Once upon a time, you had one option when it came to kitchen cabinets — they all had to be the same color. Nowadays, though, designers have begun to get creative with the ways homeowners can store and display their kitchenware. No longer do you have to settle on one hue for your cabinets. 

Instead, you have a slew of options when it comes to cabinet design and storage. You might swap upper cabinets for open shelving, for instance. You could pop one set of hardware on top cabinets and another unique option for lower cabinets. Or, grab a paintbrush and paint them two different colors. 

Two-toned cabinetry has become a huge trend, mainly because they look great. Here's why you should consider transforming your kitchen with a few coats of paint on a select few cabinets: 

What's a Two-Toned Kitchen? 

You can probably picture what a two-toned kitchen looks like — simply, you paint some cabinets in one color and a handful of others in a different hue. Designers divide up the space in multiple ways. Sometimes, for instance, they'll paint the island a bolder or more saturated color. Then, they'll brush a neutral tone on the rest of the cabinets. Or, you can try painting upper cabinets one shade, and lower cabinets in another. 

Sometimes, the two-toned style comes through more subtly. You can also finish top cabinets with a glossy paint and go matte at the bottom, for example.

Why Should I Paint My Cabinets This Way? 

A two-toned kitchen design makes your space stand out, but there are more reasons to choose two different cabinet colors for your space. Here are a few more reasons why it's a good idea: 

Two Tones Create Contrast

You don't want your kitchen blending together. Cabinets, countertops, walls and flooring that all come in similar shades won't make much of a statement. Instead, your home's culinary centerpiece will just appear a bit dull or run-of-the-mill. 

If you mix it up by, say, painting the island a darker hue than the rest, though, you will create just enough contrast to make your kitchen pop. And, since contrast is one of the biggest trends in kitchen design right now, your two-tone cabinets can make things fresh and modern, too. 

Two Tones Draw the Eye to a Design Highlight

Some designers use two-tone cabinets to draw the eye to a design feature that they want to showcase. For example, let's say you've chosen a different countertop material for your island. It might not stand out enough on its own, but placing it on a lighter or darker cabinet than the rest of the kitchen will say, "Look here." Then, everyone will notice the stunning stone atop the painted wooden base. 

On that note, painted upper cabinets can draw the eye upward to accentuate the height of the room. Or, if you have a large kitchen, painted cabinets at the back can highlight the depth. Painted uppers can flaunt a unique light fixture, pot rack or skylight, as well. 

Two Tones Exude a Modern but Classic Style

You don't have to change anything about your kitchen except the paint, and you'll instantly have a space that's up to date. That's because the two-tone concept works with any design style, whether you have a sleek, modern kitchen or one that's rustic and charming. 

If you're looking for a quick way to breathe new life into your kitchen, then try two-toned cabinets before helming a full reno. It can be a quick weekend overhaul, and it doesn't break the bank. After a few days, you'll have a space that feels completely different. 

The Two-Toned Cabinet Effect

If you're looking for a way to spruce up your kitchen, look no further than your cabinet colors. Sure, a two-toned look is trending, but it's a fresh coat of paint is a classic way to breathe new life into a space. So, grab a paintbrush and get to work — soon, you'll have a room that feels completely different, thanks to your new color of choice.