What comes to mind when you think of a gray kitchen? If it's a cold, dull or colorless space, think again. The new generation gray kitchen is never boring.
Current kitchen trends are moving away from cool, utilitarian grays. Instead, think colorful accents, generous textures, and soft shades of French gray or greige. Whether you want to expand the space in your small kitchen, want a modern country feel with open shelving, or want a modern, minimalist kitchen, there's a gray kitchen to suit you.
How to choose the right gray color for your kitchen
Not sure which gray kitchen to choose? Melissa Klink, interior design expert and creative director of Harvey Jones Kitchens, says, 'Avoid cool grays in your kitchen; “This automatically makes the space feel very utilitarian and uncomfortable,” she advises. If you want to add warmth to the interior, choose French her gray or greige with a hint of yellow.
But one of the best things about gray kitchens is their versatility. “Gray provides a blank canvas for artwork, textures, and patterns to shine within a room,” says Melissa. “If you choose a gray color scheme, play with textures, perhaps choosing both polished and matte finishes, or play with patterns by creating a nice geometric expression on the splashback.”
What colors go with gray kitchen units?
One of the biggest benefits of gray kitchens is that they can come in a wide range of colors and textures. First, consider the gray base color you choose. Does it have cool tones or warm tones? Gray often includes shades of green, pink and blue, so choose accent colors that complement or contrast this. This is a good starting point to consider when doing so.
Kitchen expert Melissa offers these suggestions: “Sage green is a great pairing with gray kitchens, as it keeps the palette sophisticated but still has a pop of character.” Choose peach pink for a softer, more feminine touch, or if you want to be a little bolder. You can also mix ocher and light gray. ”
17 gray kitchen ideas
Ready to get inspired? From fresh, minimalist schemes to distinctive, rustic kitchens, our favorite gray kitchen ideas will help you decide if this classic color is right for you. I picked it up.
keep fresh
Dark gray kitchen units don't have to be boring. Create fresh schemes by combining rich grays with reflective pale hues, like the trending terrazzo-style floors.
Photo: Fired Earth flamento tile
cool and contemporary
If you want cool tones, choose textures like stone or concrete to keep your clean, contemporary gray kitchen from looking sterile.
Photo: Et Lorem's kitchen
add wallpaper
Don't be afraid of bold wallpaper for a unique, rustic look. The beauty of gray kitchens is that they coordinate with almost any color or pattern, like this large-scale botanical print.
Photo: Chestnut flower wallpaper by Boråstapeter. Kitchen painted with railings by Farrow & Ball
use metallic touches
Add some glamor to your dark gray kitchen with metal accents. Copper is particularly effective.
Photo: Homebase's beautiful Islington home kitchen
Let the tiles do the talking
If you want to stick to a dramatic, monochromatic color scheme, use patterned tiles to break up the color range and add interest. Porcelain tiles like these are a low-maintenance option for walls and floors.
Photo: Retromix Warm Star Large Pattern Tile by London Tile Co.
Choose simplicity without waste
Minimal gray kitchen units add depth to the clean, simple scheme. Here, dark gray emphasizes the bold lines and shapes of the tiles and accessories.
Photo: Kitchen cabinets painted with downpipes by Farrow & Ball
Combine gray and blush
For an elegant and feminine vibe, there's nothing better than the color combination of gray and blush pink. Finish the look with marble or quartz worktops and gold accents.
Photo: Little Green's “Blush Wall”
create high contrast
A high-contrast scheme, like this dark gray kitchen with bright white walls, is a striking canvas for showcasing distinctive vintage or midcentury furniture. Soften the look with plenty of texture, accessories, and plants.
Pictured: Cold Harbor Gray Pluck Kitchen
Select large format tiles
Light neutral gray floors like this large format porcelain tile are versatile and perfect for open-plan spaces, as they can flow from meal preparation to eating and living areas.
Photo: Petra porcelain tiles along the Kapietra river
break white
If you're dreaming of an airy all-white scheme, but want something a little more cozy and practical, delicate gray kitchen cabinets are your friend. It gives a warmer feel to a neutral atmosphere and is more forgiving of everyday dirt and spills.
mix gray and teal
A completely gray kitchen is a blank canvas where you can easily change the accent color of your accessories. Teal, pastel, and citrus hues are all great choices that can be switched up as seasons and trends change.
Photo: Brompton Porcelain Kensington Tile by Capietra
Don't forget storage
If you want to keep your gray kitchen clean and streamlined, look for integrated storage like a pantry to hide food and appliances.
Pictured: Homebase Dove Gray Country Living Whitstable Kitchen
Introducing accent colors
This scheme is a master class for choosing an accent color for a gray kitchen. Blue and teal reflect the dark gray undertones of the unit, while contrasting yellow creates a vibrant pop of color.
becomes soft and warm
If you're worried about gray looking cold but want a calming, neutral look, choose a warmer French gray with more yellow tones. Combine with natural textures such as rattan to create a charming boho vibe.
Photo: Tatton Kitchen by Pebble by Magnet
Incorporate rustic accents
Wood textures go well with gray kitchens, no matter what shade you choose. This rustic wooden dining table adds warmth to a sophisticated modern setting.
Photo: For similar pendants, try Homebase's Country Living Collection.
Pursuing the charm of vintage
Versatile, pale gray works well in both modern, minimalist and rustic country kitchens. This almost nonexistent gray kitchen is the perfect backdrop for distinctive vintage furniture, industrial accents, and crockery stacked on open shelves.
Pictured: Tolix bar stool
Dare to make it dark
Darker colors like this moody blue-grey can actually make a small kitchen feel larger as they move away. To further maximize your space, look for vertical storage solutions like this freestanding wire rack.
Pictured: Shelving units, tea towels and storage jars, all in John Lewis.
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