, but Bailey’s (@clarkansaslove) addition of the quirky garage door and the brick wall take it somewhere new.

    Crisp white upper cabinets and black lowers and island with white countertops
    Photo Credit: @clarkansaslove

    Here is a picture of the outside when the opening had temporary glass while waiting for the garage window:

    Sherwin WIlliams Pure White exterior with pass through window into two-toned kitchen and black barstools outside
    Photo Credit: @clarkansaslove

    Here’s what Bailey says about her quirky kitchen:

    Bailey’s two tone kitchen colors are Sherwin Williams perennial favorites Pure White and Tricorn Black:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Pure White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

    White and Black Stained Cabinets

    These next kitchens take a twist on black and white two-tone cabinets by using a black stain instead of a paint.

    The white here is quite creamy, but the contrast is bumped up by also using black countertops on the island.

    Large stained black island with creamy white perimeter cabinets, beige walls, and geometric pendant lights
    Photo Credit: @johnaskewcustomhomes

    Get the look with Sherwin Williams Shoji White:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of sherwin williams shoji white

    This kitchen is also by John Askew Custom Homes and is very similar! This time the overall color scheme is a bit lighter.

    Double black stained islands with white countertops in a kitchen with wood ceiling and white wall cabinets
    Photo Credit: @johnaskewcustomhomes

    The double islands are stained black with sleek white countertops.

    I haven’t used a black stain myself, but I have heard good things about Minwax Wood Effects Charred Black.

    For a similar creamy white to the wall cabinets, try Sherwin Williams Whitetail:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Whitetail

    The walls here look very similar to Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan.

    Cream and Black Two Tone Cabinets

    There are all shades of white, but these cabinets are definitely cream, so I thought I would show them as another option.

    Two tone cream and black cabinets. Cream on the perimeter and black on the island with light wood floors and a puppy
    Photo Credit: @theholley_home

    Alisa (@theholley_home) used two shades of Valspar paint for her two tone cabinets: Cracked Pepper and Thistle Seed.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Valspar Thistle Seed beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Valspar Cracked Pepper

    Unfortunately, neither color comes with the puppy.

    Refinishing Your Cabinets?

    The easiest way to choose a paint color would be to order peel and stick samples! I’m not just saying that.

    In other parts of your house, a painted poster board leaned against the wall might suffice, but nothing beats physically putting the color on your cabinets.

    The fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to test your paint colors, is by ordering a peel-and-stick sample!

    Samplize will ship you a large “sticker” made of actual paint. You can reposition it to check out the color in every area of your home.

    The best part? It often ends up being cheaper than buying the test pots and sampling the old fashioned way. (Plus you can order all the colors you want!)

    Canadian? Hello Paint does the same thing, without the expensive international shipping.

    Green and White Cabinets

    Green kitchen cabinets are the next blue kitchen cabinets, and I have them in spades!

    White and Light Green Cabinets

    Vanessa (@rustic.charm.in.the.valley) chose Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, a soft green for her island, and complimented the rest of her white kitchen with black hardware and wood details.

    Two tone kitchen with white wall cabinets and Sea Salt island white countertop
    Photo credit: @rustic.charm.in.the.valley

    Get this look with Sherwin Williams Sea Salt:

    Swatch of Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
    white and Sea salt kitchen with black hardware and white countertops
    Photo credit: @rustic.charm.in.the.valley

    The next kitchen we have is another one by Riemer Kitchens, so these are actually stock colors:

    Two tone kitchen cabinets with white uppers and soft sea glass lowers with oversized long hardware and white tile backsplash
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    The lower cabinets are in their color Sea Glass.

    The brass hardware provides a nice contrast from the soft green.

    White upper cabinets over soft green lowers with warm floors and a bright white tile backsplash
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    Refinishing you cabinets? You can achieve a similar look with Sherwin Williams Contented:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Contented
    Two tone kitchen cabinets with white uppers and soft sea glass lowers with oversized long hardware and white tile backsplash
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    This next kitchen by Heritage Cabinets has a similar color scheme, but this time the green is a little smokier:

    White cabinets with seafoam green island and retro barstools.
    Photo Credit: @heritagecabs

    Get the look with Benjamin Moore Misted Green:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Misted Green

    White and Sage Green Cabinets

    Sage colors are uber popular, but I will hold back and just show a couple of white and sage two toned kitchens!

    I love the use of gold hardware in this first kitchen by Alicia Hewitt Interiors:

    Saybrook Sage lower cabinets and island with white upper cabinets in a two toned kitchen
    Photo Credit: @aliciahewittinteriors

    I’m actually pretty sure that the upper cabinets are stock, but they look just like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace to me, so I’m swatching that anyways!

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

    The lower cabinets are Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage

    Oak Story Design has some really great kitchens, but this is one of my favorites! You might have already seen it in my Carolina Gull post.

    Shoji White on kitchen cabinets with Carolina Gull on island
    Photo credit: @oakstorydesign

    The artisan tile is really doing it for me!

    It looks more gray here, but Carolina Gull is definitely a gray green. For the upper cabinets, Oak Story chose Sherwin Williams Shoji White:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Shoji White beside a paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull

    White and Mid-Toned Green

    Sherwin Williams Rosemary is not really a sage green and not a forest or hunter green, so I guess we will class it on it’s own as a “mid-green.”

    Rosemary island in a white kitchen with wood bar stools
    Photo Credit: @basicbluehouse

    No matter what you call it, Rosemary is a great color for a two tone cabinet moment!

    Rosemary island in a white kitchen with wood bar stools
    Photo Credit: @basicbluehouse

    Just yummy!

    Nicole (@basicbluehouse) has since swapped out that standard door for this wood and glass number:

    Rosemary island in a white kitchen with wood bar stools
    Photo Credit: @basicbluehouse

    At first glance you might think this next picture is the same kitchen, but this one by Jen Dulac (@jendulacdesign) just has a similar layout!

    (And almost the same stools!)

    A SW Rosemary Island with White Flour wall Cabinets
    Photo credit: @jendulacdesign

    Jen used Sherwin Williams White Flour on the perimeter cabinets, and Rosemary on the island.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams White Flour beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Rosemary

    White and Dark Green

    These cabinets were hard to class, because they could just as easily be in the black and white cabinet section!

    Sherwin Williams Greenblack is a super dark green that can be used like a black, and that’s exactly what Jake and Candi (@bridlewoodacres) did!

    Sherwin Williams Greenblack on lower kitchen cabinets with a white wooden hood fan over top and open wood shelves.
    Photo credit: @bridlewoodacres

    For the upper cabinets, they chose the same white that they used for the rest of the house: Sherwin Williams Pure White.

    Greenblack and pure white cabinets
    Photo credit: @bridlewoodacres

    I think this is one of the prettiest waterfall islands that I’ve seen. That stone is gorgeous!

    Get the look:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Pure White beside a Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Greenblack

    Gray and Green

    This next two-toned kitchen is a really interesting color scheme. The outside cabinets are in a soft gray, and the island is a gentle green.

    off white and gray green cabinets in modern glossy finish
    Photo Credit: @heritagecabs

    I went looking for some paint colors that will give you the same effect.

    Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is a super light gray on the verge of an off-white, and Sherwin Williams Sea Salt is a pretty close match to the color on the island:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Classic Gray beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

    Blue and White Cabinet Combinations

    Despite how popular green cabinets are getting, blue – specifically navy – cabinets are still a popular choice in two tone kitchens.

    Let’s take a look at some sexy, smouldery, blue and white kitchens!

    Navy and White Two Tone Cabinets

    Hale Navy lower cabinets and island with white uppers and white countertops
    Photo credit: @grcabinetpainting

    Benjamin Moore Hale Navy has long been one of the most popular navy blues on the market. Here GR Fine Finishes (@grcabinetpainting) paired it with Sherwin Williams Extra White.

    Try out this combination! :

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Extra White beside a paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

    This next navy and white kitchen features yet another waterfall countertop, but this time in the peninsula.

    White cabinets with navy lowers and a white waterfall countertop over island
    Photo Credit: @heritagecabs

    I am loving this crisp color scheme and the glossy panelled ceiling!

    Get the look with Benjamin Moore Simply White and Hale Navy:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Simply White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

    How about navy and white with a funky 70’s backsplash?

    Bright white upper cabinets with indigo lowers and a bold retro floral backsplash
    Photo Credit:@Riemerkitchens

    The floral reminds me of my grandma’s plates, in the best way possible!

    Love the colors? Try Sherwin Williams Snowbound with SW Salty Dog:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Snowbound beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Salty Dog

    Sherwin Williams Cyberspace is the color on this next set of lower cabinets and island, but it’s a bit of a tricky one to categorize!

    White kitchen with Cyberspace lower cabinets and white countertops
    Photo Credit: @thefinishingroommke

    Cyberspace is somewhere between navy, charcoal, and black.

    Two tone kitchen cabinets with Cyberspace Lower cabinets and Sherwin Williams Creamy upper cabinets
    Photo Credit: @thefinishingroommke

    The upper cabinets here are Sherwin Williams Creamy:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Creamy beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

    Check out my post: Cyberspace (The Moodiest Charcoal Blue!) SW 7076

    The navy blue lower cabinets in this next kitchen, are just one of many classic elements in this bright kitchen.

    White and navy blue two tone cabinets in a white kitchen with bold wood beams on ceiling
    Photo Credit: @thriveallprojects

    The color here is Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue

    Finally, an unexpected choice in a navy blue stain:

    White cabinets against a wall in a large kitchen with custom white hood vent and navy blue island with white countertops
    Photo Credit: @Johnaskewcustomhomes

    This is a fun choice if you are using real wood and are hesitant to paint and lose the grain entirely.

    I have not personally used a color stain like this, but SamaN Water-Based Wood Stain is top rated, and comes in a variety of colors, including navy. They also have a brighter “Azure” color.

    Graphic reads "Nail down your neutral color scheme in 60 minutes or less" with an image of the foolproof neutrals ebook. Button below reads "Show me how!"

    White and Powder Blue

    If Marie Antoinette had a southern inspired kitchen, I imagine it would look something like this:

    huge custom two toned kitchen with cabinets in white and crushed ice (a light blue gray) under an elaborate panelled ceiling.
    Photo Credit: @Johnaskewcustomhomes

    Yup.

    Inspired by the country opulence theme?

    Try Sherwin Williams North Star, a subtle blue gray:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams North Star

    On the opposite end of the spectrum, I love the clean simplicity of this white and blue kitchen by Tracy (@tracyelaineirwin) :

    Benjamin Moore Colorado Gray on lower Kitchen Cabinets with Simply White upper cabinets
    Photo credit: @tracyelaineirwin

    The white on the ceiling, floor, upper cabinets, and subway tile, are all slightly different shades and textures to keep things interesting.

    I even love the basic chrome cup pulls!

    This blue is Benjamin Moore Colorado Gray, which is actually on the same color strip as Aegean Teal, which we will see in just a minute. The white is Simply White once again!

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Simply White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Colorado Gray

    Finally I’m cheating a little bit with this two-toned blue and white kitchen, but I feel like the mega oversized hood counts as a good amount of white space:

    Oversized plaster hood vent in bright white with a silvery gray blue paint on cabinets and portuguese inspired tile behind the stovetop
    Photo Credit: @johnaskewcustomhomes

    You know I love a Portuguese inspired tile!

    For this look, try Behr Ultra Pure White with Benjamin Moore Silver Gray:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Behr Ultra Pure White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore SIlver Gray

    Teal and White Cabinets

    Finally the color I promised from the Colorado Gray color strip: Aegean Teal.

    Aegean Teal and Chantilly Lace Kitchen
    Photo credit: @archetypedesigns

    Of course Archetype Designs went with Chantilly Lace for the upper cabinets.

    (Aka the best white everrrr!)

    I am in love with this kitchen! Aegean Teal is bright enough to make a statement, but calm enough to be liveable:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal

    Aegean Teal was actually Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2021.

    For more of this delicious hue, check out my post: Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal Review and Dupes

    Now for a darker and more mysterious teal shade, Sherwin Williams Cascades:

    Cascades double island cabinets in a bold teal color with white perimeter cabinets and warm wood floors
    Photo Credit: @mldesignskc

    Cascades is a bit more green than Aegean Teal:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Cascades

    You can see more of this color in my post: Best Dark Green Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and More!

    Finally in the teal and white category is this gorgeous kitchen by Oak Story Design:

    Two Tone kitchen with white cabinets all around the room and a teal island. 4 mustard leather bar stools sit at the island with black pendant lamps overhead
    Photo Credit: @oakstorydesign

    Another top-notch tile choice!

    The wall cabinets are all Benjamin Moore White Dove, and the island is Benjamin Moore Gibraltar Cliffs:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore White Dove beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Gibraltar Cliffs

    Grayish colors are fun because they never look the same on the swatch, but this is indeed the color!

    White and Aqua Cabinets

    An antique finish is not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are still plenty of people who like it.

    Here is a kitchen with white upper and lower cabinets and an antique turquoise island.

    White cabinets with seafoam green antiqued island and bright overhead lighting in dark wood ceiling
    Photo Credit: @Johnaskewcustomhomes

    Get the look with Country Chic Chalk Paint in the color Tropical Cocktail.

    The nice thing about a colorful island, is that you can be as bold as you want to be, and it’s not nearly as much work to change later!

    White and Beige, Taupe, or Pewter Cabinets

    This is probably my favorite category because I looove ambiguous neutrals. Something about a classic natural colors just look expensive to me. I feel pretty much the same when it comes to my wardrobe.

    Let’s take a look!

    The mushroom color on this island looks great with the grays and browns in the stone countertop, which the owners imported from Brazil!

    Cream cabinets with a mushroom taupe colored island
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    A popular choice for two toned kitchens, is to choose a different countertop for the island, and we can see that done particularly well here.

    Dupe the look of this two toned kitchen (perhaps sans Brazilian stone) with Sherwin Williams Snowbound and Polished Concrete:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Snowbound beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Polished Concrete

    Taupe is one of those love-it-or-hate-it kind of colors, but I happen to be a taupe lover!

    Luckily this homeowner was as well:

    White upper cabinets with glossy taupe lower cabinets in a kitchen with under cabinet lighting over a shiny white backsplash
    Photo Credit:@bespokeredesign

    It’s a bit hard to tell here, but these taupe cabinets are glossy.

    Glossy two tone cabinets with white uppers and taupe lowers and island
    Photo Credit: @bespokeredesign

    You might not be able to dupe the look of a foil cabinet with your remodel, but you can play twinsies with the color by using Benjamin Moore Sandlot Gray:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Sandlot Gray

    Now for a little something on the greener side of taupe, or what some might call pewter:

    White wall cabinets with pewter lowers and matching island
    Photo Credit: @wall.to.wall.design

    Get this look with a classic neutral white like Behr Diamonds Therapy, and the age old favorite: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Behr Diamonds Therapy beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

    Can you still make an impact with two tone cabinets if you choose lower contrast colors?

    Absolutely!

    Cream upper cabinets with soft gray lowers in an unfinished kitchen
    Photo Credit: @heritagecabs

    This cream and putty color scheme provides just the right amount of contrast while still keeping things light and bright.

    These cabinets can be duped by using Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois and London Fog:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore London Fog

    White and Gray Two Tone Cabinets

    Gray can come in so many different forms, so I made it a separate category apart from the other neutrals we just looked at.

    From silver to charcoal, here are some two tone kitchen cabinets featuring white and gray.

    White and Light Gray (Silvery) Cabinets

    For the lightest silvery gray option, check out this kitchen which features a subtle accent island:

    White cabinets with a silvery gray island in the middle of a bright kitchen
    Photo Credit: @in_vest_homes

    This kitchen was designed by Marissa again, from @in_vest_homes. She used Sherwin Williams Alabaster for the walls and the rest of the cabinetry. Get the look of this kitchen by using Sherwin Williams Ice Cube as your second tone:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Alabaster beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams ice Cube

    For something a bit bolder than Ice Cube, check out this soothing gray:

    White and light gray two tone kitchen with bright natural light
    Photo Credit: @Thriveallprojects

    I believe these cabinets are a custom color, but they remind me very much of my personal favorite gray paint color: Benjamin Moore Shoreline. I have used Shoreline in my own home a few times over!

    For the white in this pairing, try Benjamin Moore Snowfall White:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Snowfall White beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Benjamin Moore Shoreline

    White and Dove Gray Cabinets

    For a middle-of-the-road gray tone with a soothing softness, check out this kitchen by Riemer Kitchens:

    two tone white and gray kitchen with white on most cabinets and a soft gray on the island
    Photo Credit: @Riemerkitchens

    Now that’s an island!

    The perfect dove gray is pretty hard to find. In the end I narrowed it down to Sherwin Williams Analytical Gray:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Analytical Gray

    Or for something a little lighter and cooler, Valspar Filtered Shade:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Valspar Filtered Shade

    White and Blue Gray Two Toned Cabinets

    Blue gray paint colors are also tricky! They tend to be chameleons, and can be hard to nail down.

    White cabinets on two walls with a light gray island and gray cabinets on another wall
    Photo Credit: @wall.to.wall.design

    To mimic the blue gray lower cabinets in this kitchen, try Behr Nor’Wester:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Behr NorWester

    White and Warm Gray Two Toned Cabinets

    Speaking of chameleons, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray is one of these shapeshifters all day every day.

    Snowbound walls and trim in a home with Dorian Gray cabinets, wood beams overhead, black chairs at a white stone island, and beams overhead
    Photo Credit: @rockcreekfarmhouse

    In that first photo you can really see the warm tones.

    Here is one more of the same kitchen in the @rockcreekfarmhouse before it was finished:

    Snowbound walls and trim in a home with Dorian Gray cabinets, wood beams overhead, black chairs at a white stone island, and beams overhead
    Photo Credit: @rockcreekfarmhouse

    The walls in here are Sherwin Williams Snowbound.

    Just to give you another idea of how Dorian Gray can look, here is an all-Dorian kitchen:

    Two tone gray cabinets with lighter gray island and darker perimeter cabinets
    Photo Credit: @Creationsbymegans

    It looks darker and cooler here!

    Dorian Gray can look pretty dark in a kitchen with less natural light, so it’s the perfect candidate to use with white upper cabinets.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

    White and Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

    Okay so the “white” here is actually Sherwin Williams Creamy, but I won’t tell if you don’t!

    two tone cream perimeter cabinets in a large open plan kitchen with an iron ore island and warm wood floors
    Photo Credit: The Finishing Room

    The designers at The Finishing Room (@thefinishingroommke) chose Sherwin Williams Iron Ore for the island, which is probably the most popular charcoal color on the market!

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Creamy beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

    Gray and Black Cabinet Color Scheme

    I’m cheating somewhat with this next kitchen, because Bespoke Redesign actually used Iron Ore on the island here.

    It really looks black however, so it is our inspo for a two-tone gray and black kitchen regardless!

    Repose Gray cabinets with gold hardware and black island with white stone countertops in a gorgeous custom two tone kitchen
    Photo Credit:: @bespokeredesign

    Here’s the real color scheme:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Repose Gray beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

    Sherwin Williams Repose Gray has got to be up there with the nicest grays for cabinets! It’s very soft and not too cool.

    Repose Gray cabinets with gold hardware and black island with white stone countertops in a gorgeous custom two tone kitchen
    Photo Credit:: @bespokeredesign

    The thing to know about Iron Ore, is that while it can look black in low light, it really isn’t.

    (I talk a lot more about this in my post: Sherwin Williams Iron Ore vs Peppercorn)

    Unless your kitchen is in a basement, or you want it to look charcoal sometimes, try a true black like Tricorn Black instead:

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Repose Gray beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
    Repose Gray cabinets with gold hardware and black island with white stone countertops in a gorgeous custom two tone kitchen
    Photo Credit:: @bespokeredesign

    Green and Gray Two Tone Cabinets

    Clary Sage kitchen cabintes with Iron Ore Island
    Photo credit: @withmadisonaz

    You might be asking “I’m sorry, green and gray?” after that last photo.

    The island actually is a charcoal color: Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (yet again!). The filter is just doing the most!

    Here’s another shot of the same kitchen with a different filter:

    Clary sage kitchen cabinets with Iron Ore island
    Photo credit: @withmadisonaz

    That’s actually not a bad shot of Iron Ore, but the green cabinets are Sherwin Williams Clary Sage, and they are less minty in real life.

    Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Clary Sage beside Paintbrush swipe swatch of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

    Madison’s house is super fun! You can see a bit more in my Black Interior Doors post. (And of course, on his Instagram!)

    Don’t Forget Your Supplies!

    This little brush might look funny, but it’s my absolute ride or die!

    Rollers like these hold the most paint and make the job faster. Get a metal roller cage for easy on and off.

    DryDex is the fastest (and funnest!) way to make chips and dents disappear. (Make sure you get a small spackling tool that actually fits in the container, and a sanding sponge.)

    This tool will save your back and limit time on a ladder.

    Two Tone Cabinet Moody Musings

    I hope there was a color scheme here for you! I tried to come up with a pretty exhaustive list.

    Personally my favorite is probably white with another neutral. (Although I do love a dark green.)

    I would always choose Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace for white cabinets, and my ideal lower color would be Repose Gray, or a taupe shade like Sandlot Gray.

    Don’t forget! I have even more cabinets for you to peruse in this post: Trend-Setting Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (Plus: 22 Paint Colors to Use!)

    For choosing the perfect white paint color, check out these posts:

    Sherwin Williams White Flour surrounded by baking items
    Sherwin Williams whitetail swatched on a color card along with many whites from other brands, above a picture of a white panelled kitchen with wood dining furniture.
    Paint drop of simply white superimposed over a round mirror in a simply white bathroom with a green vanity and framed wall art