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| LIFE IN SOLERA | FEBRUARY 2026 | 7 REAL ESTATE REPORT By Glenn Bradd, Broker Associate, Solera Realty Team, Solera Resident Our community is now 20 or more years old. Many of us are now considering making changes to the kitchen. To most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Homeowners nowadays are mixing it up with bold lower cabinets and light uppers, a look that's being dubbed the "tuxedo kitchen." It's a move away from the 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 a kitchen. It doesn't have to be a white-black combo. 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 ref lect light and help to visually open up the space, making the kitchen feel larger. The darker lower cabinets ground the space and add a layer of depth and richness. Although white isn't a must, it's a frequent choice because many homeowners already have white cabinetry. In these cases, it's a more budget-friendly update since only the lower cabinets need to change. 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. In a tuxedo kitchen, the island often follows the color of the lower cabinets, which helps to visually anchor the space and create a cohesive look. For those who want a color change, another 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. Many homeowners are embracing this trend because it is a response to the era of the all-white kitchen. A two-tone look infuses the kitchen with color, making it feel more layered and customized. Plus, the "tuxedo kitchen" can easily adapt to different styles, whether you're going for modern farmhouse, Scandinavian minimalism, or bold and eclectic. Source: www.nar.realtor/blogs, Dec. 29, 2025 Add Color To The Kitchen Without A Full Renovation – The "Tuxedo Kitchen:" A Stylish Twist For Cabinets

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