Although nothing new, the name might throw you off. It’s simply the use of two colours or tones in your kitchen to break up the monotony of one colour and create something less clinical and more unique.
Why should you consider a tuxedo kitchen? Using two colours/tones makes kitchen cabinets look more like beautiful pieces of furniture, using light coloured cabinets on the walls can create the illusion of height in your kitchen and opting for a contrasting island or pantry unit gives a focal point to the space. Our lives are changing and evolving and our homes need to do the same, kitchens are no longer where you go to cook they are now the centre of the home, the meeting point for family and friends, and giving your kitchen the tuxedo effect can help create that homely inviting feel that friends and family won’t want to leave.
Here are a few key considerations on how to incorporate this trend into your home:
A Modern Classic
Using a dark colour on the base units and a bright airy colour like white or soft grey for the top cupboards ensures you’re totally on tuxedo-trend and keeps the space light and airy with the light coloured top units.
Classic Tuxedo Effect: Dark Floor Units with Light Wall Units via Devol Kitchens
Pick A Colour Family
If you want to get the look but aren’t a fan of high contrast opt for two shades of the same colour family. An example of this would be charcoal and soft grey which work well together and create a soft neutral pallet with a striking edge.
Two Tone: Dark Charcoal and Soft Grey via Devol Kitchens
Island Style
An easy way to bring in a bold colour is with an island. Keep all of the wall and floor units one colour and add that contrast in the form of an island. It gives you a chance to really make the island stand out and quite unique if you wish and we love an island! It’s such a great socialising area in a kitchen so why not make a statement with a contrast colour?
Island Style: Create Impact with a contrasting island Image via House & Garden
Don’t Be Shy
Tuxedo kitchens aren’t all about black and white, grey and white, navy and white . . . . tuxedo kitchens can be as bold and fun as you like! Consider a few of these colour options . . . .
Pop of Colour: Denim and Charcoal via Skai (available at Lansdowne Boards)
Pop of Colour: Orange and Black Image via Plain English
Pop of Colour: Navy and White Image via Studio McGee
The Pantry Cupboard
Don’t have space for a contrasting island but want to add in something wow in the kitchen? Why not consider giving the pantry cupboard some va-va-voom? It need not be “freestanding” but can be made to look like a freestanding unit by making it in a contrasting colour or wood grain for some impact.
Bold Pantry Unit via Plain English
For more inspiration on all things Tuxedo take a look at our Pinterest board.