They can, but they don’t have to. A kitchen with matching upper and lower cabinets can look classic, calm, and cohesive. But a two-tone approach can also work beautifully when it’s done with intention.

One of the most common combinations is lighter uppers with darker or wood-tone lowers. That helps keep the room feeling open while adding depth and contrast lower down.

Two-tone kitchens are popular because they add visual interest without making the room feel busy. They can also help highlight an island or break up a large wall of cabinetry.

The key is making sure the colours relate well to each other and to the rest of the room. When that balance is right, the finished kitchen feels thoughtful rather than trendy.