Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
EXPECT MORE
WHAT IS A TUXEDO KITCHEN
…trending now…
NEWEST TRENDS FOR 2026
Homeowners are mixing it up with bold, colorful lower cabinets and light uppers—a look that’s being dubbed the "tuxedo kitchen." It’s a move away from the totally all-white kitchen look with a color-blocking approach. Much like a classic tuxedo, lighter upper cabinets paired with darker or more colorful lower cabinets can offer a dramatic, eye-catching contrast to upgrading your kitchen.
It doesn’t just have to be a white-black combo either. This look typically features upper cabinets in a neutral, lighter shade—like white, cream, light gray, or even natural wood—while the lower cabinets bring in bolder, deeper tones such as a navy blue, forest green, charcoal or black.
The light upper cabinets help reflect light and help to visually open the space, making the kitchen feel larger. The darker lower cabinets ground the space and add a layer of depth and richness.
COLOR COMBINATIONS
Although white isn’t a must, it’s a frequent player in these pairings because many homeowners already have white cabinetry (which is a huge plus on your pocketbook). Tuxedo kitchens allow the introduction of some color without a full kitchen overhaul. It’s a more budget-friendly update since you have to change or repaint only the lower cabinets.
Here are some trending color pairings for tuxedo kitchens:
White uppers + black lowers: Classic, clean, and high contrast
White uppers + navy blue lowers: A coastal-cool twist with a modern vibe
White uppers + forest green lowers: Earthy, rich and sophisticated
Gray uppers + wood-tone lowers: A cozy, organic look with subtle contrast
White uppers + soft gray lowers: A gentle way to ease into the trend without being too bold
THE KITCHEN ISLAND
In a tuxedo kitchen, the island often follows the color of the lower cabinets, which helps visually anchor the space and create a cohesive look. If you prefer to tip-toe into a color change in their kitchen, here’s another trendy option to consider: Keep your upper and lower cabinets the same shade and let the island be your color pop.
Painting the island cabinets in shades like deep green, classic navy, or even rustic wood tone is a stylish way to experiment with contrast in the kitchen. It adds personality without overwhelming the room.
EMBRACING THIS STYLE
The tuxedo kitchen trend is in response to the era of the all-white kitchen. For those who feel these monochrome spaces feel too cookie-cutter, a two-tone look infuses the kitchen with color, making it feel more layered and customized to your taste.
Plus, the “tuxedo kitchen” can easily adapt to different styles, whether you’re going for modern farmhouse, Scandinavian minimalism or bold and eclectic!
Need Help? Call me. I will be glad to show you the way!
By incorporating my personal attention and guidance into the marketing strategy I aim to provide you with
an Exceptional Selling Experience and detailed negotiations
while ensuring that your property receives the exposure needed and terms of the contract met
to attract buyers from anywhere
LIVE. LIFE. LOVE. LOCAL.
Your Local Real Estate Connection
Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling your home:
Trusted resource for answers about the process
Innovative marketing strategies
Expertise about neighborhood features
Ability to target home searches
Strong negotiation skills
Support through the closing and beyond
Why would you settle for anything less?
Adding value for my clients and loving where we live!
Judy@JudithSutton.com
COLDWELL BANKER...GUIDING PEOPLE HOME SINCE 1906
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
SERVING THE SOMERSET HILLS AREA ONE CLIENT AT A TIME
Service & Experience
since 1983