Gray is a color that is often divisive among interior designers and homeowners. Some people love this cool-toned classic shade, while others hate it because it has been overused in recent years.
Although gray falls into the neutral category, it's a much cooler variation than other popular neutrals like beige, ivory, and brown, so it's important to design with longevity in mind, such as in the kitchen. Often used in some rooms.
But what will interior designers say about gray kitchens in 2024? Are they still relevant? If so, how can you style this cool shade while avoiding an outdated look? ? We asked interior design experts these questions and summarized their thoughts below. So, whatever your preconceptions about decorating your kitchen in gray, keep reading to see this color in a new light.
Are gray kitchens still in fashion?
David Samuel Coe, founder of Los Angeles-based interior design firm Maison Coe, says gray kitchens are a classic choice for many homes. When asked if gray kitchens are still in fashion, he replied: I think a colorful kitchen is always stylish as long as it blends in with the rest of the house. Never avoid a gray palette if it goes well with the adjacent room. ”
However, he advises that adding gray as an accent color can look dated. “I think accent walls and cabinets are outdated, so if I'm going to paint the cabinets to bring some 'pop' to an all-white space, I would do it.” Please advise me to stop doing that. ”
He goes on to suggest that if the classic mid-tone gray doesn't suit you, choose a greige paint instead to add some warmth to this cool color. “If you're tired of classic gray, choose something more greige” or mushroom-like tones.
(Image credit: Future / James Balston)
Kara Piepmeyer, interior designer and founder of Los Angeles-based design studio Studio Kosma, agrees that gray kitchens have a timeless quality: “Gray kitchens are always stylish.'' Masu.
She goes on to point out that the color gray has a wide variety, meaning there's likely a shade of gray that matches your interior style. Gray shades set the mood of the space. Dark, dusty shades look formal and moody. Bright colors give it a more dreamy feel. Gray cabinets look great with more modern styles or cabinets with traditional details. ”
For designer Luis Carmona, founder of VERDE Interior Design, gray kitchens are still in fashion, but their effectiveness depends on how you style this shade. Is it “e” or “a”? In my opinion, gray kitchens are still stylish, but like most other spaces in your home, it's all about how you design them. Gray is a color that, if overused or used incorrectly, can give a room a damp, gloomy look. The color gray is often associated with cloudy days, so despite being a popular color, it can sometimes be frowned upon. ”
Luis Carmona is the owner and lead designer of VERDE Interior Design. With nearly 20 years of experience in creative fields (interior design, advertising, marketing), Carmona has combined his many passions into his one design studio, serving commercial and residential clients in both Houston and Dallas. We offer
How to create a stylish gray kitchen
So, if you're interested in gray kitchens and want to incorporate this cool neutral into your home, we've looked at three different ways to create a gray kitchen with an updated yet classic feel .
1. Balance with contrasting furniture
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
To keep your gray kitchen from feeling overwhelming, be sure to consider mixing both dark and light tones to balance the various elements. “Applying the right amount of contrast is key to achieving balance,” explains Carla. If your floors are dark tones, consider mid-priced gray cabinets. If your cabinets are dark gray, look for a lighter countertop material. ”
Kara explains that gray can look very monotonous. This is especially true if one tone is used across different elements of the space. Taking inspiration from the deVOL kitchen pictured above, it shows how to fully incorporate gray kitchen cabinets while offsetting this standout hue by using plenty of bright white throughout the space.
Kara Piepmeyer has more than 10 years of experience in the design world, earned a master's degree in interior architecture, and founded Los Angeles interior design studio Studio Kosma in 2021. Her design process focuses on creating customized spaces for her clients that feel authentic and unique.
2. Add plenty of warmth
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Gray is a cool color, which often makes interiors feel cold and even uncomfortable. If you want to use gray in your kitchen but still maintain that much-needed cozy atmosphere, you can achieve this by adding lots of warm tones. “If you have or want a gray kitchen, the key is to balance out the gray with softer, warmer tones and elements,” suggests Lewis. “The goal is for other elements in the space to compensate for the gray in the space, without either element competing for attention.”
There are many ways to add warmth to a gray kitchen, but choosing natural wood is a classic and timeless option. The natural warmth of wood brings texture to the space. Choosing a light-toned wood like the one pictured above in a deVOL kitchen instantly brings the whole space to life and complements the cool-toned cabinetry. This is suitable for many interior styles, but of course also perfect for farmhouse or rustic kitchens.
3. Choose the right appliance
(Image credit: Think Chic Interiors)
Choosing the right appliances and fixtures is an important decision in any kitchen, but it's especially important in a gray kitchen. Experts say choosing stainless steel appliances in a gray kitchen can look dull, so you should instead incorporate contrast with warm metal fixtures.
“One of the main elements to consider for a gray kitchen is stainless steel appliances,” says Lewis. “Gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances tend to create a gray mask throughout the space. This is an opportunity to experiment with other appliance finishes, such as dual-tone options or color oven combinations. These make a nice statement piece in the kitchen and tend to catch the eye when you walk into a space.”
Additionally, apply the same principles to hardware such as cabinet door handles and faucets. Choosing gold-colored or brass metals instead of chrome or silver will instantly bring warmth to your space.
Kela brushed brass handle
Curveaux unlacquered brass cabinet handles
There's no doubt that gray kitchens are still in fashion. When designed thoughtfully, gray can be a highly effective kitchen color choice, creating a timeless, neutral feel. Whether you have a modern or traditional kitchen, you can incorporate gray as long as an element of balance is achieved.
Looking for more help with kitchen design? Below you can purchase deVOL's Kitchen Design Guide to help you find inspiration for your practical and personal space.
deVOL Kitchen: Design and styling of the most important room in the house
Find inspiration for your kitchen design deVOL kitchenis a hardcover book that provides helpful tips from design experts for balancing practicality and style.
