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Two tone small kitchen


30 Stylish Two-Toned Kitchen Ideas (From an Expert)

The Look Works With All Kitchen Sizes

Studio McGee 

Say goodbye to the stark white kitchens of the past and hello to the mix of colors that define the kitchen trends of the present. According to Yelp's home expert, interior designer Lauren Makk, "a two-toned kitchen is a really easy way to create instant interest." While the look has been around for a few years, it's clear that two-toned kitchen cabinets are a stylish, dynamic trend that's here to stay. It involves playing with different variations to paint your kitchen cabinets two different colors, usually by contrasting the upper and lower cabinets.

A frequent iteration of the look includes a darker color for the lower cabinets and a lighter shade for higher shelves. Think white cabinets above the sink paired with shades of blue, black, or brown below. However, there are no set rules for which color combinations or design elements work best.

Trade restrained color schemes like white-on-white for bold contrasts of black and gray, variations of green and blue, and combinations of tan and white. Even a small kitchen can have two-toned cabinets for a striking statement. "Whether your home is a chic cottage or a modern mansion, this trend can easily be implemented into any good design or style," Makk says. Grab some paint swatches, a few brushes, and an old T-shirt to start designing.

Here are 30 two-toned kitchen cabinets to inspire your next show-stopping interior design project.

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Sarah Sherman Samuel

"Variables like tile and appliances may change in the future, but your cabinetry tends to stick around a bit longer, so pick combos you can live with for years to come," Makk advises. Here, gold handles connect white cabinets to complementary light green cabinetry beneath a white marble counter. The subtle green of the lower cabinets is a choice that could easily adapt to other changing design features.

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Kate Osborne Photography DESIGN: Studio McGee

A crisp way to test out two-toned kitchen cabinets in black and white is to contrast white countertops, backsplash, and upper cabinets with a bold black paint color below. With bright subway tile and a statement-making patterned floor, this kitchen appears refined and highly designed.

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 Black Lacquer

"Whether your space is big or small, a two-toned effect adds instant drama to any well-designed space," Makk says. When mixing colors, don't be afraid to opt for unconventional materials and textures to bring the drama. This contemporary kitchen features slick black cabinetry paired with lighter ones made of an entirely different material. These disparate elements play with the contrast of the brown wooden door and table to give the kitchen a variation of colors and textures.

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 Sharyn Cairns DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

For something with a touch more edge, experiment with a unique hue like this pastel mint green. The burst of color completely shifts the tone of this otherwise minimalist gray and white kitchen. The muted palette of the rest of the space draws the eye upward and allows the cabinets to pop against the marble wall.

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 Alexandra Rowley DESIGN: Studio DB

"Most kitchen designers have shaken it up by mixing traditional wood cabinets with a colorful kitchen island," says Makk. This two-toned kitchen seamlessly incorporates white upper cabinets with wooden lower cabinets. White countertops are continued to the island's waterfall design, while wooden features from the floor, under the island, and on the lower cabinets unite the space. The subtle black from the hanging pendant lighting also matches the black barstools to tie the kitchen together.

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 Ragnar Ómarsson DESIGN: Pella Hedeby

Using multiple colors doesn't mean you have to opt for bright, loud hues. This black-and-gray kitchen is subdued and sophisticated. The primary colors match the minimalistic décor of the space, making the kitchen look clean and streamlined.  

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 Thomas Dalhoff DESIGN: Brett Mickan Interior Design

Instead of contrasting upper and lower kitchen cabinets, try color-blocking and leaving one wall of cabinets a single shade while switching things up on another wall. Here, all-white cabinets, counters, and subway tile backsplash stand apart from a wall of charcoal-colored cabinets. This gives the space some serious dimension.

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Jessica White Photography DESIGN: Studio McGee

For a subtle distinction in color, pair white cabinets with a cool blue hue. According to Makk, "your color combinations are always reliant on a variety of things, and should complement your finishes." This design features two-toned kitchen cabinets in blue and white, offering a bright shade on the upper cabinets and understated blue shades below. By pairing the combination with a marble subway tile backsplash, the gray tint is brought out in the lower cabinets.

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Sarah Sherman Samuel

A surefire way to ensure that two-toned kitchen cabinets remain cohesive is to use the same material throughout the room and only vary the design in color. This industrious kitchen ensures that white and blue cabinets look connected by uniting the elements with the same material featuring vertical lines and gold hardware.

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 Amber Interiors

"One common mistake is to choose colors that are too trendy and won't withstand the design test of time," Makk explains. Two-toned kitchen cabinets can stay aligned with popular looks by keeping the color choices simple.

To avoid this pitfall, stick with color combinations that you know work well together. This space utilizes a black island to add dimension and flair to the rest of the white kitchen. This look still features pops of color found in the pink runner rug and brown textured barstool chairs.

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Becky Kimball Photography; DESIGN: Studio McGee

Take the flooring into consideration when selecting colors for the rest of your kitchen. In this space, navy and white kitchen cabinets stand out against dark wood flooring, making the colors pop even more. The two-toned cabinets also match the island, keeping the various blue and white elements connected for a cohesive design.

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 Alexander Design

A simple variation in color and texture between a kitchen island and kitchen cabinets adds so much interest and dimension to a space. This welcoming kitchen features a wooden island with deep brown cabinets that stand out against the black countertop and darker cabinetry above. Along with the cabinets, a colorful kitchen rug adds another element of design to the room.

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 BHDM Design

This small kitchen in the Upper East Side is brimming with stunning décor and sleek design elements. Shiny white cabinets sit above the countertops and complement the textured tile backsplash. Opposite a neatly organized gallery wall is darker cabinetry on the lower half of the kitchen. With lighter elements on top and dark pieces below, the kitchen feels much more spacious.

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 Elizabeth Roberts

This blue and white kitchen proves that the dynamic design can look and feel traditional. Located in a Carroll Gardens Townhouse in Brooklyn, the white subway tile backsplash, navy blue lower cabinets, and white upper shelving create a timeless look. Try using gold hardware like this to tie the varied elements together.

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Elizabeth Roberts

Not only is this kitchen two-toned, but it also features beautiful marble countertops, shelves, and backsplash. Sleek, seamless white drawers and appliances on one wall contrast with black lower cabinets beneath the sink. Combined with the stunning marble countertops, this loft kitchen is a sight to be seen. Add a bold countertop into the mix to get the look for yourself.

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 Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The bones of this kitchen may have been built in 1885, but the two-toned cabinets and gold light pendants make this space entirely modern. A glamorous white ceiling, walls, and cabinets contrast with the dark wood of the kitchen island. In addition to the varying shades between the island and the cabinets, the white drawers also stand out again the black stove. If you have room, try incorporating a large square wood island in the center of an all-white kitchen to achieve a similar look.

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Cathie Hong

This modern kitchen shows how subtle changes can upgrade a space. With two-toned cabinets in gray and white, it offers a minimalist perspective by pairing a textured white backsplash with the upper cabinets. Adding in the light wooden shelves just below the upper cabinets adds a brand new sense of depth, creating an interesting space to display smaller items. Incorporate some wooden shelves under your cabinets for extra space and an aesthetic boost. 

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Blakely Interior Design

Choosing your colors is essential, but so is their placement. Before finalizing your decision, keep in mind what you want the kitchen's focal point to be. If you have a stunning backsplash nestled between upper and lower cabinets, it's helpful to select a color (like this dark ocean hue) that will contrast enough to showcase it. With additional white cabinets under the sink and island, there is plenty of backdrops to allow the blue to shine.

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Maite Granda

Committing to painting an entire row of cabinets in a bright color can feel risky—but there is a way to make it work. Use a kitchen island as a focal point to display a radiant, eye-catching hue. This works exceptionally well if your kitchen is primarily a neutral shade, like this mostly white one, so your chosen color can shine without overpowering the whole room.

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House Sprucing

Two-tone color schemes can suit a variety of designs, including different shades of the same color. Using a pale blue on the higher and muted periwinkle blue on the lower cabinets, accented with a wooden counter, gives a fresh, clean look. Select a color and experiment with different hues to ensure the space looks cohesive while still adding variety.

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Gold a la Mode

Sticking to strictly neutrals isn't the only option if you want something subtle. Using white on upper cabinets and pairing it with a paler version of another hue, like the sage green used here, gives a minimalist atmosphere while still including non-neutral possibilities. Try using muted tones of your favorite color to try the trend out for yourself.

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Louis Dunca-He

If you want to embrace your eclectic side, a bright color for your upper cabinets can be a fun way to mix things up. This kitchen used a bright teal for the top cabinets, which command attention immediately. However, rather than pairing it with a white or strictly brown color, use dark wood instead. It works perfectly as an anchor and adds some variety. Throw in some circular modern light fixtures to add some flair.

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Naked Kitchens

White and black kitchen cabinets already look classic, but adding some dark wood into the picture takes it a step further. This kitchen uses ceiling-to-floor white cabinets that flow into a black and white marble backsplash, giving the impression of a larger space. Adding the kitchen island that contains charcoal cabinets, a marble counter, and dark wood gives the hallmarks of an upscale classic kitchen.

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Naked Kitchens

Colorful kitchens can be tricky, but they're absolutely worth it with the right design elements. These teal lower cabinets and pastel pink upper and side cabinets are tied together with a stunning marble-inspired backsplash containing both hues. It's a perfect way to tie the whole room together.

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Naked Kitchens

Matte finishes can give a clean, fresh look to whatever space they're in—and kitchens are no exception. Using rich yellow for the cabinets along the wall provides a contemporary vibe and makes a perfect frame for the white and gray backsplash. Contrasting with deep blue cabinets under the island and topped with a white, reflective counter keeps things looking smooth. Use complementary colors with a matte finish to try the look in your space.

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Naked Kitchens

There is no need to shy away from brighter colors for your kitchen cabinets. Pairing a lighter pink on the lower cabinets and a darker plum shade on the upper seems like it's breaking the rules. Still, the result is a dazzling and inviting kitchen space that's worth it. Choose a lighter and darker shade of your favorite hue to add some excitement to the place you prep your meals.

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Naked Kitchens

Farmhouse styles don't always have to be the standard white and blue color scheme; gray works just as well. If you want to give your kitchen a modern farmhouse twist, lean towards a darker blue and light, muted gray, with golden wood accents and silver hardware.

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Naked Kitchens

There is more than one way to create interest in your kitchen through cabinets. Instead of hiding plates and glassware behind solid doors, go for options with a glass door and white trim. The inside of the cabinets show off a stunning bright teal and make the space feel larger by revealing what's inside. Switch out your upper cabinets for options with glass doors and see how much your space changes.

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Naked Kitchens

There are several aspects to consider when applying two-toned cabinets to your kitchen. Keep in mind what your wall color is—it may be the key to tying together two different hues. This kitchen combines multiple colors and textures: bright, blue-green lower cabinets and dark wooden upper ones, a marble backsplash, and a light, gray wall that serves as the perfect backdrop.

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Serghei Starus via Getty Images

Shiny white upper cabinets and deep purple lower cabinets capture your attention right away in this kitchen. Add reflective cabinets to give a futuristic, modern feeling to your space, then incorporate a non-distracting backsplash and minimal dećor to keep things clean and sophisticated.

20 Gorgeous Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors Designers Love

9 Tips for Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets in a Small Kitchen

Two-tone kitchens are very popular right now, and it looks like they will be for quite a long time. Part of the reason for this is that the two-toned look has never really gone out of style. While other trends have come and gone, designers have always come back to dual tones and the striking contrasts that can be made with them. If you happen to have a smaller kitchen, not to worry! This doesn’t mean that the two-tone trend isn’t for you. Here are a few tips that will help you get the look in your kitchen.

1. Make Your Darker Color a Focal Point

In larger kitchens, the focal point is most often the island. However, smaller kitchens don’t always have space for an island, so to pull off the two-tone look, you’ll need to choose a focal point elsewhere in the space. In galley kitchens, for instance, this is usually the lower cabinets on the back wall, although you’re perfectly free to continue the two-toned theme throughout the kitchen by choosing a darker color for all lower cabinets.

2. What About Colors?

When it comes to colors, there are lots of options. The two-tone trend started with tuxedo kitchens, which are traditionally black on the bottom and white on top. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go with the black-and-white theme! Gray and white kitchens are common, as are kitchens in navy with cream cabinets. For a really bold look, try unusual colors, like dark plum or bright mango shades.

3. Two-Tone Schemes Don’t Need to Include Dark Colors

In small kitchens, where space is at a premium, the biggest goal is usually to make the kitchen feel bigger. Darker colors, because they absorb light, have the opposite effect. So if you want the two-toned look and you’d like to keep the kitchen feeling bright and roomy, consider pastels like soft blue or mint green paired with white.

4. Color Coordination is Key

When you’re mixing colors between upper and lower cabinets, it’s not enough to pick coordinating hues between cabinet colors. Wall colors and hardware are also key considerations if you want to tie the entire theme together. The biggest consideration here is the color family that you choose. For example, if your cabinetry is all in warm colors, then you’ll want to coordinate with appropriate wall colors—soft cream or other warm, off-white colors. Darker cool tones should be paired with lighter cool tones.

5. Pull the Look Together with Hardware

The trick to two-toned cabinets is to find a way to pull the whole look together, and one of the best ways to do that is with the hardware. To start, make sure the hardware matches across all cabinets so that you have a uniting theme to bring both colors into harmony. Better yet if you can match the hardware tone—either warm or cool—with the cabinetry tone. And last of all, if you really want to ramp up the sense of harmony in the room, choose bold hardware that not only complements both cabinet shades, but also serves as an obvious highlight that ties the room together.

6. Keep the Focus on the Lower Cabinets

Two-tone kitchens don’t always mean dark cabinets on the bottom and light on top. In many cases, homeowners choose to flip this color scheme on its head, or sometimes they use color blocking to make one wall a bold focal point. However, in a smaller space, one of the biggest challenges is making the kitchen look bright and not too top-heavy. Therefore, you’ll want to keep your darker colors down low, and brighter colors up top. Dark base cabinets keep the kitchen looking grounded, while light upper cabinetry helps reflect more light into a small space.

7. Mix and Match Materials

Another way to keep the contrasts going in a two-tone kitchen is to mix and match materials. For instance, you can add a bit more brightness to the room by using a high-gloss finish on darker, lower cabinets, and you can create double the contrast with lighter upper cabinets featuring a matte texture. Two-toned kitchens are all about carefully planned contrasts, and the use of unconventional materials and finishes can really add drama and interest to the room.

8. Don’t Forget about Flooring

In small kitchens especially, flooring choices make a big difference—especially since, without an island, the floor becomes sort of a focal point all its own. You can choose light tile or other bright materials to add more light to the space and provide a beautiful contrast to darker cabinetry. But don’t discount wood floors, either! Depending on your color scheme, darker wood floors can make cabinet colors like navy or plum pop.

9. Try a Bold Countertop

Granite and marble countertops are incredibly popular right now, in large part because they’re durable enough to last a lifetime. To unite two-tone cabinets in your kitchen, choose stone countertops that play on both of the main colors, like a white marble with black veining to complete the look in a black and white kitchen. No matter what colors you choose for a two-tone kitchen, there is almost certainly a stone to match!

Just because your kitchen is short on space, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the two-tone design of your dreams. Use these tips to help pull the look together as you create your new kitchen!

 

Two-tone kitchen - a modern solution

One of the most popular solutions in modern kitchen design is a two-tone kitchen. This color scheme is suitable for both small and large kitchens in a modern style. There are several ways to implement the idea of ​​​​a two-color kitchen, which we will discuss in this article.

Modern two-tone kitchen available in several versions:

Light top dark bottom

This combination can be called "classic". A kitchen with a light top and a dark bottom can be made in two contrasting colors or two shades of the same color. The most versatile option for a two-tone kitchen with a light top and a dark bottom is a black and white kitchen. A black and white kitchen is ideal for large and medium sized kitchens, but this color scheme can also be used in a small kitchen.

Thinking through the interior of a two-color kitchen, it is important to keep the balance of colors. For a contrasting kitchen with a light top and a dark bottom, a 50:50 color ratio is optimal. But for a small kitchen, the proportion of a light shade should be higher, since dark colors visually reduce the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. Therefore, for a small two-tone kitchen, a ratio of 70:30 would be more successful, where 70% is the proportion of a light shade.

The color combination for a light-colored kitchen can be anything, but most often white or beige is used for the top. This is due to the versatility of these colors, they are easy to match with any bottom. In addition, these light shades reflect light well and make the room brighter and more spacious.

However, a white top is not the only possible solution. Often, yellow, gray, light green, orange and other colors are also used for the top.

Dark top light bottom

This color combination in a two-tone kitchen is less popular and not suitable for all kitchens. The dark top of the kitchen visually lowers the ceiling, so this color scheme is suitable for spacious rooms with high ceilings. In a small kitchen, the black top can be used minimally - in the form of shelves or small hanging cabinets.

A monophonic headset with a contrasting tabletop

Contrast countertop is a stylish and modern solution that is suitable for a kitchen in any style. To create a contrast, you can choose a tabletop of any color from chipboard, MDF or tempered glass. A spectacular contrast can be created not only with the help of color, but also with the use of different textures that stone and wooden countertops have. For a small kitchen, it is better to choose light-colored furniture, and the color of the countertop can be both dark and bright.

Chess-style two-tone kitchen

This kitchen looks like a chessboard. The colors in it are arranged randomly, the ratio can be any.

As for color scheme , two -color kitchen can be diligently divided into such types:

For a small kitchen, a combination of a light top and a dark bottom, or an alliance of two light shades is suitable.

Two contrasting colors

A classic example of such a two-tone kitchen is the black and white kitchen. A black and white kitchen looks spectacular, modern and stylish, it is easy to work with such a color scheme, which is why such kitchens have been very popular for many years.

Another popular contrasting kitchen is the white and red kitchen.

In general, contrast can be created by combining any light and dark shade. And to create more complex color combinations, you can’t do without a color wheel. What is the color wheel and how to choose the right color scheme for the kitchen, read our article: Kitchen color scheme.

Two shades of the same color

The most popular combination, which can often be found in modern two-tone kitchens, is the tandem of beige and brown. This is a universal combination that fits any interior. The neutral color scheme of the beige and brown kitchen does not overload the interior, and can be a good basis for any kitchen design.

The same can be said for all shades of gray.

Choose beige and brown if you want to create a "warm" interior, if you prefer cool colors - gray is your option.

Combination of two different dark or two light colors

The most popular here will be the combination of black or white with other shades. For a small kitchen, an alliance of two light shades is suitable, but in no case two dark colors.

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Two-color kitchen sets - photos, design, ideas, projects. The best examples of two-tone kitchen sets on Houzz.com!

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Avalremont

In the photo: a modern corner kitchen-living room with a gray backsplash, white appliances, white floor, white countertops, a multi-level ceiling and a two-tone suite without an island c

Life in color

Kutenkovs project

In the photo: direct kitchen medium sized modern style dining table, sink, flat cabinets, pink cabinets, laminate worktops, pink splashback, hog tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile floors, brown worktops and a two-tone set without an island with

apartment for a young family 55 sq. m. in Vodny residential complex

Brick buro

Design idea: a direct kitchen-living room in a modern style with flat facades, white facades, multi-colored splashback, white appliances, a peninsula, brown worktops and a two-tone set

LCD Lira

propertylab+art

The kitchen is combined with the living room. Kitchen furniture is made to order. Concrete worktop, painted fronts
Stylish design: bright contemporary kitchen-living room with solid sink, flat fronts, white fronts, island, beige floor and two-tone cabinet - the latest trend

Minimalist kitchen

DemidovA. | FURNITURE | DESIGN

Inspired by home comfort: medium-sized corner, light modern kitchen-living room with sink sink, flat cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, black appliances, white floors, white countertops and two-tone cabinet without island

Apartment in Krasnoye Selo

Zina Malysheva

A fresh design idea: a separate, direct Scandinavian-style kitchen with an overhead sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, gray floors, white worktops and a two-tone set - a great photo of the interior

Apartment Hometown Vorontsovsky Park

Anna Zhemereva / ORT-interiors

Original design example: direct loft-style kitchen with dining table, overhead sink, flat cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, parquet floors medium tone, brown floor, black worktop, tiered ceiling and two-tone suite without island

Apartment with work space and dressing room

Alexander Tischler

Inspiration for home comfort: modern medium-sized straight-line gray and white kitchen with dining table, sink, flat cabinets, medium wood cabinets, sintered quartz worktops, gray splashback, ceramic tile splashback, black appliances , porcelain stoneware floor, beige floor, black worktop and two-tone set without island

Country apartment in Solnechny with an attic

Maxim Maximov

Kitchen-dining room with a sink by the window and a dining area.
Photo of a mid-sized straight modern kitchen with dining table, single sink, flat cabinets, beige cabinets, acrylic stone worktops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floors, brown countertops, clapboard ceiling and two tone set with

Black kitchen with wood

Mixon - custom-made furniture

Stylish design: a separate, corner kitchen in a modern style with an inset sink, flat cabinets, cabinets in medium tone wood, white splashback, black appliances, gray worktops and two-tone headset without an island - the latest trend

Apartment ZhK Bolshevik

K&K archdesign

Tall oak fronts and built-in cooker hood. Details.
A source of inspiration for home comfort: a modern-style kitchen with a dining table, a black backsplash, an island, black countertops, a two-tone set, flat fronts and gray fronts

Meshchersky Les residential complex contemporary style with countertop sink, flat fronts, gray fronts, gray backsplash, black appliances, gray floors, gray countertops and two-tone cabinet without island

Aptekarskiy pr.

Arca design

Inspired by home comfort: modern style straight kitchen with flat cabinets, gray cabinets, gray splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium parquet floors, island, brown floors, beige worktops and two-tone set

OSH_flat

QUADRUM Architecture Studio

Inspiration for home comfort: medium-sized contemporary corner kitchen with dining table, sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray splashback, gray floor, gray worktop, black appliances and a two-color headset without an island

Tatyana Alyakova

Bright kitchen.
In the photo: medium-sized modern style corner kitchen with a sink, recessed panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, white countertops and a two-tone set without an island Scandinavian-style medium-sized corner kitchen-living room with double sink, piping fronts, blue fronts, quartz agglomerate countertops, white splashback, porcelain tile splashback, black appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, white flooring, white countertops and a two-tone set - latest trend

Apartment in the old fund of Moscow "Vershina"

Nata Volkova

Stylish design: a small separate, U-shaped, glossy kitchen in a classic style with an inset sink, fronts with protruding panels, yellow fronts, quartz agglomerate worktop, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, colored appliances, porcelain stoneware floor, brown floor, brown countertop, coffered ceiling, two-tone set, window and beautiful tiles - the latest trend

Completed project of a three-room apartment in a modern style, Ufa.

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