Mixing Cabinet Styles: A Bold Approach to Kitchen Cabinet Design

Image by Medallion Cabinetry

Modern kitchen remodels are increasingly focused on personalization and function. Across Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds, and surrounding areas, more homeowners are mixing and matching kitchen cabinet styles to create kitchens that feel custom, elevated, and practical.

At SMY Home Improvement, we help you combine finishes, cabinet door styles, and color schemes that are both timeless and design-forward.

Is it OK to mix cabinet styles?

Yes — mixing cabinet styles is a proven way to personalize your kitchen. It allows homeowners to:

• Highlight key areas like islands, pantries, or range walls

• Pair shaker cabinets with flat-panel doors for a transitional design

• Blend classic and modern aesthetics for a custom look

• Create visual interest using thoughtful contrast — not clutter

Done correctly, mixing cabinet styles can make your kitchen feel both high-end and highly functional.

Note: When mixing cabinet styles, it’s wise to order all cabinets from the same manufacturer. This ensures consistency in construction and finish. Cabinets from different brands may have slight differences — such as how far the doors extend past the face frame — which can lead to mismatched alignments or uneven visual lines once installed.

Another difference could be the cabinet door overlay. Standard overlay reveals more of the cabinet face frame where full overlay does the opposite. Also, there is usually a door overlay difference between framed vs frameless cabinets. Here is an example of a full overlay door for framed cabinets:

Door Overlay Example, Image by Waypoint Simple Trends

How to Mix Cabinet Styles

Should an island be lighter or darker than cabinets?

When designing with kitchen island cabinets, whether the island should be lighter or darker than your surrounding cabinetry depends on your overall layout and visual goals. While there’s no universal rule, here are three popular design strategies used in many kitchen cabinet designs:

• Lighter island, darker cabinets: Less common, but sometimes used to visually lift the center of the kitchen. This can work in larger kitchens where dark cabinets frame the room and a light-toned island—like white oak or light gray—creates contrast.

• Matching island and cabinets: For homeowners drawn to a minimalist kitchen remodel, matching the island to the perimeter cabinetry delivers a unified aesthetic.

• Darker island, lighter cabinets: A go-to choice for many open-concept kitchens, this combination creates visual contrast and establishes the island as a focal point. Dark-toned islands—like deep navy, sage green, matte black, or espresso—add depth and ground the space, especially when paired with white kitchen cabinets or lighter uppers.

This helps the island stand out as a functional and design centerpiece.

Different upper and lower cabinets

This strategy keeps kitchens light above and grounded below.

Examples:

• Cream uppers with natural wood or charcoal lowers

• White upper cabinets with navy or sage green base cabinets

• Light stained wall cabinets and black cabinets for the perimeter

Image by Waypoint Living Spaces

Darker kitchen base cabinets are a practical choice for families with young children, as they tend to hide smudges, fingerprints, and everyday wear more effectively than lighter finishes.

Combine Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

You don’t need to commit to one cabinet door type. You may consider mixing:

• Shaker base cabinets for structure and depth

• Flat-panel base cabinets and shaker wall cabinets

Image by Waypoint Living Spaces

This pairing adds variety while keeping the layout cohesive.

Blend cabinet finishes and textures

Pairing different cabinet finishes and textures can elevate the look of your kitchen:

• Painted matte finishes (like white or charcoal) with natural woodgrain textures (oak, walnut)

• Textured melamine lower cabinets with solid painted wall cabinets

Image by DesignCraft

These combinations add warmth and contrast while keeping the space clean and modern.

Common color combinations for mixed cabinet kitchens

Color Combination	Why It Works
White and Deep Navy	High-contrast, crisp aesthetic with wide appeal
Soft Gray and Natural Walnut	Balanced warmth and modern style
Sage Green and Cream	Earthy tones that suit Pacific Northwest homes
Matte Black and Light Oak	Bold pairing with timeless wood grain contrast

These combinations balance color, tone, and style without overwhelming your kitchen.

Tips for Mixing Styles Without Overdoing It

• Choose one dominant style, use another to accent

• Limit to two cabinet styles or finishes to avoid visual overload

• Maintain layout proportions even when mixing styles

These tips help keep your kitchen layout intentional and harmonious.

Explore Custom Cabinet Combinations in Lynnwood

At SMY Home Improvement, we work with homeowners across Lynnwood, Everett, Mukilteo, and Edmonds to build kitchens that reflect individual taste and modern practicality.

✔ Browse shaker, flat-panel, and slim shaker doors side-by-side in our Lynnwood showroom

✔ Compare trending finishes, hardware, and layout examples

✔ Book a free cabinet design consultation with our team

Let us help you design a mixed-style kitchen that’s locally relevant, visually stunning, and built to last.

Visit SMY Home Improvement today — or schedule your design consultation here.

FAQs: Mix and Match Kitchen Cabinets

Can You Mix and Match Kitchen Cabinet Styles?

Yes, mixing kitchen cabinet styles is not only acceptable—it’s a trend in custom kitchen cabinet design. Pairing styles like shaker cabinets with flat-panel kitchen cabinets adds visual interest and creates a layered, personalized look. This strategy is especially effective in modern kitchen remodels, where blending finishes, textures, and door styles allows homeowners to highlight features like the island or pantry while maintaining cohesion.

Are Two-Color Kitchen Cabinets Still in Style?

Absolutely. Two-tone kitchen cabinets remain one of the most popular choices in both modern and transitional kitchen designs. Common combinations include white upper cabinets paired with navy blue or walnut lower cabinets, or islands in contrasting shades. This look adds dimension, balances light and dark tones, and creates a custom, high-end feel—especially in

Should Cabinets Be Lighter or Darker Than the Wall Color?

It depends on the mood and visual balance you want to achieve. In general:

• Lighter kitchen cabinets paired with darker walls can make the cabinets pop and help small kitchens feel brighter and more open.

• Darker kitchen cabinets with lighter wall colors can ground the space and create contrast, especially in larger or more open layouts.

• For a modern kitchen remodel, many homeowners prefer neutral walls with bold or matte cabinet finishes to maintain clean lines and visual focus.

Where Can I Go Near Edmonds, WA to Order Kitchen Cabinets?

If you're looking to order kitchen cabinets near Edmonds, WA, SMY Home Improvement in Lynnwood is just minutes away. We serve homeowners across Edmonds, Mukilteo, Everett, and surrounding areas with a selection of kitchen cabinets, including shaker, flat-panel, and custom cabinet styles. Our showroom features trending finishes like matte white, navy blue, charcoal gray, and natural wood tones—plus expert guidance on cabinet layout, measurements, and hardware.

Visit our Lynnwood showroom or schedule a free kitchen design consultation today.