If you’re remodeling your kitchen in Carroll, Waukee, or anywhere in Central or Western Iowa, you’re likely searching for that perfect blend of classic comfort and modern style. In 2025, the answer is clear: two-tone kitchen cabinets are leading the way.
The days of the monochromatic kitchen are fading. Homeowners are embracing contrast to add depth, dimension, and a custom feel that instantly elevates the space. This strategic use of color or finish not only makes your kitchen more dynamic but also allows you to ground the space with dark colors while keeping the upper visual plane light and airy.
At Brincks Cabinets + Design, we’re seeing three key two-tone combinations dominate custom kitchen designs across our Iowa service area.
The Top 3 Two-Tone Cabinet Combinations for 2025
1. The Classic Contrast: Navy Blue Lowers & Crisp White Uppers
This combination is a timeless favorite for a reason, and it’s especially popular in Central Iowa homes that feature open-concept living.
WHY IT WORKS
The Navy Blue (or deep Sapphire) on the lower cabinets and island serves as a powerful anchor, drawing the eye down and grounding the kitchen in rich color. Crisp White or soft, creamy Off-White on the upper cabinets or shelving reflects light, ensuring the space feels open and spacious—a critical element in keeping large, modern kitchens from feeling heavy.
THE IOWA TWIST
This combination pairs beautifully with the traditional look of shaker-style cabinetry often found in Waukee homes. To complete the upscale look, choose warm metal hardware like brushed brass or gold to tie the cool blue and warm white together.
2. Nature Meets Sophistication: Forest Green & Natural Wood Grain
Reflecting the desire to bring natural warmth indoors, this trend speaks directly to the agricultural roots and love of nature common across Western Iowa.
WHY IT WORKS
This pairing uses Forest or Sage Green on the perimeter cabinets or the island, offset by natural White Oak or Walnut cabinetry on the remainder of the walls. The green is rich and soothing, while the exposed wood grain adds essential texture and organic warmth. This duo creates a kitchen that feels both luxurious and profoundly grounded.
THE 2025 APPROACH
The key here is using the wood grain not as an accent, but as a full cabinet finish. Consider a matte, wire-brushed finish on the wood to maintain a contemporary feel, or choose a darker wood like Walnut for the lower cabinets and pair it with a calming Sage Green on the uppers for a truly refined look. This blend of finishes is a hallmark of truly custom cabinetry.
3. The Subtle Depth: Charcoal Gray & Light Gray or Greige
For homeowners who want dimension without intense color commitment, blending two tones from the same color family provides a sophisticated, seamless look.
WHY IT WORKS
This strategy layers contrasting neutrals. A deep Charcoal Gray or Matte Black on the base cabinets provides a solid foundation, while a pale Light Gray or Greige (a warm gray-beige) on the upper cabinets adds subtle contrast. This prevents the dark color from dominating and is a fantastic choice for modern or minimalist homes.
CUSTOMIZATION FOCUS
This is where the artistry of custom cabinetry shines. By working with Brincks Cabinets + Design, you can select specific shades that complement your unique countertops and flooring. This ensures the contrast is intentional, not jarring. You can also use this two-tone effect by coloring all perimeter cabinets one shade (like Greige) and making the entire kitchen island a bold Charcoal focal point.
Here are more ideas for spaces in your home where you could utilize custom cabinet designs.
Pro Tips for Implementing Two-Tone Cabinets in Your Iowa Home
Successfully executing this trend requires precision, which is why working with a custom cabinet maker is essential. Here are a few final design tips we offer to our clients in Carroll and Waukee:
Balance is Key
Follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color (usually the lighter tone), 30% secondary color (the accent or darker tone), and 10% accent (hardware, lighting, or backsplash).
Lighting is Crucial
Darker base cabinets benefit greatly from under-cabinet lighting, which prevents shadows and highlights the lower color or material.
Maintain Cohesion
Use the same cabinet door style (like Shaker, Slab, or Raised Panel) for both colors. The unity of style is what makes the contrast in color look deliberate and polished.
Ready to explore how Navy Blue, Forest Green, or Charcoal can transform your kitchen?
At Brincks Cabinets + Design, we specialize in crafting custom solutions that bring these 2025 trends to life in a way that is perfect for your home, lifestyle, and the unique light of Central and Western Iowa.
Contact us today or visit our showrooms in Carroll or Waukee to begin designing your dream two-tone kitchen.