Light oak is much more current than dark cherry would be. And light oak would also be considered more desirable in certain circles than walnut. Although wood for cabinetry is very much en Vogue now, overall - and all manner of wood is trending. So walnut and cherry would also be en Vogue now. But the lighter woods are at the top of the charts in terms of desirability and popularity - in certain circles.

If your cabinets are in good condition, it is quite possible that you could do a kitchen update with your current cabinets.

Please post pictures of your current kitchen.

@freedomplace1 has a point, although I doubt oak cabinets installed in the ‘90s have a door profile you will want to keep. Still, here is an example of the two tone kitchen with lighter wood:

Thank you, @eam44.👍

Hi edelweiss-

I am not sure how the wood lowers and white uppers will look to you 10 years down the line when it isn't so in style.

Have you thought about doing all the uppers and lowers the same wood, with maybe two uppers glass?

You could frost the glass or even just put an inexpensive peel-on film over the glass if you don't want the contents easily visualized.

Then you could paint the island whatever color you want. Either white, or even that red that you like.

With two different color cabinetry, (on the periphery and the island) I would not have a different type of counter top on the island, unless it were to be butcher block.

I would also not get a red range top.

Your tastes may change and a range top is very expensive to replace.

Or you may need replacement parts, and red may not be available.

Or you may sell, and red is very taste specific, and that may be a deal breaker.

Sounds like you’ve had the same kitchen basically for 28 years...

I think you should treat yourself to a red stove! And actually, a red stove looks really good with light wood cabinets.

Are you planning to sell in the next ten year? If so, listen to the designers. If not, do what you want.

I think if a two tone kitchen has been in your wish list, I encourage you to go for it.

I too like your first and third inspiration pictures. But the first doesn’t look light gray. I would probably stick with a creamy white for the uppers.

We have been seeing two toned kitchens off and on through the years. In my opinion because they were never totally in, they won’t won’t be totally out.

They will always be an option for those that like them.

Currently navy and white seem to be popular.

Speaking about dated: I’m remodeling my second home in a Florida. We did a gray master bath and I am going to put in a gray subway in my kitchen. I am planing on ten years out. The next person can be my guest and tear it all out. But, my guess if that they won’t.

For me, I like to be current, but not have what everyone else is doing. Your plan seems to fit with that.

We did 2 tone cabs about 15 years ago now. One thing I've realized is that some people love it and some people hate it.

At the time we had our kitchen done, dark stained wood cabs were what everyone was putting in and our contractor tried to talk us into that. Soon after that white painted shaker were the ideal. I've loved our kitchen thru both those trends.

You've got good advice about doing it right above. I'm pushing to do what you love, but I admit to being a bit biased. :-)

ETA: when we did ours 15 years ago, we were told it was trendy and would be out of style in a few years. IMHO, it is something that is not done to death, so it is less likely to be out of style in a few years like some looks.

Two tone kitchens are a big trend right now for designers. It may not be chosen by middle of the road families in a kitchen store, but it’s still a trend and one that will look dated in ten years. I’m not sure why the kitchen person would have said it was a classic look, because I don’t think anyone had ever used two tone kitchens before ten years ago. As someone else noted above, they can be tricky to pull off. With rare exception (usually a professionally staged and lighted photo shoot of a large designer kitchen), I think they usually look like someone did a mash up of two unrelated kitchens. But just my opinion which is not shared by most on this site! I’m actually always surprised by how many on Gw recommend the look, given how often it just doesn’t look great.

I would agree 'done well' they are lovely. I don't think your pictures are done well--any of them. IMHO the middle is closest. All top All bottom looks like you are in the middle of a switch. Your middle pic is best but as pointed out needs more wood for proper balance. But saying that, I prefer when the base casings are one color and doors/drawers are another. It's a look more popular in the 90s...so as already pointed out with your version, this too will pass.

I did a two tone kitchen with walnut on the bottom and an off white on top. I absolutely love it. I don’t change kitchen cabinets every 10 years to reflect the latest style. I’m going to love it for the duration! Or until I have to relocate which won’t be anytime soon.

No matter what you chose it will most likely be dated in ten years. Go with a look you love and be sure the color separation is well thought out and the designers will be able to recommend.

I did two tone with white uppers and pickled oak lowers 2 years ago and I love it. I get that it's not everybody's favorite, but that's fine. I did the pickled oak because that is the stain of most of our doors and trim, so trendy or not doesn't really matter. It fits our house.