Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets: 54 Paint Color Ideas

Kitchen trends always are always evolving and a question I often get asked “Should I paint my kitchen island a different color than the other cabinets?”

Maybe you are looking for a quick update for your kitchen and want to paint the island a new or different color?

Then start wondering are two tone kitchen cabinets in or out? Maybe concerned if it’s just a trend or if two tone kitchen cabinets are here to stay?

I completely understand wanting to research to see if painting the kitchen island a new color or different color than your perimeter cabinets is a good idea.

If you are considering two tone cabinet colors, I’ll walk through everything you should consider when looking at this design option in your kitchen.

Plus I’ll share 54 paint color picks for you to consider and make that part of the process just a little bit easier.

Should the kitchen island be a different color than cabinets?

Good news! There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your personal style and the overall design aesthetic of your kitchen.

A different color on your kitchen island can create a focal point and add visual interest to your kitchen.

It can also be a way to incorporate a bold or unique color that might not work as well on all of your cabinets.

On the other hand, having the same color for your island and cabinets can create a cohesive and streamlined look. See…no right or wrong answer!

Should the kitchen island be lighter or darker than the perimeter cabinets?

Say you like the idea of painting the kitchen island, but aren’t sure to go lighter or darker with your paint color pick.

If you primary perimeter cabinets around the kitchen island are white, you can pick any complementary color you like.

Typically if you are working with mixing white cabinets with a kitchen island by default any color you choose is darker than white 🙂

Say you have stained wood on your upper and lower cabinets and want to paint the kitchen island cabinetry.

A darker island can create a dramatic contrast with lighter stained wood cabinets. Or you can always decide to keep a more cohesive look with similar values of colors.

That means light wood with a light paint color or dark wood with a dark paint color.

You just need to decide your overall object for making this change or as you design your kitchen.

Will two tone kitchens go out of style or are they trendy?

Having two tone kitchen cabinets has been popular for centuries! It’s definitely not just a trend to use two paint colors in a kitchen.

However, kitchen islands and how large plus multi-functional they have become is a newer trend.

Oversized kitchen islands have become a dominate staple in kitchen design.

Since kitchen islands are THE new focal point of the kitchen, painting the island a color will add a ton of personality to the overall design.

That’s why choosing the paint color for the kitchen island is more critical than ever to the overall look in the kitchen.

As long as the two-tone look is executed thoughtfully and in a way that complements your overall kitchen design, it can be a stylish and timeless choice.

So my vote is that they are not too trendy! If you’re concerned about the longevity of the trend, consider incorporating the two-tone look in a way that can easily be updated in the future.

pin it for later!

Check out: Ultimate Guide to Updating an Outdated Kitchen

Can you paint kitchen cabinets two different colors?

Now let’s talk about painting the overall kitchen cabinets in two different paint colors.

This combination is a little bit different, where you paint the upper cabinets and lower cabinets complementary colors.

Can upper and lower cabinets be different colors? Yes! They absolutely can be different shades of paint.

Usually this is a combination of white upper cabinets with a separate color on the lower cabinets and on the island.

You can even take the lower cabinet color up to highlight a specific area of the kitchen as shown above on the cabinets surrounding the refrigerator.

That will help create a cohesive look in the kitchen. It isn’t typical to paint the island white with the perimeter another color other than white.

Should dark cabinets be on top or bottom?

In kitchen design, it’s typical to choose white upper cabinets and pair them with a darker shade on the lower cabinets.

There are SO many color combinations to choose from, but is most important is that the undertones of the colors you choose are complementary.

Understanding Undertones in White Paint Colors

For instance, pair a cool white upper cabinet with a cool undertone color cabinet.

What color cabinets will be in style in 2023?

Luckily, I’ve written an entire deep dive on the hot cabinet color trends in 2024.

Guess what? White is out in 2023, but don’t let that stop you from choosing white for your kitchen cabinets.

Click here or on the picture to read that post, where I go in depth on all of the paint color trends.

What are some popular two tone paint colors for kitchen cabinets?

Now onto the fun part! Let’s look at paint color options for painting your two tone kitchen cabinets!

I’ve written an entire post all about mixing white upper cabinets with paint colors ideas for the lower cabinets.

Check that out if that’s your plan or if you want to know the top 12 most classic paint colors for kitchens.

There are so many great paint colors that can complement white kitchen cabinets and add character to your kitchen island.

Click the link to jump to that color group. I’ve included 12 paint colors for EACH color category for you to explore.

10 Best Kitchen Island Paint Colors

1. Deep Blue
2. Charcoal Gray
3. Sage Green
4. Black
5. Pale Blue
6. Light Gray
7. Beige
8. Deep Green
9. Pale Yellow
10. Best Whites

Deep Blue Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Naval 6244 a deep navy blue color that has a hint of green undertones. It would pair well with white or cream cabinets and natural wood accents.
2. Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik 7602 a rich, dark blue color with cool undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other cool colors like grays and blues.
3. Sherwin Williams Salty Dog 9177 a bold, saturated blue with a hint of green undertones. It would make a statement in any kitchen and pair well with other warm colors like gold or brass accents.
4. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 a deep navy blue color with a touch of gray. It would pair well with white or cream cabinets and natural wood accents.
5. Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 a dark gray-blue color that has a classic and timeless feel. It would work well in a kitchen with other neutral colors like whites and beiges.
6. Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC-156 a rich and moody blue with hints of gray and green. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and greens, as well as natural wood finishes.

A rich and bold navy blue can create a dramatic contrast with white cabinets, making your kitchen island stand out.

White kitchen cabinets with a dark blue kitchen island is a true classic that will never go out of style!

Charcoal Gray Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray 7019 a warm and rich gray color with a hint of brown. It would pair well with white or cream cabinets and natural wood accents.
2. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze 7048 a deep and rich charcoal color with warm undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other warm colors like yellows and browns.
3. Sherwin Williams Dovetail 7018 a cool and calming gray color with a touch of blue undertones. It would pair well with other cool colors like blues and greens.
4. Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray HC-167 a classic and timeless gray color with a hint of warmth. It would work well in a kitchen with other warm colors like yellows and oranges.
5. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166 a deep and rich charcoal color with a touch of blue undertones. It would pair well with white or cream cabinets and natural wood accents.
6. Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 a warm and inviting gray color with a touch of brown. It would work well in a kitchen with other warm colors like yellows and oranges.

A dark gray can provide a sophisticated and modern look, and pairs well with white cabinets.

Sage Green Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Retreat 6207 a soft and muted green-gray color that has a calming and relaxing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and blues.
2. Sherwin Williams Contented 6191 a soft and light green color with a hint of gray undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other light and neutral colors.
3. Sherwin Williams Clary Sage 6178 a muted and earthy green color with a touch of gray. It would pair well with natural wood accents and other warm colors like browns and tans.
4. Benjamin Moore Silver Sage 506 a soft and muted green-gray color with a calming and refreshing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and blues.
5. Benjamin Moore October Mist 1495 a soft and muted gray-green color with a calming and soothing feel. It would work well in a kitchen with other light and neutral colors.
6. Benjamin Moore Flora AF-470 a soft blue green with gray undertone works well with crisp cool whites.

A soft and muted green can add a touch of tranquility to your kitchen, while still complementing white cabinets.

Black Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black 258 a classic and timeless black color with a true black undertone. It would pair well with white or light-colored cabinets for a high contrast look.
2. Sherwin Williams Caviar 6990 a deep and rich black color with a touch of brown undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with warm wood finishes and natural stone accents.
3. Sherwin Williams Black Magic 6991 a bold and saturated black color with a hint of blue undertones. It would make a statement in any kitchen and pair well with other cool colors like grays and blues.
4. Benjamin Moore Onyx 2133-10 a deep and rich black color with a touch of blue undertones. It would pair well with white or light-colored cabinets for a high contrast look.
5. Benjamin Moore Black Knight 2136-10 a classic and timeless black color with a true black undertone. It would work well in a kitchen with other classic and timeless materials like marble and brass.
6. Benjamin Moore Jet Black 2120-10 a deep and rich black color with a touch of brown undertones. It would pair well with warm wood finishes and natural stone accents.

A black island can create a sleek and contemporary look, while also making a bold statement.

Pale Blue Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Atmospheric 6505 a soft and muted blue-green color with a calming and soothing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and greens.
2. Sherwin Williams Niebla Azul SW 9137 a light slate blue color with a touch of gray undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other cool neutral colors.
3. Sherwin Williams Sleepy Blue SW 6225 a soft and calming blue color with a hint of gray undertones. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and greens.
4. Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air 806 a light and refreshing blue color with a touch of gray undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other light and neutral colors.
5. Benjamin Moore Airway 828 a soft and muted blue-gray with a hint of violet that has a calming and relaxing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and greens.
6. Benjamin Moore Silver Gray 2131-60 a soft and muted gray color with a calming and soothing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like blues and greens.

A light blue can bring a calming and serene vibe to your kitchen, and works well with white cabinets.

Light Gray Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray 7015 a soft and warm gray color with a hint of beige undertones. It would pair well with other warm colors like gold or brass accents.
2. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray 7029 a soft and versatile gray color with a hint of beige undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other warm colors like browns and tans.
3. Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit 7652 a cool gray with green blue undertones. It would pair well with other neutral and natural tones.
4. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 a soft and muted gray color with a touch of blue undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other cool colors like blues and greens.
5. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23 a soft and versatile gray color with a hint of beige undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other neutral colors like whites and beiges.
6. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 a soft and muted gray color with a touch of green undertones. It would pair well with other muted colors like blues and greens.

Shades of gray can provide a subtle and neutral contrast to white cabinets, while still adding depth to your kitchen.

Beige Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Modern Gray 7632 a warm and inviting gray color with a hint of brown undertones. It would pair well with other warm colors like yellows and oranges.
2. Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige 7037 a soft and warm beige color with a touch of gray undertones. It would pair well with other warm colors like gold or brass accents.
3. Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige 6073 a warm and inviting greige color with a touch of brown undertones. It would pair well with other warm colors like browns and tans.
4. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172 a classic and timeless greige color with a hint of warm undertones. It would work well in a kitchen with other classic and timeless materials like marble and brass.
5. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27 a soft and muted greige color with a calming and relaxing feel. It would pair well with other muted colors like grays and greens.
6. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 a warm and inviting greige color with a hint of yellow undertones.

Beige tones can add warmth and depth to your kitchen, while also complementing white cabinets.

Deep Green Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive 6209 a rich, deep green color with a hint of warmth. It would pair well with white cabinets and other natural materials like wood or stone.
2. Sherwin Williams Evergreens 6447 a darker, more muted green with hints of blue and gray. It would work well in a kitchen with other muted colors like grays and blues.
3. Sherwin Williams Roycroft Bottle Green 2847 a bold, saturated green that would make a statement in any kitchen. It would pair well with other warm colors like gold or brass accents.
4. Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest Green AF-480 a dark, rich green that has a natural and earthy feel. It would pair well with white or cream cabinets and natural wood accents.
5. Benjamin Moore Hunter Green 2041-10 a deep, moody green with a touch of blue. It would work well in a kitchen with other cool colors like blues and grays.
6. Benjamin Moore Goodwin Green CW-555 a warm and inviting green with hints of brown and gray. It would pair well with other warm colors, as well as natural wood finishes.

Pale Yellow Kitchen Island Cabinet Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Peace Yellow 2857 is a soft and cheerful yellow color with a warm undertone. It has a light and airy feel, making it a great choice for a sunny kitchen.
2. Sherwin Williams Honeypot 9663 is a warm and inviting yellow color with a touch of orange undertones. It is a mid-tone shade of yellow that is not too bright, making it suitable for a variety of spaces.
3. Sherwin Williams Friendly Yellow 6680 a warm and sunny yellow color with a slight green undertone. It has a medium-light depth works well with warm colors, as well as natural wood finishes.
4. Benjamin Moore Weston Flax HC-5 the perfect buttery yellow with a warm muted feel to coordinate with a variety of finishes.
5. Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 is a warm and inviting yellow color with a hint of orange undertones. It has a classic and timeless feel.
6. Benjamin Moore Lemonade 2024-60 is a soft and muted yellow color with a hint of green undertones. It has a fresh and cheerful feel that can brighten up any space.

A light and cheerful yellow can bring a pop of color and brightness to your kitchen, while still working well with white cabinets.

Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you have a good idea of what paint color you’d like for your kitchen island you may be looking for some tried and true paint colors white kitchen cabinets.

Or maybe you now feel like you want to keep everything all white. Go for it! Do what you love.

These are the two can’t miss white paint colors I recommend for kitchen (even bathroom) cabinets.

• Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White CC-20 is a nice crisp cool white that works with blues, greens, grays and blacks.
• Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005 is a neutral white that works well with literally any color you would like to use!

Now you are all set to pick out the perfect paint color combination for your two tone kitchen cabinets and island!

Want more paint color ideas? Check out my curated paint color instant download shop!

Check out these other paint color posts:

• Best BLUE Paint Colors with Home Tour
• 30 Bedroom Paint Colors That Calm Your Mind
• Seriously Cool Ways to Find Out Paint Colors
• Painting White Walls with White Trim? Expert Tips!

Want to tackle painting your own cabinets?

• Painting Bathroom Cabinets: PRO Finish on a Budget
• NO-SAND Method to Painting Kitchen Cabinets