A polarizing color, gray has emerged largely unscathed from its overwhelming popularity in the 2010s (well, except for TikTok's coinage of “millennial gray,” but we won't get into that). Still a favorite of interior designers and color experts in 2024, gray provides a sophisticated and infinitely versatile canvas in the kitchen that can be combined with a variety of accent colors.
Its neutral, timeless appeal makes even the most daring kitchen ideas a reality. Gray kitchen cabinets can be styled in a myriad of tones, from subdued to bold colors, from subtle light gray to atmospheric charcoal.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your kitchen cabinets to a new shade of gray, or looking for a complementary wall or accent color to take your existing gray scheme a step further, we've consulted experts to help you with our tried-and-tested The top 5 have been revealed. We tested colors that would go well with gray kitchen cabinets.
Are gray kitchens still in fashion?
Grays can get a bad rap. Often mentioned in the list of outdated kitchen color trends, the question arises: Will gray kitchens still be fashionable in 2024? We asked experts for their opinions.
Grazia Wilson of Ca' Pietra said: “Gray is a very popular color in interiors because it is a versatile color that acts as a neutral background.” and I can make bold statements. Which camp you fall into depends on the colors you pair,” she added.
“While gray may have been overused without imagination in recent years, it remains one of our go-to colors when used confidently and relationally throughout a space.” Marlin Wright, design director at Plain English Design, agrees.
Color trends may evolve, but gray's timeless color and adaptability to fit a variety of design styles, from sleek modern aesthetics to classic traditional settings, make gray Continued relevance is guaranteed. Its neutral canvas makes it a smart and stylish choice for those looking for a kitchen that will stand the test of time and trends.
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
What color goes best with a gray kitchen?
So what color complements gray kitchen cabinets? The neutrality of gray is the basis for personalization and the opportunity to experiment with color in your kitchen, from flooring, worktops, walls, and backsplash choices to display accessories. there are a lot of.
Although gray has a reputation for being cold and clinical, Verde owner and interior designer Luis Carmona says, “When using gray, or more specifically, when using a lot of gray, choose complementary colors that balance the space.'' It is important to use “.
Choosing complementary color schemes (colors that are close to each other on the color wheel) can create a gentle effect that adds heat to this cool tone. Alternatively, contrasting colors like pink or red can add energy to a gray room and add a personal touch to your kitchen.
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball, said: “Gray is incredibly versatile, with deep blacks like Inchira Blue, smoky greens like Green Smoke, and even pinks like Monkey King Room Pink.'' “It can be layered happily with many colors, including rose and pink.” However, if you want to keep your palette more monochromatic, you can layer different shades of gray to add depth and create a calm, calming atmosphere. ”
'When introducing color accents into the gray of your kitchen space, think first about the undertones of the combination, and then the contrast you want to achieve. For example, soft, stone-like gray ammonite has a naturally gentle tone that pairs beautifully with blues and greens. If you're looking for dark grays like down pipes, deep, dramatic neutrals, pair them with pops of pink to tone down their intensity. ;'
Looking for some inspiration? Find the best color schemes our experts love below.
5 colors to pair with gray kitchen cabinets
1. Yellow
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
When choosing bright colors to pair with gray, there's nothing more fun than decorating with yellow. Whether it's a soft buttery hue or a bold mustard hue, they bring a burst of warmth to your kitchen, and contrast with gray to create a lively focal point at the heart of your home.
A great way to inject some playfulness into your kitchen design, incorporating yellow into the gray Shaker kitchen from deVOL Kitchens above really packs a punch.
Annie Sloan, inventor of the innovative Furniture Chalk Paint brand of the same name, advises, “Incorporate vibrant contrast in an energetic space with bright color accents, such as Annie Sloan's English Yellow.'' doing.
“Remember, this is your space, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to art or color choices. Trust your instincts and follow what makes you feel good when you walk into the room. Have fun painting Draw it! Annie added.
2. Deep blue or green
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
To make your kitchen stand out, consider adding bold, vibrant accent colors to complement your gray cabinetry. Deep blues, rich greens, or even an unexpected pop of red can create a striking contrast against the gray and liven up a space.
It's important to find the right balance that creates an appealing visual impact without overshadowing the gray tones.
“I love moody designs, so I paint my walls in dark colors, such as deep bluish-green shades,” says Gratzi Wilson, creative director at Proper Good Paint and Ca Pietra. “Not only does this give you a timeless finish, but it also prevents the gray from becoming too cold and clinical, which can fall into the wrong hands.” “Warm woods, white dishes, and brushed nickel accents create the perfect backdrop for decorating your kitchen,” she added.
Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, has her eye on a similar palette. “The beauty of gray's neutral, minimalist character is that it pairs well with most other colors,” she explains. “Rich jewel-inspired tones, such as Benjamin Moore's Regent Green and Benjamin Moore's Hale Her Navy, enhance their alluring character when combined with mid-gray, creating a sophisticated, classic scheme. can be created.”
“This combination of versatile gray and more saturated tones is perfect for the kitchen as it not only creates a dramatic and statement atmosphere, but also adds charm and atmosphere to the kitchen dining area,” adds Helen. .
Helen Shaw is a color expert and Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. Helen and her husband Craig were also the founders of Shaw Paints, which was acquired by Benjamin Moore in 2020.
3. Gray on Gray
(Image credit: Plain English Design)
Adopting a monochromatic color scheme and pairing gray kitchen cabinets with the exact same wall shade or different tones of gray creates the illusion of space. It's especially great for small kitchens, as all elements blend together to create a seamless look without harsh contrasts or transitions.
Merlin Wright of Plain English Design, who designed the gray-on-gray kitchen above, calls this trick a “color wash.” “You can combine matte and gloss finishes to create a warm, moody, deep, moody gray for walls and cupboards. You can also add texture to flooring and worktops, and add color to furniture, objects and lighting. ,” he explains.
“We call painting the kitchen walls and cabinets the same color a ‘color wash.’ When the light moves during the day, you can see that the shadows create a wonderful depth,” Marlin says. Masu. “Adding a central island of a contrasting color creates a focal point,” he advises.
“Gray on gray is a great introduction to adding accents. Layering grays keeps the plan from looking flat in a room and adds an element of dimension,” adds Helen Moore. “It's amazing how effective a combination of dark and light gray can be in moving our eyes around a room. Analogous color schemes don't have to be boring,” she adds. Ta.
Plain English was founded in 1992 by Katie Fontana and Tony Niblock, and Merlin Wright joined their team nearly 20 years ago after someone at a party suggested he might be interested in working at Plain English. I have joined. He currently serves as the design director.
4. Pink
(Image credit: Neptune / Nigel Hunt)
Pink kitchen ideas have been proven many times to be a chic combination with gray. Bring romance and a modern feel to your kitchen, creating a balance between warmth and coolness.
“Approach the kitchen with the mindset that fortune favors the brave and choose pink pairings,” advises Grassy Wilson. “Pink and gray are a classic combination and work very well together, balancing each other out. Pink can warm up the gray without clashing with the cool undertones of the gray. Use pink throughout the paint or choose pink kitchen tiles to use as a splashback. To add visual interest and texture to your kitchen design, pair patterned tiles with light gray kitchen units. Please consider using it,” she added.
Nigel Hunt, principal at design studio Huntreay and creator of the cozy kitchen above, says: It's a warm, playful and very interesting beige. Staying on the brown end to avoid anything saccharine or sweet will instantly upgrade a room,' advises Nigel. “And for a touch of drama, pair it with reddish charcoal. The stage is set!”
Grazzie Wilson is the Head of Creative at Ca'Pietra, a UK-based luxury stone and tile brand.
5. Warm neutral
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Successful kitchen color combinations are neutral tones such as white, cream, beige and gray. Warm neutrals add soft contrast and depth without overwhelming the space, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a traditional kitchen design.
“Grey might be my favorite neutral because it pairs beautifully with cool tones and contrasts beautifully with warm tones,” says designer Kathy Kuo. “In a kitchen space, I love the idea of contrasting dark gray cabinetry with a truly luxurious warm white or sandy color. The combination of light earth tones and gray creates a striking contrast, and can be used with wall art, rugs, etc. , creates the perfect framework for pops of color in tableware to stand out in a special way,” she observes.
“A classic combination is a gray and white kitchen,” explains Richard Davonport of Davonport Kitchens. “A great color combination if you prefer to decorate with neutrals. This color combination uses shadows and light to create interest rather than bold contrasts. Two-tone kitchen with different shades of gray The cabinets help add more interest,” he added.
“Paired with soft shades such as Benjamin Moore's Pristine, gray softens and creates an airy, minimalist feel,” adds Helen Moore.
Kathy Kuo is a renowned interior designer and international leading expert on home and lifestyle spaces. She has over 20 years of experience in the design industry.
Farrow & Ball Decorate with color
Learn all about how to decorate your home with color in this Farrow & Ball book packed with inspirational images of homes in a variety of styles.
As trends evolve, one thing remains the same. Neutral kitchens are here to stay, providing a timeless scheme that adapts to a variety of design tastes. Gray kitchens come in many great color combinations, with palettes ranging from muted to bright and beautiful. Whether you're ready to embrace dark hues, cheerful yellow accents, or go gray-on-gray, each color scheme brings its own personality to your gray kitchen's neutral facade.
