Tuxedo Kitchen Offers Stylish Twist for Cabinets
A tuxedo kitchen moves away from the classic all-white kitchen to a mix of dark and light colors for a more dramatic look.
CHICAGO — Homeowners are mixing it up with bold lower cabinets and light uppers – a look that’s being dubbed the "tuxedo kitchen." It’s a move away from the all-white kitchen look with a color-blocking approach. Much like a classic tuxedo, lighter upper cabinets paired with darker or more colorful lower cabinets can offer a dramatic, eye-catching contrast to upgrading a kitchen.
It doesn’t just have to be a white-black combo. This look typically features upper cabinets in a neutral, lighter shade – like white, cream, light gray or even natural wood – while the lower cabinets bring in bolder, deeper tones such as a navy blue, forest green, charcoal or black.
The light upper cabinets help reflect light and visually open up the space, making the kitchen feel larger. The darker lower cabinets ground the space and add a layer of depth and richness.
Popular tuxedo color combos
Although white isn’t a must, it’s a frequent player in these pairings because many homeowners already have white cabinetry. For those owners, tuxedo kitchens allow the introduction of some color without a full kitchen overhaul. It’s a more budget-friendly update since the owners have to change or repaint only the lower cabinets.
Here are some trending color pairings for tuxedo kitchens:
- White uppers + black lowers: Classic, clean, and high contrast
- White uppers + navy blue lowers: A coastal-cool twist with a modern vibe
- White uppers + forest green lowers: Earthy, rich and sophisticated
- Gray uppers + wood-tone lowers: A cozy, organic look with subtle contrast
- White uppers + soft gray lowers: A gentle way to ease into the trend without being too bold
What about the kitchen island?
In a tuxedo kitchen, the island often follows the color of the lower cabinets, which helps visually anchor the space and create a cohesive look. For homeowners who want to tip-toe into a color change in their kitchen, here’s another trendy option to consider: Keep your upper and lower cabinets the same shade and let the island be your color pop.
Painting the island cabinets in shades like deep green, classic navy, or even rustic wood tone is a stylish way to experiment with contrast in the kitchen. It adds personality without overwhelming the room.
Why homeowners are embracing it
The tuxedo kitchen trend is in response to the era of the all-white kitchen. For those who think these monochrome spaces feel too cookie-cutter, a two-tone look infuses the kitchen with color, making it seem more layered and customized.
Plus, the “tuxedo kitchen” can easily adapt to different styles, whether you’re going for modern farmhouse, Scandinavian minimalism or bold and eclectic.
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