Adding contrast to your kitchen design will increase its visual appeal and keep it from looking drab. You can incorporate this concept by installing duotone cabinetry during a kitchen remodel. Here are some ways to go about it.

Dark versus Light

By pitting light against dark, you'll create drama in the kitchen. You could combine white and charcoal, or cream and navy cabinets. Fit the dark shade on the under-counter cabinets and the light hue on the upper cupboards. If you install dark cabinets high on the wall, they can overwhelm the area, especially in a compact kitchen. Conversely, lighter-toned cabinets will feel airier and not look as heavy. Dark surfaces low in a room, such as on the flooring or low cabinets, can ground the design. You can use light and dark versions of the same hue or combine two harmonious colours.

Glass versus Opaque

You can also create contrast in your cabinetry by juxtaposing glass doors against opaque ones. Glass doors come in various styles to suit different kitchens. You could opt for a classic mullioned structure or choose cupboard doors that consist of a smooth sheet of frosted glass in a minimalist design. Often, glass is used on the highest cupboards for the same reason that light colours are used: it will make the kitchen appear airier. Glass has a lighter feel even than pale-coloured opaque doors. Plus, the glass will be out of the way and less likely to break.

Pale versus Pale

If you want to add subtle contrast to your kitchen design, your cabinet makers could pair two pale colours, such as blush and white, or pale blue and light green. A kitchen full of soft neutrals will have a fresh appearance but will look less clinical than one decked out in all-white or cream. Additionally, light hues tend to make an area appear larger and more spacious.

Subdued versus Vibrant

With a kitchen island, you can set up a vibrant versus subdued contrast in the kitchen. An island is often smaller than a wall of upper or lower cupboards. Being limited in scope, an island can take on a bold, vivid colour without overpowering the kitchen. You can use a subdued colour on all the wall cupboards to tone things down.

For example, in a kitchen with stained-timber cupboards, you could paint the island doors a pink-orange hue. Or you could choose cobalt blue for the island and white for the other storage. Another duotone may be bright yellow for the island and dark charcoal for the remaining cabinetry. That way, the island will be an attractive focal point in the room while being surrounded by a supporting cast of muted shades.

To learn more, contact cabinet makers near you.