You may find that gray is a controversial topic in any conversation about design, especially in the kitchen.
It's much more approachable than pure white or cream, and it subtly hides the stains and blemishes that come with a kitchen's life cycle, but with bolder colours taking centre stage in modern homes, is a grey kitchen still appropriate? Is it time to move away from this neutral colour, or is it still contemporary?
To answer these questions, we asked top experts for their thoughts on the controversial kitchen color scheme. Consider these points for your next renovation.
Are grey kitchens still in style?
(Image courtesy of Lindsay Reid; Design: Sectter Architecture + Design)
Overall, the designers we asked are still using grey in their modern kitchen designs.
“We think a gray kitchen is a classic, timeless choice for many homes,” says Ryan Austin Hagood, principal designer at Rad Interiors. “The beauty of gray is its versatility; it can be either warm or cool, providing a neutral foundation that complements the colorful space around it.”
This tone creates a soothing, seamless look, giving the space a clean, uncluttered look. “The kitchen and dining area represents our commitment to the impact of materials,” says Dovide Secter, founder of Sectre Architecture + Design. “Here, the storage solutions and appliances are very subtly integrated with the smooth gray tones, so they don't disrupt the visual flow of the space.”
It's also a tone that will complement other colors in the spectrum if you want to design a two-tone kitchen. “Grey is used as a stabilizer, so you have two options when choosing a palette,” says Bea Pernia, founder of Bea Interior Design. “You can either use grey to stabilize a strong color palette you've chosen, or use grey as your main tone and add cooler colors like black and white to add some gravitas to the room.”
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How can you use grey in your kitchen in a modern way?
(Image courtesy of Tim Veresnovsky)
“If you have a dated, grey kitchen, start by refreshing your cabinets,” says Ryan. “Replacing dated hardware with warm, unpainted brass fixtures will instantly add modern elegance. Another great option is to trowel Portola Paints' Roman Clay finish onto the walls to add texture. Completing the transformation with green plants or fresh flowers will create an organic layer that will breathe new life into the space and enhance its modern appeal.”
Another way to make your grey kitchen stand out is by choosing interesting materials stained in this hue – think grooved grey marble kitchen or ribbed kitchen shelves.
“For this space, we designed the kitchen using eucalyptus plywood,” says Tim Veresnovsky, founder of Veresnovsky Design Interior. “We wanted to create a monochrome kitchen design, but dilute it with the rhythm of stripes.”
If you don't think the materials and finishes are right for incorporating gray into your space, consider incorporating this tone with your appliances. Think stainless steel appliances. A light-toned kitchen with stainless steel appliances creates a striking look. It's like a fine dining restaurant. You can also add gray to your hardware, such as door handles and faucets. Choosing this color will bring instant warmth to your space.
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What should you keep in mind before choosing grey for your kitchen?
(Image courtesy of Kristin Karch. Design by rad Interiors)
Some designers believe that while gray remains a popular, timeless color, there are ways to use it in modern homes. Rather than dominating your kitchen with gray, consider using gray on smaller elements like your kitchen cabinets, hardware, and kitchen island, and keeping the majority of your kitchen white or blue.
“It's important to use gray thoughtfully,” says Ryan. “Incorporating different shades of gray into different materials, such as marble and backsplash tile, can add curb appeal. Combining gray with wood tones also works great, creating a balanced and appealing aesthetic.”
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If you still can't convince me that this kitchen color is really not out of fashion, Living etc.com Editor Hugh Metcalfe says: “Admittedly, grey is much less popular than it was a few years ago, but trends are cyclical and we're already starting to notice a fresh wave of greys making their way back into kitchen design.”
“Near-blacks and brownish greys will add drama without being too over the top, and grey will help to tone down these shades,” says Hugh.
So incorporating grey into your kitchen could be the way to stay ahead of the trends now, rather than falling behind.
