Tips For Creating Contrast Within Your Kitchen Cabinets

When remodelling your kitchen, you might consider contrasting the colours of the cabinets and counter or the cupboards and splashback. Variation adds interest and depth to a decor, preventing it from looking flat and dull. However, there is no need to reserve this technique for separate components. Why not instil contrast across the cabinetry itself? Here is how to go about it. 

Upper And Lower Cabinets

The cupboards monopolise a large area in the kitchen on the upper and lower walls. By using different colours, you can create vibrant, stunning designs. For instance, pit navy under-counter cabinets against grey overhead ones. Alternatively, go with a black-and-white theme, reserving the lighter shade for the upper row to maintain a light and airy feel. A darker tone close to the floor will ground the design; though, in a large kitchen, deeper shades near the ceiling will create a cozy effect. You could select two tones of the same colour or else complementary hues such as deep azure and burnt orange. Look at a colour wheel and consider what colours are opposite each other.

The Potential Of A Kitchen Island

A kitchen island provides extra counter and storage and is also the perfect target for your design creativity. With white cabinetry encircling the space, why not install blue island cupboards to create a coastal look? Other possibilities include contrasting timber against a solid colour. For instance, dark-grained wooden cupboard doors against white around the kitchen perimeter. If you apply the wood versus colour to higher and lower cupboards, use timber for the underneath doors. It can be tricky to combine the undertones of timbers and prevent a jumbled look, so this is the safest route to two-toned cabinetry using wood.

Contrasting Elements

Rather than adding contrast through colour and materials, you could combine solid with glass doors. Not providing an opaque barrier, panelled glass cabinetry, particularly, higher on the wall gives an impression of airiness and space. Why not install these symmetrically on a couple of cupboards on either side of the stove rather than across the entire wall? 

To avoid a disorganised effect, restrict your variations. Maintain a consistent style throughout, whether that's a contoured shaker style or a flat modern aesthetic. Also, use the same hardware for the entire installation. Don't mix and match everything at once, or your kitchen could become overwhelming. For more ideas, custom joinery services can help.

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