In the interior design world, tuxedo kitchens are one of the trends that everyone is talking about. These kitchens are bold, bright and the designs feature a lot of flexibility. If a tuxedo kitchen is your dream, then here are a few tips to help you design it right!
1. Color Blocking: The Reason for the Tuxedo Kitchen Trend
Color blocking, which is the use of large “blocks” of contrasting color, has long been a tool of the fashion industry and interior design industries. Tuxedo cabinets are a form of color blocking that utilizes dark shades for lower cabinets and light shades for upper cabinets — often black and white.
The interesting thing about color blocking is that you don’t necessarily have to stop with the cabinets. In retro tuxedo kitchens, the island or table and chairs often serve as brightly colored focal points that stand out against the black and white cabinetry. Walls can also be color blocked with bright colors, as this tuxedo kitchen by Kemper Cabinets proves.
2. Adding a Pop of Color
There are two different ways to add a splash of color to your tuxedo kitchen. The first is though the cabinets themselves. Choose bold cabinet shades other than black and white, or use bold metal hardware to add interest.
The second way is through the accents. Leave the cabinets black on the bottom and white on top (or choose another pairing of dark and light neutrals) and then spice things up with the wall color, a bright backsplash, the table and chairs, light shades or even a colorful canister set.
3. Designing for Longevity
You’re probably thinking that tuxedo cabinets are a fad right now, but maybe they won’t be 10 years from now. Actually, tuxedo kitchens have been around in one form or another since the bright color blocked kitchens of the 1950s and 1960s. This is one style that will never go completely by the wayside.
While the tuxedo trend isn’t going anywhere, color trends change all the time, which is why you should base your color choices on the amount of work you are willing to do to change those colors. If you stick with traditional black and white cabinetry, which is always in style, then you won’t need to spend money on a color change in a few years. If you worry that a particular set of colors will go out of style (like jewel tones, florals or earthy shades), then save them for the elements that are easy to repaint or swap out — walls, the table and chairs, lighting and other accents.
4. Tuxedo Cabinets in Small Kitchens
If you want to make a small kitchen look and feel larger, then tuxedo cabinetry is a great way to do it. In general, light colors reflect more light, which makes small spaces feel roomier. This means that you’ll want to use white or light shades wherever possible, not only on the upper cabinets, but also the walls and ceiling, too. Save accent colors for the smaller details like the counters, lighting, furniture and hardware.
If you’re dreaming of a tuxedo kitchen, then go ahead and follow that dream! You’ll enjoy the timeless look and the flexibility that allows you to change accent colors as the years go by.
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