Combining Cabinet Styles: Tips For a Stylish Kitchen

Design Tips Combining Cabinet Styles Like a Pro

Imagine entering a kitchen where sleek modern lines meet rustic charm and create a visual masterpiece. That’s possible by combining cabinets thoughtfully with the help of a skilled cabinet designer to make the most of your style preferences.

Combining cabinet styles in the kitchen has become a strong trend because it allows homeowners to make a bold design statement without a full renovation. Mixing various colors, materials, and finishes in kitchen cabinets can elevate any space, adding depth, interest, and a customized feel that sets the room apart. 

In the following article, you’ll find essential tips to learn the art of blending cabinet styles for a cohesive, trendy kitchen that’s both unique and functional.

Elegant cabinet styles to elevate your kitchen design with a modern and timeless look

Consider Your Kitchen Layout

The first thing you should consider before combining your cabinet styles is your kitchen layout. A well-thought-out concept will maximize every area in your kitchen, especially when experimenting with proper finishes, colors, and styles. 

You can try using different cabinet types for the island or modern wall cabinets to define specific areas and add interest to an open-concept kitchen. This way, a professional cabinet builder can help create harmony and flow that elevate your space

Smaller kitchens benefit from strategic style mixing, like darker lower cabinets paired with lighter upper cabinets, creating openness and distributing visual weight effectively. 

Functional areas also matter in style combinations. Design and functionality work best when cabinets are placed thoughtfully. Streamlined cabinetry facing high-traffic areas and ornamental finishes for storage or display cabinets create a balanced, effective setup.

Create Contrast With Color & Finish

If you want to add contrast with color and finish, be sure to analyze your layout first so you can opt for the best combination. Be mindful when choosing complementary or contrasting colors and finishes, especially if you want to add depth, dimension, and a distinct style to the kitchen. 

One popular method is to use darker tones on lower cabinets while keeping upper cabinets in a lighter tone. This trick not only creates a cohesive look but also makes the kitchen look bigger and more spacious. 

You can also achieve contrast by mixing different finishes, like matty with glossy or wood with painted surfaces. For example, natural wood cabinets on one side of the kitchen can add warmth and texture, while painted cabinets in a bold color can make a stylish statement on another wall.

Metallic accents can also add contrast without overloading the space. Consider pairing a brushed metal finish on lower cabinets with a more polished, reflective finish for upper cabinets. This subtle distinction catches the light differently, adding visual interest that shifts throughout the day. 

Combining textures and finishes in your custom cabinets allows focal points in specific areas, like a kitchen island, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic.

Mix Modern & Classic Elements

Do you want to get a timeless space with a warm environment? Try mixing modern and classic elements! It’s the best way to blend sleek, minimalist design with the coziness of traditional styles, resulting in a layered, visually rich kitchen. 

Try pairing flat-panel, frameless cabinets with classic shaker-style cabinets to add an elegant contrast that feels eclectic but cohesive, or simply mix different cabinet materials. 

For example, you might use wood cabinets to add warmth and combine them with glass-fronted cabinets to get a bit of modernity in your kitchen. This variety not only adds interest but can also define different zones within the kitchen—perhaps a modern coffee station with glass cabinets and a classic, wooden pantry for storing essentials. 

Hardware is another area where modern and classic elements can harmonize perfectly, and you’re free to experiment with them. Try pairing vintage brass or brushed nickel knobs with streamlined pulls to create an elegant, cohesive look. Or get ceramic dinnerware with golden details and place them in wooden areas to create a harmonic and classy environment. 

Mismatch Upper & Lower Cabinetry

While it might sound challenging, it’s not that difficult to mismatch upper and lower cabinetry. This is a perfect approach to get creative and enjoy a functional and unique aesthetic.

You can create a unique and sophisticated kitchen without major structural changes by simply opting for different styles, colors, or finishes on upper and lower cabinets.

A popular tactic is to keep lower cabinets darker, like Shaker Black cabinets, and upper cabinets lighter, such as Casselbery Antique White cabinets or Torrance White cabinets creating a ground effect that draws the eye upwards. This approach makes the space feel more open and airy. Darker lower cabinets can be practical, hiding wear and tear from daily use, while lighter upper cabinets keep the kitchen bright and accessible.

If you want to make this style choice even more impactful, consider experimenting with materials and textures. You can pair wood-grain lower cabinets with painted, smooth-finish upper cabinets that can add an unexpected touch of texture that feels natural yet refined. 

You can also combine classic and contemporary styles, such as shaker-style cabinets on the bottom and frameless modern cabinets on top, adding a subtle but engaging contrast that still feels unified.

Conclusion

Combining cabinet styles in the kitchen brings you endless design possibilities, allowing you to create a personal space that keeps its functionality, all while making your kitchen environment effortlessly stylish. 

Whether it’s through contrasting colors and finishes or by mixing different elements, you’re free to explore your kitchen cabinets to create a dynamic, inviting place that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. 

Get The Best Cabinets For Your Space

Ready to bring your kitchen vision to life? At AZ Cabinet Maker, we specialize in creating high-quality kitchen cabinets that go above and beyond industry standards.

To learn more about our process and what sets us apart, feel free to visit our Chandler showroom, explore our online gallery, or contact us for specialized consultation. 

And be sure to explore DIY Cabinets RTA’s extensive selection of ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets, available for nationwide shipping.

This article was written by DIY Cabinets RTA, a top-rated company offering ready-to-assemble and DIY bath and kitchen cabinets in Arizona.

AZ Cabinet Maker
640 N Alder Dr
Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone: 480.800.3512
Email: [email protected]