I usually lurk on the kitchen forum and am no expert - just a rookie! But yes, it seems it looks better to have the darker on the bottom to ground the look. I think if there is not a lot of contrast, and your colors aren't too dark, that it will be okay for your small kitchen. I hope you'll show pictures when your project is complete!

I disagree... I like the darker colors on the doors because I find they otherwise stand out more than I want them to, and the lighter background when doors are darker makes the space larger.

Thanks jilljohn and larke - thats why I posted on this forum - I like to get a variety of opinions to consider. I just have a 780 s/f house but it is still my castle and I want it to look great.

Katrina, I misunderstood - when you said base I thought you meant base cabinets. I was thinking paint your floor cabs darker and your wall cabs lighter. That's another option.

Here's a photo of a two tone kitchen done by Sarah Richardson. I like the look! I'm not familiar with the paint colors you've picked but if they are subtle I'm sure it'll look pretty.

Here is a link that might be useful: sarah's house

Thanks jilljohn, I can see I am going to have to learn how to photoshop to try out ideas.
Thanks elsa42 for the visual. Theres nothing like a picture. Thats such a subtle color variation, it just adds some style besides just one color I think.