Using multiple cabinet styles can work for almost any design from traditional to modern.  The key is to mix with purpose so that the cabinetry still looks cohesive.  Here are three rules to follow:

  1. Consistency: Choose styles that compliment each other but also meld with the overall design of the kitchen. You want to make sure that a bold design choice doesn’t interfere with the overall vision.
  2. Simplicity: Don’t mix more than three styles (two for a smaller kitchen). Limit the focal points to a few interesting pieces.  If one design element is bold, keep your other choices more neutral.
  3. Balance: Deciding where each cabinet will go is important in making the different styles work together. Bolder colors and more detailed cabinet fronts should be lower to help ground the space or they can be placed together on one focal wall.

Now that you know the rules to follow, here are some of our favorite ideas for incorporating them into your design.

*Turn the island into an accent piece – it’s an easy place to add color

*Use three complimentary colors instead of two – it gives the space a more designer feel

*Choose a different color for the upper and lower cabinets.  Use darker colors on the bases.

* Play with textures – add wood grain veneers or metal banding

*Add glass inserts to upper cabinets

*Choose two different door fronts, as long as they are in the same style family

If you love the idea of mixing and matching your cabinets but don’t know how to pull it off, our designers would be happy to help you create your dream kitchen.