Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets: The Design Trend Taking Over Los Angeles Homes

Key Takeaways:

1. Two-tone kitchen cabinets use two colors or finishes to add style and depth to your kitchen.
2. This design trend is popular in Los Angeles for its modern look and smart use of color.
3. Popular combos include white and navy, gray and wood, or black and white.
4. Two-tone cabinets work with modern kitchen cabinet styles and can be eco-friendly with the right materials.
5. Bradco Kitchens & Baths can help you design and install two-tone cabinets during your kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles.

Homeowners across Los Angeles are falling in love with a new kitchen look—two-tone kitchen cabinets. From Hollywood condos to Pasadena family homes, this fresh design style is changing how people see their kitchen space. It's bold, fun, and surprisingly practical.

If you're planning a kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, this trend might be the perfect fit for your home. It’s stylish and smart, and you don’t have to give up function for flair. In this guide, we’ll show you how the two-tone look works, where to use it, and how it fits with modern kitchen cabinet styles.

What Are Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets?

Two-tone kitchen cabinets use two different colors or finishes in the same kitchen. The most common way is to make the upper cabinets one color and the lower ones another. But that’s not the only way to do it.

Other examples include:

• One color on the main cabinets and a different one on the kitchen islandDefinition: A freestanding counter in a kitchen, often used for food preparation, cooking, and stora...
• Mixing painted cabinets with natural materials like wood
• Using a pop of color on just one wall of the cabinets

This design trend helps add depth, personality, and aesthetic appeal to your kitchen without making it too busy. It also lets you combine your favorite colors in one space.

Why Los Angeles Loves This Trend

Los Angeles is known for style, creativity, and personal expression. So it's no surprise that this bold kitchen trend is catching on fast. Here’s why:

• Small kitchens feel larger when lighter uppers cabinets are paired with darker lower.
• Modern kitchens look more custom and high-end.
• It allows you to mix colors you love without committing to just one.
• You can blend eco-friendly materials like reclaimed woodDefinition: Wood that has been salvaged from old structures and repurposed for new uses, often in ca... with sleek finishes.
• It fits both trendy and timeless tastes.

In a city where homes range from mid-century modern to Spanish revival, two-tone cabinets work with many kitchen design styles.

The Best Color Combos for Two-Tone Cabinets

The right colors can turn a regular kitchen into a dream kitchen. Here are some popular two-tone combos:

1. White and Navy

Crisp white on top with rich navy below creates a clean, sharp contrast. This is perfect for LA homeowners who want a classic but modern feel.

2. Gray and Wood

Soft gray paired with warm natural materials brings balance. It’s great for homes near the coast or in earthy design styles.

3. Black and White

This bold combo makes a strong statement. It works well in lofts, modern homes, or black-accented kitchens with clean lines.

4. Green and Brass

Forest green with gold hardware is trending big in 2025. This adds depth and a touch of glam to any kitchen remodel.

5. Matte and Gloss

Play with texture instead of color. Try matte lowers and glossy uppers for a sleek, urban look.

You can also use lighter tones above to make the room feel taller, or darker cabinets on the bottom to ground the space.

Where to Use the Two-Tone Look

You don’t have to change your whole kitchen to join the trend. Here are a few smart ways to do it:

• Add a pop of color to just your kitchen island
• Reface the upper cabinets in a lighter tone while painting the base cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets that sit on the floor and provide storage space below the countertop level. Why... darker
• Mix a wood finish with paint to keep part of the natural grain visible
• Use open shelving above and color below for a light, open feel

This flexibility is what makes the trend so popular. It can be bold or subtle, depending on your taste.

How Two-Tone Cabinets Fit Modern Kitchen Cabinet Styles

Two-tone cabinets go hand-in-hand with modern kitchen cabinet styles. Most modern designs aim for clean surfaces, smart storage, and open space. A two-tone look adds visual interest without clutter.

Here’s how they match:

• Flat-panel cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets with a flat door style, offering a sleek and modern appearance. Why You Need to... are ideal for sleek two-tone finishes
• You can combine painted MDF with solid wood for a natural-modern mix
• Hidden handles and slab fronts make the color differences stand out more
• Works well with energy-efficient appliances and minimalist layouts

This trend fits right into LA’s love for modern kitchens that feel custom and fresh.

Are Two-Tone Cabinets Eco-Friendly?

Yes—if you choose the right materials. Many LA homeowners are picking eco-friendly options that avoid harmful chemicals. At Bradco Kitchens & Baths, we use non-toxic materials and sustainable materials like formaldehyde-free plywood and low-VOC paints.

Two-tone designs also work great with recycled materials and repurposed wood. This means your kitchen can look amazing while being kind to your health and the environment.

Tips for a Successful Two-Tone Kitchen Remodel

Here’s how to make this design trend work in your next kitchen renovation:

1. Choose your main color first. Start with the tone you want most, then find a second color that complements it.
2. Use a pro designer if you’re unsure. Bradco’s design team helps match colors, finishes, and styles to your kitchen layout.
3. Keep the rest simple. Don’t overdo it with patterns or textures. Let the two tones be the star.
4. Test your lightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li.... Natural light affects how colors look. Try samples in your kitchen before committing.
5. Think long-term. Pick colors and finishes that you’ll still love in five years.

What Does It Cost to Do Two-Tone Cabinets?

Adding a second color doesn’t always mean doubling your budget. If you’re painting or refacing existing cabinets, it might only add $500 to $2,000. For new custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ..., the cost will depend on materials and finishes.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Painted two-tone (refacing): $6,000–$9,000
• Semi-custom two-tone cabinets: $10,000–$18,000
• Full custom with premium finishes: $20,000+

At Bradco, we work with all budgets to make two-tone designs possible during your kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles.

Why It’s Worth It

Two-tone cabinets do more than look great. They:

• Make small kitchens feel larger
• Help zone the room by function or style
• Add character and value to your home
• Work with any style—from rustic to modern
• Offer a wide range of color and finish choices

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a design choice that fits how LA homeowners live, cook and entertain.

Let’s Bring Your Two-Tone Kitchen Vision to Life

If you’re ready to explore two-tone kitchen cabinets for your next kitchen remodel, Bradco Kitchens & Baths is here to help. We offer local design, custom cabinet manufacturing, and full installation services for Los Angeles homes. From bold color pairings to soft, natural blends, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Visit Bradco Kitchens & Baths to start your project and bring this exciting design trend to life in your home.