Alex Main of The Main Company – The design versatility of two-tone kitchens

Director at The Main Company Alex Main explains why he believes a dual colour palette can be the ultimate formula for success when it comes to a timeless kitchen design.

A style which isn’t going anywhere, two-tone kitchens have continued to rise in popularity with homeowners. In essence, incorporating two different colours or contrasting materials is a sophisticated and stylish way to make a statement, without compromising on functionality.

Choosing a two-tone kitchen is a great opportunity to be experimental with colour that is personal to your client. We’ve seen an increase in homeowners wanting to add different materials and colours into their kitchens to bring a playful touch, without it being overpowering. When deciding what area to paint in what colour, you can either split 50/50 and paint base units in one colour and wall units in another, or opt for 60/40 and choose one colour for the island for example, and another colour for the rest of the cabinetry.

Introducing a dual colour palette can assist with helping the kitchen feel more spacious. In smaller kitchens, it works to choose a darker shade for base units and a lighter tone for wall units. This will create the illusion of a higher ceiling and draw the eye up. Alternatively, in a larger space, add depth and interest with a darker kitchen island as this tends to be the social hub of the room, paired with lighter coloured cabinetry or the use of a different material entirely – such as wood.

Two-tone cabinets are not limited to colours. Pairing a colour with a different material like wood or metal is an impactful way to differentiate the zones and create interesting focal points within the kitchen. There has been a huge resurgence in homeowners choosing wood-front cabinets so for your next project why not opt for a beautiful reclaimed wood kitchen island and pair it with colourful cabinets in the rest of the space to ground the kitchen and give it an organic feel.

Whether peninsula or freestanding, one of the best ways to add an additional colour is through the kitchen island. Choosing a contrasting colour or a darker tone from the same palette will instantly elevate the space and create a natural focal point. Alternatively, you can highlight different zones with colour. For example, if it's a galley kitchen, select one colour for larger floor-to-ceiling cabinets and another for lower units. This will create visual levels to the space, while still keeping the design simple.

We are often asked if two-tone kitchens will stand the test of time and my answer is always yes. When designed with high-quality materials and timeless shades, a two-tone scheme will always feel sophisticated, no matter the setting. Opt for colours that will age gracefully as opposed to on-trend shades or materials that it's easy get bored with in a few years’ time.