Kitchen remodels are top of mind for many homeowners looking to increase value and modernize their living spaces. With so many options for layouts, appliances, and cabinet styles, it can be tempting to mix and match different looks.
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However, not all kitchen cabinet combinations work well. We consulted top interior design experts on the dos and don’ts of blending kitchen cabinet styles for a cohesive look that delights.
The Appeal of Mixing Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Why consider mixing up your kitchen cabinets instead of choosing a uniform style? Great question! Many homeowners gravitate towards blending kitchen cabinet looks because it allows more visual interest and flexibility. Combining modern simplicity with homey traditional elements or splashing one color on a neutral backdrop creates dimension.
Interior design trends also move towards more eclectic, curated interiors instead of strict uniformity. By sampling different kitchen cabinet finishes and facades, you can nod to what’s trending without overwhelming the space. Designers often mix metal and wood cabinetry or combine painted and stained for this purpose.
Benefits of Mixing Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Some popular reasons homeowners mix kitchen cabinet styles include:
- Highlighting certain features: Use one cabinet finish to call attention to a beloved bakeware collection displayed behind glass fronts. Or try open shelving in rustic wood to showcase heirloom dishes.
- Adding visual interest: Mixing finishes, like glossy and matte paints, adds appealing contrast. Or blend neutral wooden base cabinets with painted uppers for multi-dimensional appeal.
- Incorporating architectural details: Carry modern elements like metal finishes or colorblocking onto custom cabinetry to tie the kitchen into adjacent living areas.
- Increasing storage functionality: Closed cabinets keep items tidy while open shelving offers grab-and-go access near appliances. Blend as needed.
- Updating aesthetics over time: Adding freshly painted or remodeled cabinets modernizes kitchens without the cost of full renovations.
Dos and Don’ts for Harmoniously Mixing Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Want to incorporate multiple kitchen cabinet looks? Be strategic so mismatched styles appear purposeful and pulled together. Follow these dos and don’ts directly from our interior design experts!
DO choose a consistent design direction
“Before selecting specific cabinet styles to mix and match, identify an overarching design direction,” advises Leah, Lead Designer at Highland Kitchen and Bath. “Eclectic transitional? Modern farmhouse? Colorful contemporary? Your style guideline anchors the kitchen.” Match all finishes and facades to that design vision.
For example, a clean-lined contemporary kitchen could mix white gloss lacquer streamlined cabinets with exposed natural wood open shelving. Or check out this gorgeous featuring base cabinets in a light wood stain with crisp white uppers. Without the guiding style framework, mismatched kitchen cabinets will simply look confused.
DO repeat some consistent kitchen elements
“The key to making different kitchen cabinet styles coexist gracefully is repeating colors, materials, shapes, hardware, or styling details,” Leah explains. “This repetition helps unite everything visually.”
See how the kitchen below ties together sleek grey lowers with rustic wood open shelves through common metal accents on pendant lights, fixtures, and cabinet hardware. White quartz countertops also bounce around the space, preventing disjointedness.
What consistent thread could harmonize your mismatched cabinetry? Consider coordinating all metal finishes, using the same hardware suite, repeating backsplash tiles, or sticking to one neutral wall color surrounding the diverse cabinets.
DON’T overwhelm with too many colors or varieties
New Severna Park homeowners Jennifer and Michael went overboard mixing up kitchen cabinet styles according to their contractor Nick. “We have different wood stains, several painted finishes, glass fronts, solid styles, metal, and rattan! It’s just too much,” laughs Jennifer.
Interior designer Laura agrees: “Stick to one or two cabinet colors or materials, three maximum, for a cohesive look. Remember that kitchen walls, counters, backsplashes, and flooring also factor into the style equation.” Keep your actual cabinet combinations simple so other elements can shine.
DO evenly distribute any signature styles
Strategically repeating custom, standout, or statement cabinetry establishes balance. “I incorporated my client’s handcrafted green cabinets on either end of the kitchen since they anchor the space beautifully,” notes designer Amy. “The consistently spaced vibrant focal points really ‘make’ the kitchen now.”
Floating shelves, glass fronts to spotlight collections, or color-blocked pantry cabinets all make excellent repetitive statement styles according to the design experts. Put your most eye-catching kitchen cabinet combo where visitors will notice it, then echo it elsewhere for stability.
DON’T mix cheap with luxury finishes
Combining poorly made or inferior quality cabinets alongside higher-end looks simply won’t work according to contractor Matt. “I often get calls to just replace old laminate cabinets or work around existing fixtures from former flips during kitchen remodels. But scrimping on some elements while splurging on others reads as disjointed.”
Be wary of obvious condition differences with older cabinets too. “No amount of trendy color painting disguises decrepit base cabinets with broken hinges or damaged facades,” Matt adds. “Any combination incorporating low-grade materials will downgrade the whole space.”
Invest in quality kitchen cabinet construction and durable materials if blending more upscale looks advises designer Leah. Mixed finishes like painted wood should feel comparably premium to harmoniously blend.
DO cohere appliances and hardware
Don’t just consider cabinet combinations—be sure appliance finishes, metal fixtures, and hardware also coordinate. Contrasting busy backsplashes, colorful mosaic tile, and eclectic cabinetry benefit from simplicity elsewhere.
“Matching metal finishes like brushed nickel or black pulls everything together subtly,” Leah describes. If mixing lots of wooden cabinet styles, stick to stainless appliances or vice versa. Or limit backsplash chaos with quiet countertops and subtle lighting fixtures.
DON’T overlook expert design services
“Many new homeowners get so focused on pretty Pinterest kitchen photos that they underestimate practical spatial planning,” warns designer Laura. Will your dream mixed media pantry fit appliances? Do low and high cabinet combinations allow proper prep space?
While some DIY-savvy renovators confidently design kitchens themselves, consult architect services if combining specialty cabinetry like angled corners or unusual proportions. “I cannot stress enough how vital accurate measurements are, down to 1/16th of an inch tolerance for custom cabinets,” Matt emphasizes. “Otherwise pieces literally won’t fit together.”
Also, run any eclectic or unusual kitchen cabinet combinations by kitchen designers beforehand. “I review clients’ Pinterest inspiration images to gauge what should realistically work together before finalizing plans,” notes Amy. “It helps prevent expensive cabinet change orders mid-remodel if combinations might clash awkwardly.” Consider personalized design services money wisely invested.
Tips for Flawlessly Incorporating Mixed Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Sold on creatively mixing up your kitchen cabinetry but unsure where to start? Use these pro tips when planning your combinations:
Evaluate the existing kitchen footprint
Pull measurements for available wall space, corners, and transitions carefully advise contractor Matt: “Truly custom cabinet combinations require knowing exact room proportions.” Note limitations like plumbing locations, doors, windows, and any awkward angles that could impact unconventional cabinet designs. Establish a detailed layout first.
Assess the current cabinet condition
Do existing cabinets feature quality construction with modern hardware compatibility for blending? Repair, refinish, or replace damaged, out-of-date or lower-quality pieces before meshing eclectic looks warns designer Leah. “Everything should feel fresh and purposeful, not haphazard.”
Confirm the required kitchen storage capacity
Will unique cabinet designs sacrifice needed storage space? Avoid form-over-function mistakes like pretty open shelves that fail to house essentials. “Double check that specialized cabinets don’t rob usable room for pans, appliances, or pantry goods,” suggests contractor Matt. “Utility still matters most for functioning kitchens.”
Incorporate meaningful personalized elements
“I love helping clients integrate custom cabinetry with meaningful touches like keepsake fabric backing, engraved hardware, or hand-painted finishes,” says designer Amy. Special details make kitchens memorable—just keep personalization aligned with the overarching style. What special flourishes could make your dream mixed cabinetry combination truly yours?
Achieving a Modern Mix-and-Match Kitchen Cabinet Aesthetic
If executed intentionally, combining modern kitchen cabinet looks creates a showstopper style and storage. Need some inspiration to attempt the mix-and-match trend?
Modern Black and White
Nothing feels sleeker than contrasting inky black cabinets with clean white counterparts and accents. Extend the color blocking to windows, pendant lighting, and barstool seating for maximum modernist appeal. Mix super-matte finishes with high-gloss lacquered fronts for intriguing depth.
Modern Industrial Edge
The industrial trend still dominates modern kitchen spaces with exposed metals, unfinished wood, and utilitarian details. Combine understated steel base cabinets with rough-sawn oak uppers plus open shelving for an urban look with rustic warmth. Continue corrugated metal, leather strap handles, and Edison bulb fixtures throughout for harmony.
Modern Geometric Mix
Not all modern designs stick to straight lines and simplicity—thoughtfully blending geometric cabinet styles injects artistic flair. Try offsetting linear walnut base cabinets with crafted glass uppers full of triangular shelving. Intentionally repeating triangular hanging lights, acute-angled floor tiling, and boxy stools strengthen the artistic geometry.
FAQs
Why would I mix kitchen cabinet styles?
There are a few good reasons to incorporate different kitchen cabinet styles:
- To create visual interest and dimension
- To highlight certain features or collections
- To incorporate multiple design styles (e.g. modern and farmhouse)
- To update the look of your kitchen over time without a full renovation
- To maximize storage functionality with a mix of open and closed cabinets
Mixing styles allows you to personalize for a more unique, custom look aligned with your tastes.
What cabinet styles mix well together?
Some complementary kitchen cabinet style combinations include:
- Wood-stained lower cabinets with white or painted uppers
- Glass-front display cases combined with solid wood cabinetry
- Metal finishes paired with natural wood grains
- Modern glossy fronts mixed with traditional-style carved designs
- Neutral shaker cabinets with vivid color-blocked accent doors
Matching metal hardware and fixtures helps bridge disparate styles.
How many cabinet styles should I include?
Be judicious in mixing cabinet designs. Interior design experts warn against incorporating more than three distinct cabinet colors, materials, or styles. One or two combinations blended throughout the kitchen prevent things from feeling disjointed or too busy.
Should I mix cabinet quality and price points?
No. Combining low-grade or cheaply made cabinets alongside higher-end looks rarely works. The quality difference shows and makes the kitchen feel uncoordinated. If you mix modern painted lacquer finishes with built-in wood shelving, ensure both feel equally durable and well-constructed.
Who can help me design mismatched kitchen cabinets?
If going beyond simple painted versus wood cabinet mixes, consider hiring kitchen designers. Experts help ensure creative combinations harmonize visually and can validate spatial plans. They also prevent the wasted budget from unusable custom cabinets that ultimately don’t fit. Spending a little on design services saves money and headaches later.
Considering all this
Hopefully, we’ve helped convince you to confidently mix up your next kitchen remodel with our cabinet combination guidance straight from design experts! Choosing an overarching style direction first allows you to thoughtfully blend finishes, facades, and details for personalized flair. Just beware of overcrowding your kitchen with too many disparate elements—carefully curated mixes prevent disjointedness. Want more design help? Reach out today to request advice from our amazing kitchen team!
