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Tuxedo kitchens are undeniably captivating. The bold contrast between light upper cabinets and dark lower cabinets makes an instant statement. Whether you lean minimalist or love a touch of drama, this high-contrast look can instantly elevate your space. While this two-tone trend is typically associated with a fancy black-tie affair, there are several creative ways to implement it and make it your own. What Is a Tuxedo Kitchen? A tuxedo kitchen involves high-contrast color schemes, similar to the black and white formal attire that inspires its name. The lower cabinets are typically dark, while the upper ones are white. While it’s high-contrast, this style is also about balance. The darker base anchors the space, while the lighter upper cabinets make it feel more open and airy. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the room. The style is becoming a favorite among interior design professionals and homeowners. Tuxedo kitchens are trending because many homeowners arestepping away from the all-white look and leaning into a stylish twist while maintaining a broad appeal. The design is incredibly versatile, adapting easily to suit different aesthetics. As such, it’s the perfect way to play with color and texture. Creative Ways to Achieve a Tuxedo Kitchen The beauty of the tuxedo kitchen design is its flexibility. There are so many ways to make this look your own. Consider the following stylish takes for your next remodel. 1. Choose the Right Color Combination When people think of tuxedo designs, the first colors that come to mind are black and white. However, you can choose any color pairing that suits your space and personality. Many homeowners start with cream or white for the upper cabinets because these tones lighten up the room. For the lower cabinets, tuxedo kitchens make it easier to experiment with deeper tones. Even though dark cabinets work better in large spaces , you can use these colors in any size tuxedo kitchen since the balanced contrast keeps the space from feeling too heavy. If you want to go with the classic look, you can always go with black and white. For something more contemporary, try navy below and warm white up top. For a warmer feel, you can also use deep forest green or espresso brown to contrast with creamy upper cabinets. 2. Accentuate with Stylish Hardware Hardware can create a whole new look for your kitchen — they are the jewelry that pulls the entire outfit together. Because the tuxedo style already leans on bold contrasts, you can use knobs and pulls to either enhance the drama or add a touch of warmth and softness. Matte black hardware is a natural choice for tuxedo kitchens with a modern edge, especially if you stick with a black-and-white palette. Brushed nickel or stainless steel also offers a sleek look, while brass or champagne introduces a pop of luxury. 3. Use Lighting to Elevate the Look Lighting highlights contrast and character. Pendant lights over islands draw attention to the heart of the kitchen and create a striking focal point. You could also match the finish of your fixtures to your hardware, whether they’re in matte black, brass or mixed metals. Want to warm up the space? Opt for fixtures with soft, ambient tones or glass shades to evenly diffuse light. Remember under-cabinet lighting, too. It brightens the lower, dark cabinets, making the kitchen feel more balanced and functional. 4. Remember Flooring and Backsplash Flooring and backsplash can soften or amplify the visual impact of this high-contrast kitchen design. For flooring, lighter wood tones or warm-toned tiles can ground darker cabinetry without making the space feel heavy. Herringbone or chevron patterns add movement, while large-format tiles lend a modern vibe. For a true throwback moment, consider a black-and-white checkered floor. For the backsplash, you can add texture, color or pattern to break up the bold cabinet contrast. Tile remains a top choice, and 68% of homeowners opt for rectangular shapes. Subway tiles are also staples, but more people are experimenting with horizontal or vertical stacks, geometric patterns, and mosaics. 5. Incorporate Open Shelving or Glass Fronts Since tuxedo kitchens offer bold cabinet contrast, you can soften the look by adding open shelving or glass-front cabinets. These elements break up large blocks of solid color and offer a space to showcase your favorite dishware, cookbooks and greenery. In modern home design, aesthetics are crucial, but 83% of design professionals say storage was a top priority for kitchens in 2024. Glass-front upper cabinets give you the best of both worlds — they are closed storage that still feels light and open. Meanwhile, natural wood or metal-finished open shelving can provide easy access to everyday items while doubling as a decorative feature. Bring Contrast and Character Into Your Kitchen Tuxedo kitchens offer the perfect balance between timeless and trend-forward design. They also give you the room to get creative and express your style. With the right combination of elements, you can create a personalized and dreamy cooking space.

A white box living room is more than a boring white area — it’s a blank canvas, an opportunity to express yourself at a cost that suits your budget. A few creative touches can make your living room feel more alive and personal. You can turn your white box living space into a cozy, character-filled space that reflects you without knocking down walls or splurging on designer furniture. Here’s how to effortlessly add personality. 1. Add Color with Paint or Wallpaper While white and neutral interiors can feel clean and airy, they can also feel cold, unfurnished and blank. A change in color through paint or wallpaper can instantly transform your white box living room. Adding colors can make a room feel bigger or smaller, brighter or duller, and evoke emotions. Some studies reveal that color psychology influences how one feels and behaves. Colors like red are associated with warmth, while shades of blue are cool and evoke calm. Your choice of color is dependent on what resonates with you. You can also choose an accent wall and paint or add colorful wallpaper to it to create a focal point. 2. Choose Statement Furniture Statement furniture is visually striking and deeply personal because it reflects your personality and stands out, showcasing who you are. Choose one or two visual standout pieces. Look for cost-effective, functional pieces that provide comfort while resonating with your style. Your statement furniture is the anchor piece that sets the mood in the room. If your persona is bold and outgoing, choose vibrant-colored sofas or a sculptural armchair that serves as a conversation starter. If you’re more reserved, select furniture that represents order, like a table with sleek lines or low-slung sofas that create a grounded and stable feeling. 3. Layer with Textiles Textiles are key to transforming a white space because they bring softness, depth and warmth. However, when choosing fabrics, consider their environmental impact. Some textiles made from plant or animal fiber are biodegradable , while others are manufactured and may not degrade. Look for embroidery on colorful throw pillows, cozy blankets and area rugs to create a layered look that adds depth to the room. Through color, pattern, texture and depth, you can use fabrics to create a stylish, functional and comfortable home that shows off your personality. 4. Experiment with Fun Trends Your living room should reflect you, but exploring popular trends can inspire you with new ideas and spark your creativity. Dopamine decor: This trend involves bright colors, funky patterns and other maximalist design choices. It’s meant to trigger your brain’s dopamine neurotransmitter , making you feel good about yourself and your house. Wooden flooring: Sustainable home design is becoming increasingly popular, and the key to long-lasting elegance is choosing materials that won’t need frequent replacement. Compared to solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood is more durable and moisture-resistant , giving you the effortless look of hardwood in a more sustainable form. Greenery: Choose affordable indoor plants and place them in natural light to improve air quality, boost your overall well-being and reduce stress. Plants also offer therapeutic benefits by giving you a sense of purpose, which reduces isolation and depression. Reworked items: If you have unused items like old buttons, clothes or empty jars, you can rework them to give them a second life. Sew mismatched buttons on a throw pillow or plant your greenery in empty jars. Turn Your White Box Living Room into a Personalized Retreat Your home should be your safe place and reflect your personality and style. Look at your white box living room as an opportunity to showcase who you are while saving the environment, keeping up with the latest trends and not spending a fortune. Small, thoughtful changes can turn your space into something expressive, inviting and truly yours. You can make changes that are budget-friendly and transform your living experience.