How to Mix Cabinet Styles Without a Design Disaster

In 2025, it seems like everyone is tired of cookie-cutter designs and is ready to mix things up when it comes to their kitchens. You’re not the only one who’s been eyeing those dreamy Pinterest kitchens with two-tone cabinets or exciting styles combining slab and shaker.

But here’s the big question: is mixing cabinet styles in your kitchen a recipe for design disaster, or could it be the secret to achieving a space that truly feels you?

The truth? It can absolutely be the latter—as long as you get the balance right.

Let’s get into how you can incorporate this trend-forward approach to create a custom kitchen that feels cohesive, fresh, and most importantly, you.

Why Mixing Cabinet Styles in Kitchens Is on Trend

There’s a shift happening in kitchen design. For years, matching cabinetry was the norm, but we’re living in a custom everything world now. We want our spaces to feel personalized, a little bold, maybe even a little messy in the coolest way possible.

Enter: a brand-new focus on eclectic kitchen design.

The appeal of mixing cabinet styles lies in the ability to create visual interest and dimension. It’s also a chance to blend functionality with personality. Upper cabinets can tell one story (like sleek and modern slab doors), while lower cabinets offer depth and grounding through classic shaker styling.

Plus, with open-concept living still a dominant trend, the kitchen has become part of the home’s overall decor. People aren’t just designing a kitchen, they’re curating a space that complements their entire home.

But before you start throwing everything into the design soup, there are a few crucial guidelines to help you keep things cohesive.

How to Combine Upper and Lower Cabinets Without Clashing

First things first, mixing cabinet styles isn’t about flipping through a catalog and selecting your two favorites, then squishing them together. It’s about creating intentional contrast that works together, not against each other.

Think of it as a relationship between two co-stars in a movie. They’re different, and bring different things to the table, but together, magic happens.

When done thoughtfully, mixing styles can make your kitchen feel like it’s been designed over time, giving it an organic vibe rather than a “fresh out of the showroom” look.

Here are a few tried-and-true ways to mix cabinet styles without going overboard:

Upper vs. Lower Cabinets

One of the most popular trends is pairing one style for upper cabinets and another for lower cabinets. For example, flat slab cabinets up top can create a modern, airy feel, while shaker-style cabinets below add warmth and balance.

Island vs. Perimeter Cabinets

If you want to play it safer, try contrasting your island cabinets with the perimeter cabinets. The island can act as a focal point, and using a different style (or even color!) adds subtle oomph.

Accent Pieces

Another idea? Keep most of the kitchen cohesive, but add a different cabinet style for specific features like a butler’s pantry, coffee station, or built-in hutch.

Best Cabinet Style Pairings That Actually Work

Balance is your new best friend. Mixing cabinet styles should feel intentional, not chaotic. Here’s what works most often:

Slab + Shaker

This powerhouse duo combines sleek modern lines with comforting tradition. Slab cabinets bring the simplicity of minimalism, while shaker cabinets provide that familiar charm. Together, they create a timeless, yet also contemporary, vibe.

Pro tip: use the shaker cabinets for lower storage to ground the design. These look stunning in earthy neutrals or rich wood stains, while slab cabinets up top in soft whites or lighter grays keep things light.

Color Isn’t the Enemy

Once you’ve nailed down your styles, it’s time to talk color. Mixing cabinet colors is inherently tied to two-tone kitchen cabinets, and selecting complementing shades is important, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to neutrals.

Here are some timeless combinations worth exploring:

• Classic Contrast: Black shaker lower cabinets with bright white upper slab cabinets? Chef’s kiss.
• Earthy & Natural: Consider sage green on the island, with warm oak cabinets lining the perimeter. It instantly adds depth and warmth (plus, green kitchens are very in).
• Bold Yet Balanced: Think deep navy paired with soft cream. The navy adds a rich, dramatic touch, while the cream keeps everything feeling light and inviting.

When NOT to Mix Cabinet Styles

Mixing cabinet styles isn’t for everyone, or every space. If your kitchen is smaller or lacks natural light, mixing styles might make things feel cramped or busy.

Similarly, if your home already has several competing design elements, doubling down on multiple cabinet styles might overwhelm the space.

Instead, opt for a single cabinet style but play with texture or subtle color variation. For instance, opt for all shaker cabinets but use wood finishes on the lower cabinets and a painted finish above.

Tips to Confidently Create an Eclectic Kitchen Design

If you’re ready to take the dive and consider mixing cabinet styles in the kitchen, here are some tips to follow to make sure the process is seamless:

1. Create Mood Boards

Before committing, put together a mood board or use tools like Pinterest to visualize how the combined styles will look together.

2. Consult an Expert

If you’re feeling unsure, schedule a chat with a designer. You don’t need to hire someone full time to get the job done, either. Even a quick, one-off consultation can make a world of difference in pulling together a cohesive plan. And don’t forget to snag some samples to help you bring your ideas to life!

3. Take Your Time

Good design isn’t rushed. Take the time to explore your options, compare materials, and think about how the kitchen interacts with the rest of your home.

The Secret to a Custom Kitchen? A Design That Reflects You

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mixing cabinet styles in the kitchen, and frankly, that’s the whole point. It’s your kitchen. Your rules. The secret to a stunning eclectic kitchen design isn’t about following trends, but about creating a space that tells your one-of-a-kind story.

Take risks. Pair things you love, even if it’s unexpected. You might just end up with a custom design you can’t stop smiling about.

Frquently Asked Questions

Can you mix different cabinet styles in a kitchen?

Yes! Mixing cabinet styles (like slab and shaker) adds personality. Just make sure colors and materials complement one another.

What cabinet styles pair best together?

Slab and shaker is a popular combo, but others like beadboard with flat-panel work too—just stay within a cohesive design palette.

Should upper and lower kitchen cabinets match?

They don’t have to. Contrasting uppers and lowers is one of the easiest and most stylish ways to mix cabinet styles in a kitchen.

What colors work best for two-tone kitchen cabinets?

Black and white, navy and cream, sage and oak—pair light and dark shades or natural and painted finishes for visual contrast.

Are two toned kitchen cabinets going out of style?

Just like any other style fad, two-toned kitchens are evolving, but they remain a hot trend in 2025. People are simply getting more adventurous, now blending not just colors but also textures and styles.