Two-tone kitchen cabinets are a lovely design trend that has classic staying power. The trick is getting the split balanced with enough contrast so that you notice, but not so much that it’s jarring. Some of our favorite kitchen interior design projects are on Kiawah Island, and many of them feature two-tone cabinets.

This custom home on Kiawah Island is nestled in the secluded Cassique neighborhood. The homeowners were extremely involved in the architecture and interior design finishes in this dream home overlooking Captain Sam’s Spit. The visual bulk of the cabinets are ivory, and we added strong contrast with a warm wood eating counter and prep island. We chose Blue Bahia granite for the eating counter and echoed the blue in the Robin’s Egg blue middle island. The result is a kitchen with a personality that feels cozy and collected.

In another home on Kiawah Island we used an oyster shell white (grey base) with a light grey island. To contrast the white cabinets, we chose a black granite top. To contrast the grey cabinets, we chose a white marble. The black / white / grey color scheme keeps the home sophisticated and neutral while providing a back drop for warm wood accents, art and natural textures.

In our sunny Turtle Beach project, also on Kiawah Island, a generous wood island and eating counter add depth to an otherwise white kitchen. Stainless steel accents and pendant lights add shine (an important element in every room) and a contemporary edge.