I know several have done that combo and it looks fine to me.

Here is mpagmom's. I am pretty sure she did full overlay base cabs with inset uppers.

I typed in Google image search for full overlay with inset uppers for you. Here are a few that came up.

This next one I remember. He is a GW member. I cannot remember his name (Casey?) but I think this was DIY with RTA cabs.

And finally, I couldn't resist posting this very strange example....LOL at that left side wall! Floating fruit and pair of legs....okay???? :-D

Rebunky, great examples. I especially like the legs and fruit :)

I think the inset on top with full overlay would look fine. My guess is you would be the only one who would even notice unless you have a bunch of GWers hanging around :)

Rebunky, thanks for your help . The last picture is exactly what I am talking about! As I said, this is a smaller kitchen with a peninsula on one side and a full length cabinet on the other side that encloses the refrigerator and wall ovens. Should the full length cabinet be wood stained or white? I can't figure this out. Lily spider - thanks for ur vote of confidence!

I'm really liking the two tone look lately. I'm debating about it for my cabin's kitchen, so of course I had to search for some examples. Here are few I found.

This one is my favorite!

Here are a few from GW that did the wood fridge surround which I like. I'm not sure though if in a smaller kitchen whether or not it would be better for all the uppers to flow with the fridge surround??? Hopefully others will chime in.

Here is one with white around fridge and oven stack. I like both! But I am leaning toward the wood surround myself. I really think it's more just personal preference though because both look nice. I would also consider how much natural light your kitchen has as that might make you lean toward white. If you could post pictures of your existing space that would help us give the best advice.

Rebunky, I love 2 tone kitchens, and I really like the cream and wood pic you just posted. It just works. What kind of wood is on the bottom?

I'm doing inset light gray painted uppers and perimeters with full overlay on all lower cabs and the tall pantry cab. Some of the lowers and the island will be stained espresso.

I'm doing this because I have a mix of IKEA cabs and custom. The customs are framed inset while the IKEA cabs are frameless.

My choice was for functionality and budget. I wanted lots of drawers without the high price.

Sorry to high jack a little here Lisa....

LS, I found this old thread asking boxerpups about that picture, but the link she gave didn't really have an answer that I could find. The wood is so pretty! It reminds me of the sapele wood I am looking at doing, but I think it might be something else. Oooohh the mystery continues.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2466151/boxerpups-is-this-your-pic-on-photobucket?n=7

I apologize for high jack also. I was guessing hickory as someone else mentioned on that thread. Either way, it's so pretty. Thanks!

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  Here is a photo of my current kitchen. Any suggestions appreciated. I know my contractor will think I am crazy to make the uppers painted inset and the lowers full overlay wood , but if I get enough positive comments it will help me feel more confident in my decision.

Namarie - that is very pretty!

beachem- can't wait to see your new kitchen. Please post sneak peeks when u are able!

I've got inset uppers and full overlay lowers. getting installed this week. lowers are in, but uppers not. I'll try to remember to post a pic when they put uppers in on thursday.

Thanks! That will be great to show my KD.