How to Mix and Match Kitchen Cabinet Styles

Kitchen design has evolved beyond uniform cabinetry—today’s kitchens often blend different cabinet styles to create dynamic, personalized spaces. Mixing and matching kitchen cabinet styles from novocuisine can add visual interest, highlight architectural features, and reflect your unique taste. But it requires a thoughtful approach to keep the design cohesive rather than chaotic. Here’s how to successfully combine cabinet styles for a stunning, balanced kitchen.

Why Mix Cabinet Styles?

Mixing cabinet styles lets you:

  • Add depth and texture: Combining styles introduces variety that keeps your kitchen from feeling flat or monotonous.
  • Create zones: Different cabinet looks can define work areas, dining spaces, or storage zones within an open layout.
  • Show personality: It’s a chance to blend classic elements with modern touches or combine sleek and rustic vibes.

Popular Ways to Mix and Match Cabinets

  1. Two-Tone Cabinets

One of the easiest and most popular ways to mix styles is with two-tone cabinetry. This usually involves using different colors or finishes on upper vs. lower cabinets, or on the island vs. perimeter cabinets.

  • Example: Classic white shaker cabinets around the room paired with a bold navy blue or natural wood island.
  • Effect: Adds contrast and makes the island a focal point.

You can also mix cabinet door styles here — for instance, flat panel uppers with shaker style lowers, blending modern and traditional vibes.

  1. Open Shelving + Closed Cabinets

Pairing open shelves with closed cabinets is a stylish way to combine cabinet styles and create an airy, open feeling.

  • Example: Use solid door cabinets on the lower level and floating wood or metal shelves above.
  • Effect: Opens up the kitchen visually and adds texture while keeping storage practical.

Open shelving works well with almost any cabinet style but looks especially good with shaker or slab doors.

  1. Glass-Front + Solid Doors

Mix glass-front cabinet doors with solid wood or painted doors to break up large cabinet runs and showcase your favorite dishes or decorative items.

  • Example: Glass doors on upper cabinets over a bar area or near the dining space paired with shaker or raised panel doors elsewhere.
  • Effect: Adds lightness and visual interest.
  1. Mixing Traditional and Modern

Combining traditional cabinetry like raised panel or beadboard with modern styles such as flat panels or minimal hardware can create a timeless, transitional kitchen.

  • Example: Use classic white raised panel cabinets with a sleek, handleless island.
  • Effect: Blends warmth and refinement with clean, contemporary lines.

Tips for a Cohesive Look

  1. Stick to a Unified Color Palette

To prevent a mixed cabinet design from feeling chaotic, maintain a consistent color palette. Even if the cabinet styles differ, similar or complementary colors keep the design unified.

  1. Use Matching Hardware

Hardware can tie different cabinet styles together. Choose knobs, pulls, or handles in the same finish (like brushed nickel or matte black) for a cohesive look.

  1. Balance Proportions and Scale

Make sure the different styles complement each other in size and proportion. For example, a chunky rustic island pairs well with streamlined shaker cabinets, but might feel out of place with delicate, ornate raised panel doors.

  1. Repeat Design Elements

Look for small design details to repeat, such as matching the trim style on both cabinet types or using similar door panel shapes.

  1. Consider Function and Layout

Mix cabinet styles in a way that makes sense for your kitchen’s layout and use. For example, durable slab cabinets may be best near the stove or sink for easy cleaning, while decorative raised panels work well in less-used areas.

Mixing and matching kitchen cabinet styles opens up a world of design possibilities—from bold two-tone kitchens to elegant blends of open shelving and glass fronts. The key is to maintain harmony through color, hardware, and thoughtful layout decisions. When done right, this approach creates kitchens that are both beautiful and uniquely yours.