Grey painted kitchen
35 best grey kitchen designs and pictures |
(Image credit: Neptune)
There are so many possibilities when it comes to grey kitchen ideas. Grey is still very much the neutral of the moment: it looks smart and crisp paired with white but can still benefit from a little extra color.
You might think kitchen ideas would be limited with one color, but if you hold together a fan of grey paint charts, you’ll see how widely the tones vary. The cool end of the spectrum has blue undertones, passing through tints of green and yellow, ending up at warm shades with red bases that give them brown, pink or purple tints.
Decorating with grey harmonizes well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore.
Grey kitchen ideas
Our selection of the best grey kitchen ideas will help you on your way to picking your favorite kitchen color ideas and painted kitchen ideas, and planning and designing the grey kitchen of your dreams.
1. Stay neutral with soft grey
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
A new kitchen is a big investment, while updating an existing one can involve a lot of upheaval, so whichever style or color you opt for it’s important that it has staying power. Grey has the benefit of being a neutral, which means that it will look timeless on its own, contrast well with other colors and complement many different materials and surfaces.
Traditional cabinetry like the Hartford kitchen from Tom Howley has a timeless look that won’t date and sits well with classic white marble worktops and a neutral flagstone floor. Though the beauty of grey is that it will go equally well with alternative color, worktop and floor choices.
‘Grey is calming and softens a room. In psychology it represents peace and balance which is so important within a home. It’s practical, simple and reliable,' says Suzanne Francis, kitchen designer at Tom Howley.
‘When it comes to color choice – soft, muted grey tones can create a warm atmosphere for dinner parties without the worry of passing color trends,’ adds Tom Howley, Design Director.
2. Add drama with darkest grey
(Image credit: Future PLC/Davide Lovati)
Take grey to the opposite end of the spectrum and go for the darkest kitchen cabinet colors for a bold, dramatic look that’s perfect for a more contemporary setting. Dark kitchen ideas can be doubled up with black granite countertops for added intensity and to add an extra element of luxe.
Avoid very dark grey and black kitchen ideas in a small space as it can be quite overpowering floor to ceiling. Ideal for larger kitchens or an open-plan space like this, having areas of white wall beyond will add light relief and create a more balanced scheme.
Partner dark grey with rich jewel tones or metallics that will pop against it, like these claret-colored bar stools or mirrored backsplash that adds a touch of sparkle.
3. Bring in mellow yellow
(Image credit: deVOL)
Using a mid-toned grey will imbue any kitchen space with a sense of warmth, so is perfect for a traditional kitchen in a period property or on rustic painted cabinets in a homely, country kitchen.
Partner medium greys with other warm-toned shades: it's wonderful with yellow kitchen ideas, terracotta decor or even teal to create a characterful kitchen that will make a great backdrop for display pieces.
‘Grey is everywhere, dark and moody or light and uplifting. In a kitchen it creates a calming air and can be a lovely backdrop for adding a splash of color, I love it with yellow, fresh, and a little retro,’ says Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL . ‘I also love it with terracotta, giving an industrial look a soft and unexpected Mediterranean twist. Add some white stone worktops and suddenly it's classic and sharp, clean and crisp.’
‘I hope grey is here to stay, it’s the basis for so many good looking kitchens, strange that it was once considered dull and lacking inspiration, left for the likes of an office staple or a regular businessman’s suit. Now it’s chic, industrial, classic and so so easy to get right.'
4. Fall for fluted finishes
(Image credit: Covet House)
Bring classical style to a grey kitchen with elegant fluted-finish cabinetry.
While columns and architectural-style fluting has been around for centuries, it’s enjoying a renaissance in interior design with fluting, ripples, ridges on everything, from kitchens to bathroom cabinetry, reeded glass doors and timber panelling.
Adding fluted detailing and curved finishes to a kitchen can help to soften harsh lines and hard surfaces and bring a sense of fluidity and flow. Avoid over-using the finish with wall-to-wall fluted finishes and instead keep to key areas such as a freestanding island unit or on just a run of wall units (rather than both wall and base units). Opting for a mix of light and mid grey units adds another subtle element of decoration.
5. Enhance a natural grain with grey
(Image credit: Ledbury Studio)
Grey kitchens can come in many variations, making it a versatile color choice for both classic and contemporary kitchens. Aside from paint or lacquered finishes, wood kitchen cabinet ideas, specifically staining timber in subtle grey or dark dusky tones, allow a natural wood grain to be the focal point.
In Ledbury Studio’s Ascot kitchen installation, the team has combined a grey-stained natural oak for the base units, teamed with a contrast stain on the island, which has been wrapped with a dramatic Quartz waterfall worktop in soft grey.
‘The couple wanted a sleek, contemporary aesthetic for their kitchen, so we chose grey-stained natural oak for the base cupboards,’ explains Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio . ‘Then, to create a contrast, the island cupboards are also oak but stained white. Staining timber in this way allows the natural beauty of the grain to shine through.’
‘The doors are also grey-stained oak with exquisite brass inlay in a diamond-shaped design. One of my favourite elements is the liquid pewter finish with shagreen-like texture we created for the wall cupboards in between,’ adds Charlie.
6. Partner exposed brick with lead grey
(Image credit: deVOL)
Grey and white kitchens can look a little clinical, but exposed brickwork adds bags of character, texture and warmth.
The simple Shaker cabinets of this deVOL kitchen have an honesty that will sit well in pretty much any setting, from classic period or urban industrial kitchen like this smart set-up.
Lead grey painted units feel warm and authentic, topped with Carrara marble counters with their naturally mottled and cloudy appearance. Finish off with a mixed metallics, from antique brass taps and handles, shiny beaten copper pendants to brushed steel appliances to add contrast.
7. Bring in a feature island
(Image credit: Neptune)
Don’t want to commit to an all-grey kitchen? Bringing in a standalone piece of furniture, such as a kitchen island or a freestanding larder cupboard, is an easy way to break up the intensity of grey and will give the kitchen a focal point if painted in a contrast color.
‘Grey is delightfully versatile,’ says George Miller, Home Designer at Neptune Fulham. ‘It has more personality than plain white and adds depth and history, but is also happy to be a foil to brights like this bold lime green or a sunny saffron yellow.
In kitchens, greys work well with stainless steel appliances and tone with marble work surfaces. Consider Shingle, a pale grey, on cabinetry teamed with a contrast teal island or go darker with the mid-toned Cobble set against a warm neutral like Lily.’
8. Go grey with wall color
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
Put the focus on the kitchen wall decor ideas with grey plaster walls that will partner beautifully with dark grey cabinets or a rustic timber kitchen if all-grey is too dark and foreboding.
This DIY plaster-effect finish is inspired by Moroccan ‘Tadelakt’ and is achieved by applying Chalk Paint onto a plain base color using thick strips of cardboard. Simply drag, wipe and scrape the paint along the wall, building up layers of color and tone until blended to your liking. Once dry, finish with a thin layer of wax to seal and protect your handiwork.
‘Updating your kitchen is the perfect project for painters of all abilities,’ says paint and color expert Annie Sloan .
‘With a partner and no interruptions, you could do the walls and your kitchen cabinets in a weekend. Or if the thought of a big project is overwhelming, break it down and try it over two weekends instead.’
9. Add shimmer and shine
(Image credit: Mereway Kitchens)
Bring a touch of luxe to any space with a striking two-color marbled kitchen shot through with accents of gold. Mixing dark with light is a great way of including grey in a kitchen scheme without it overpowering the space – and adding gold into the mix will guarantee some extra glitz and sparkle.
Keep cabinets sleek and streamlined in a luxury kitchen like this. Opt for simple slab-front doors, integrated handles and no unnecessary extra detailing – let the luxe finish do all the talking.
‘Our Q-Line combines a range of styles which can be mixed together to produce a high-end contemporary kitchen,’ says Emma Stuart Stephens, Head of Marketing at Mereway . ‘Doors and cabinets are handmade and sanded numerous times to ensure the perfect finish, with standout glass and ceramic door finishes that allow for the creation of some truly iconic luxury kitchens.
’
10. Pack the kitchen with personality
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
For farmhouse kitchen ideas, opt for freestanding mix-and-match units in a steely grey hand-painted finish. Dark grey will bring out the best in other colors, so team grey paintwork on kitchen cabinets with weathered timber countertops, a mismatched tiled backsplash and cheery kitchen linens.
Open cubby-hole shelves like this are crying out for a display of country crockery and kitchenware, so fill them with stacks of patterned plates and glassware, colorful cloths and linens, painted enamelware and rustic woven baskets. Open shelving always looks super-jolly and characterful, but on a practical level it makes kitchen essentials much easier to access too.
(Image credit: Studio Tate)
This modern kitchen has been masterminded by Melbourne-based interior architecture practice Studio Tate. Statement finishes, such as graphic terrazzo surfaces on the wall and island unit, breathe life into the monochromatic palette/
'To ensure a seamless flow between the external architecture and interiors, a reduced color palette of soft grey and black was chosen for the cabinetry,' says Alex Hopkins, design director, Studio Tate .
12. Mix old and new
(Image credit: Roundhouse)
With its moody colors and rich textures, this is a modern reinvigoration of classic Shaker-style cabinetry. The bespoke Roundhouse kitchen is finished in Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black, with brass handles and hinges to add a hint of glamor.
‘The feature wall of polished plaster frames the wall cabinets, while the fluted glass adds interest and allows for the display of items,’ says Paul Welburn, designer at Roundhouse . Other details include antique silver mirror backs in the wall units and handles in antique brass.
13. Introduce metal effects
(Image credit: Ledbury Studio)
This breakfast cupboard from The Metallics Kitchen Collection by Ledbury Studio features hand-textured pewter fronts with dark-stained ash. Concave handles bring another point of difference to the doors, which are fashioned from stainless steel that has been blasted to dull the shine and darken the appearance.
‘I love combining fine craftsmanship with beautiful and unusual materials and textures,’ says designer Charlie Smallbone. ‘It’s the part of designing a bespoke kitchen that excites me the most.’
14. Bring in mesmerizing materials
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
Arresting materials in the kitchen are having something of a resurgence. Use marble to bring wow-factor to an otherwise subdued or lifeless grey kitchen. Dramatic and distinctive, cosmic black granite brings glamor to this grey kitchen by Martin Moore . ‘There is a growing trend for statement finishes, with kitchen countertops matching backsplash,’ says Richard Moore, design director.
15. Be bold and distinctive
(Image credit: Fiona Barratt-Campbell)
When choosing grey for a kitchen, or any space for that matter, it is important to think about accent colors for grey. Pure grey is made from black and white. However, most greys will have a hue and this provides a good signal as to where to go next, says Betsy Smith of Graphenstone Paints .
‘The key to bringing cohesion to spaces is to keep to the same undertone for walls, ceilings and kitchen flooring. Identify hints of colors in flooring or cabinetry; walnut, for example, has a red tinge and oak more yellow. Jute is quite pinky while seagrass is greener, cork is orange and natural stones have a whole spectrum of hues. Use these clues to inform color combinations.
In this dark kitchen cabinet scheme, chunky countertops bring an air of authority, while grey marble, from Italy, works well with smoky timber cabinetry. Interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell says, ‘The kitchen is made by a local artisan joiner. The handles are also custom, and something different to the usual pull bar.’
16. Confine grey to cabinetry
(Image credit: Kitchen Bee Design)
‘Taking the plunge with a grey color palette needn’t plunge the whole kitchen into darkness,' says Mioko Fujisaki, director, Kitchen Bee Design . 'The cabinetry is rarely anywhere near the largest surface area.
You’ll see far more floor, ceiling, wall and countertop, and keeping those areas light will provide contrast and a brightening effect.
'Reflective surfaces, such as metallics and mirrors, bounce more light into the kitchen. Mostly you need a little courage. If you love dark colors, and follow these steps, the results will be fabulous.’
17. Create a color contrast
(Image credit: Middleton )
Worried your kitchen color combination will clash? ‘The beauty of a grey painted kitchen is that it will pair beautifully with just about any other color on the color wheel. Plus, should fashions or your taste change, it’s simple to create a new look, especially if you restrict your bold choice to one unit, like an island or dresser,’ says Jasper Middleton, design director, Middleton Bespoke .
‘When choosing bold shades it’s important to consider the architecture of the space as a whole in order to give the color room to breathe,’ he adds. ‘Here the bold pop of orange is balanced by the soaring ceiling and simple backdrop of polished concrete and mid-grey hues.
’
18. Add variation with grey
(Image credit: Karl Anderson)
Tone-on-tone color involves using different saturations of one color to achieve contrast and movement. It’s a great option for those who struggle with combining colors but don’t want a flat look in a grey kitchen.
To make life easier, many paint companies graduate popular shades numerically, for example Paint & Paper Library’s neutrals come in five tones, from light to dark. In north-facing rooms where the light is cold, it’s wise to use the lighter tone on wall cabinets to help keep any potential gloominess at bay. In this airy grey kitchen, Superfront’s geographic surface pattern elevates the grey-on-grey combo for a two-tone kitchen look that’s modern yet refined.
19. Stain wood cabinets grey
(Image credit: deVOL)
Taking timber in a contemporary direction requires a considered approach to avoid missing out on the wood’s natural beauty. TR Studio chose deVOL’s Sebastian Cox range, featuring cabinetry in grey-stained beech.
‘We like to use wood in a very calm way in kitchens. You can maintain clean lines and use sleek surfaces, but wood itself brings craft and texture, both visual and tactile,’ says Tom Rutt, founder, TR Studio.
‘We love how this kitchen strikes the balance between traditional and contemporary. It is clearly a real solid timber door, but the ash-grey color makes it abstracted and adds a modernity.’
20. Go with the grain in a grey kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
A grey scheme doesn't have to take the form of paint. Look to pale ash wood or laminate cabinetry for a similar effect that is great for more contemporary spaces.
Beautiful wood is a timeless choice: pick woods with mid-tones for a look that won't date.
21. Look out for luxury
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
Dark greys look instantly dramatic. For luxurious grey kitchen ideas, pair with a thinly-veined marble work surface.
Coveted for its subtle tone and beautiful veined effect, you can see why marble is such a hit – it looks good wherever it’s put and will continue to look striking year after year.
22. Be bold with color
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
We have seen the revival of grey in interiors over the last seasons, but this time it's combined with wood tones to instantly add warmth and depth.
Grey is a fresh alternative to the classic neutral palette and acts as a great backdrop to introduce splashes of other colors. Here, a vibrant red kitchen pantry really sings out against the deep grey walls.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Sarginson)
If you are cautious about going all-grey, then isolate it to just the kitchen island or cabinetry, like in this stunning white kitchen. This will make a stylish statement, and can be changed as often as you like, with little effort.
'Grey paints are warmest when they’re a mix of blue and orange pigments, rather than black and white. Using these will make the kitchen feel more homely,' explains Pip McCormac, Editor of Living Etc.
24. Play with pattern
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
The wonderful thing about grey is that you can pair it with just about any other color.
Here, the strong grey, black and white kitchen palette, echoed in the undercounter curtain, rug and cabinetry, is lifted by pops of green gingham upholstery.
25. Choose a pale and interesting hue
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Whether it’s pale or slightly darker, dove grey is a great all-rounder for painted kitchens. You can dress it up with silvers and metallic shades for a luxe look, or keep it simple with natural colors and earthy textures.
26. Marvel at the wonder of wood
(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)
Grey might be on trend, but its elegance and design flexibility give it a timeless quality. Use either as a feature color or to complement another finish – wood grains look especially dramatic against a smoky grey tone.
27. Choose a winning combination
(Image credit: Future / Adrian Briscoe)
A match made in heaven, cool shades of grey bring out the warmth and beauty in natural wood.
This is a great combination for kitchen cabinetry, suiting both classic and modern styles – but it also works well for accessories.
For the perfect accents, add splashes of mustard yellow and pale marble, to play with the cool and warm on a whole other level.
28. Use grey as a canvas for vivid color
(Image credit: Future / Franchie Cristogatin)
Work in a bold accent color to give grey a modern feel. Grey has the advantage of complementing a whole host of colors, so anything goes - whether it’s a punchy purple or vivid lime green kitchen accent color as pictured above.
Paint a feature wall, opt for a bright backsplash, or use colorful accessories.
29. Complement the living area in an open-plan space
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Think about how all the various finishes – including the kitchen flooring and wall colors – work together.
Use a variety of kitchen lighting ideas, including wall and pendant lights, to create a comfortable mood when not cooking.
30. Use a combination of light and dark
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Contrast light and dark grey kitchen ideas for a more dramatic look. Combine dark grey units with bright white worktops, or light greys with smart black granite surfaces.
31. Consider how a grey kitchen will look during the night and day
(Image credit: Future / James Balston)
One of the beauties of grey is that it can feel fresh by day but warm at night. When picking a shade, take a sample door home so you can look at it in daylight and artificial light to get a feel for how it will appear at different times.
32. Curate a tonal palette
(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)
Choose worktops and backsplashes in tonal shades to complement your kitchen cabinet colors. Paler, browner shades of grey look good next to natural stone worktops, while crips white worktops will set off darker grey.
‘Neutral tones such as grey are timeless and don’t go out of fashion – they help create a feeling of light and space, and ensure the look isn’t harsh,’ says Graeme Smith, conceptual designer at Second Nature Kitchens .
33. Choose the perfect grey
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
Consider taste, light levels and the size of the room when choosing. Lighter greys help create a feeling of space, but darker, graphite greys area great for adding drama to a big room.
Also, a high-gloss finish looks sleek and will help reflect light, whereas a matt finish blends better with other surfaces in an open-plan space.
34. Use grey as a modern backdrop
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)
Grey is ideal for kitchens in an open-plan area because it blurs the line between kitchen and living zones.
Grey kitchen ideas can blend with a huge variety of floor types, colors and finishes, bringing a sense of unity to the separate areas.
35. Decorate with colorful accents
(Image credit: Future)
Grey works well with most colors, which is why it’s such a versatile choice. For an urban, contemporary look, team it with vivid yellow or pink.
Deep reds, purples and oranges can add extra warmth, or opt for green and blue kitchen accents for a cooler feel.
Is grey a good color for the kitchen?
Grey works particularly well in a kitchen, as not only is it modern and contemporary, it is also timeless, classic and surprisingly easy to live with.
Grey’s dominance of all things home-related continues, and you can carry the look through to the kitchen, with ranges available in shades to suite all tastes and styles, from modern to country.
‘Grey is a sophisticated color scheme in both modern kitchens in a gloss finish, or matt in a classic kitchen,’ says Danny Lay, sales director at Caple . In fact, grey is even whispered to be the new white when it comes to interior design.
How do you add warmth to a grey kitchen?
Wood is a wonderful way to add a level of warmth and coziness to an otherwise cold, dark kitchen.
'Grey kitchens will always be popular, but where it gets interesting is how the popular grey tones support the trend for smoked and treated wooden finishes.
'Different types of grey will bring out the richness of smoked oak or walnut. Using these treated woods as internal accents within your kitchen cabinet ideas (like drawers or shelves, for example) will add another level of luxury.
'Imagine opening your matte grey double pantry to shelves and drawers and spice racks in an elegant wooden finish,' says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley.
What color goes best with grey in a kitchen?
Grey falls into the neutrals category, so when it comes to matching it to another color, pretty much any shade can be partnered with it. Neutrals are muted shades that appear to lack color, but often have underlying hues that change with different lighting. Neutrals like grey, greige, taupe, brown, black, white, stone or wood are oft-used for kitchen cabinetry because they are extemely versatile and will complement most other colors.
When it comes to matching a grey kitchen to wall color, backsplashes or flooring, choose a color that matches the intensity of your grey.
For warm, mid-toned greys go for warm, mid yellows, teals, burnt oranges and forest greens, or for lighter, pale-toned greys, choose lighter tones, from soft neturals and pale pastels to cool, blues and sage greens.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
With contributions from
- Lisa FazzaniContributing Editor
40 Gray Kitchens That Are Anything But Dull
If our “graydar” is correct, gray is coming in hot this season—or rather, very achromatic.
While all-white kitchens have been all the rage during our Covid-confined era, and colorful kitchens are now having a moment, the in-between is becoming the ultimate sign of sophistication. From a light barely-there hue to a moody charcoal shade—a gray palette in your cookery is tasteful, understated, and endlessly versatile. In short, it creates a space that is muted in all the right ways. Ready to go beyond black and white? Check out these gray kitchens that we’ve culled from the archives and we dare you not to go to the dark side.
1
Charcoal Cabinetry
Travis Mark
Emmy Rossum’s New York apartment kitchen is a modern take on traditional glamour. With the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer/dryer cleverly concealed, who knows what else Brooklyn-born designer Antonino Buzzetta is hiding behind these charcoal-hued custom Scavolini cabinets?
2
Hearthstone Hues
James Merrell
This idyllic Long Island farmhouse is the stuff of our cottagecore dreams.
With cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone, a marble sink, and fittings by Sonoma Forge, Steven Gambrel brings clarity and coherence to a once-unwieldy farmhouse space that dates back to the 1840s. This now-sophisticated cookspace proves that gray is the ultimate timelessness.
3
Understated Elegance
Katie Charlotte
Sometimes full-throttle is too much. Case in point: this Cortney Bishop-designed beach house kitchen, which features a hood, cabinetry, and doors in a gunmetal gray that is just a few notches below black. Paired with a bright white marble island, the result is an understated high contrast look that knows just when to reign it in.
4
One-Tone Touches
Stephen Kent Johnson
Monochrome is always a good idea, especially when it comes to gray. In this minimalist West Village apartment, gray cabinetry meets a gray backsplash against a (you guessed it) gray countertop.
Add generous skylights and a streamlined design, and you’ve got a minimalist marvel that doesn't need a touch of color to show personality.
5
Striped Surrealism
Mikhail Loskutov
This one-of-a-kind St. Petersburg apartment kitchen, designed by Tim Veresnovsky, turns the notion of gray on its head. Look closely at the eucalyptus veneer that covers the walls, cabinets, and chair—and you’ll see black and white stripes. But step back and the effect is a gray that’s brimming with dimension. This pint-size space proves that there is more than one way to combine colors.
6
Metallic Palette
Simon Upton
This Jean-Louis Deniot–designed Miami kitchen proves that size does not equivalate to grandeur. With custom stainless-steel cabinetry that has been laser-printed with an abstract pattern, this small yet striking kitchen contains layers of intrigue and character within its dance of natural light.
7
Reductive Design
Erik Undéhn
This is minimalism taken to the extreme. This modernist Stockholm apartment is free of any ornamentation and features stainless-steel countertops and lower cabinets. Here, the stainless steel gray adds refinement to an otherwise austere space for a sleek and clean look. Because less really is more.
8
Brass Accents
Douglas Friedman
A quick peek into Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s glitzy apartment in Greenwich Village will reveal how a calm and cool gray kitchen can level out an otherwise vibrant space. These chic gray cabinets really pop against the brass Jonathan Adler hardware, with a marble countertop and backsplash that ties in the gray hues.
9
Sparse Deliniations
Simon Upton
In this New York townhouse kitchen, subtlety is played out in clean lines and sparse juxtapositions.
White cabinets are cooly contrasted with stainless accents in the pendants, cabinetry, appliances, and Corten steel tiles. The lesson in this chic kitchen: sophistication can be achieved through the use of negative space. The pendants are from a Czechoslovakian factory and the 1940s stools are by Warren McArthur.
10
Steel Everything
Ricardo Labougle
Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’s Rio pied-à-terre is a lesson in framing: the deep gray stainless steel and tile almost seems to encase the Hermes Erbanesteria table and Andrée Putman chairs, allowing the vibrant wood to really stand out. The Brazilian way, of course!
11
Historic Gray Kitchen
William Abranowicz
Deep gray details give this historic New York kitchen a modern feel. The farmer's sink is by Waterworks and the countertop is from Caesarstone.
The cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore's Amherst Gray.
12
London-Inspired Gray Kitchen
Photography by Eric Piasecki
An abundance of gray tones fill a Manhattan kitchen designed by Steven Gambrel. The space, which is inspired by a popular London cocktail bar, includes custom kitchen cabinetry and an island, as well as glossy subway tiles by Ann Sacks. The chandelier is Serge Mouille.
13
Glossy Gray Kitchen
Simon Upton
Gray tiles in a pearl-like finish boost the style factor in this cozy Manhattan kitchen designed by retail guru Patricia Greene Isen, featuring black and white checkered flooring.
14
Elegant Gray
Victor Demarchelier
The Miami aerie that supermodel Joan Smalls calls home features a kitchen that's outfitted with gray seating by RH, Restoration Hardware, which complements the gray cabinetry.
15
Sleek Gray
William Abranowicz
Workshop/APD's Matt Berman and Andrew Kotchen crafted this sleek Greenwich village gray kitchen with concrete floors and a matching island. Sunny yellow counter stools from Counter Evolution add to the look.
16
Sophisticated Gray Kitchen
Emily Andrews Photography
Dark charcoal cabinetry adds contrast to the bright white walls and sleek marble countertop in the Chelsea kitchen of Etsy's COO.
17
Striking Gray Kitchen
Mike Schwartz
This Luxe Lincoln Park kitchen designed by Abruzzo Kitchen + Bath benefits from a striking gray palette. The design scheme includes a honed Bianca Perla Quartzite stone, painted cabinets, and wrought iron pulls.
A cased opening showcases a La Cornue oven with black graphite and copper and nickel accents, along with a custom metal hood.
18
Palm Beach Gray Kitchen
Stephen Kent Johnson
In this spacious Palm Beach kitchen crafted by the award-winning design firm Pembrooke & Ives, gray cabinetry and millwork blends with the pops of white in the luxurious space.
19
Warm Gray Kitchen
Cynthia Lynn
In this glam Chicago home, a warm gray kitchen features a backsplash that's lined with Moroccan tiles from Ann Sacks along and a cantilevered island with Carrara countertops to maximize space.
20
Modern Gray Kitchen
Richard Powers
An artwork by Mircea Suciu hangs on the sliding wall of bleached mahogany that separates the kitchen from the dining area in this contemporary Palm Springs apartment.
In perfect contrast of the wood walls are the gray marble floors and metal cabinetry.
21
Industrial Gray Kitchen
William Abranowicz
An industrial San Francisco home goes gray with sleek concrete floors and beams. The kitchen’s cabinetry is by Henrybuilt, the countertops are PentalQuartz, the faucet is by Dornbracht, the stools are by Overgaard & Dyrman and the wall sculpture is by Manuel Neri.
22
Country-Chic Gray Kitchen
Mikkel Vang
In the kitchen of an Upper West Side apartment, the sink, fittings, and tile backsplash are by Waterworks. The range is by Wolf, the pendants are by Circa Lighting, the custom island has a Calacatta marble top, and the flooring is limestone with black-marble cabochons.
23
Cool Gray Kitchen
Joshua McHugh
When a Long Island beach house was made over into a chic abode designed for family life, the kitchen was given a cool gray update.
The cabinetry is lacquered in a Ralph Lauren paint, the refrigerator and range are by Thermador and the kitchen island is stainless steel and walnut.
24
Modern Treehouse Gray Kitchen
Richard Powers
In a Mexican home nestled in the trees, the gray kitchen cabinetry, vent hood and table are by Boffi. The countertop is Caesarstone, the sink fittings are by Dornbracht, the range is by Wolf and the ovens are by Miele.
25
Monaco Gray Kitchen
Francis Amiand
In a Monte Carlo apartment characterized by whimsy, the kitchen takes a more serious note with gray cabinetry. The small table and chairs are by Jeanneret; the oven, cooktop and hood are by Aster Cucine. Designed by Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet
26
Marbled Gray Kitchen
Douglas Friedman
This New York City home's kitchen introduces a serene gray palette by way of Calacatta gold marble and walls sheathed in Walker Zanger tiles.
The sink fittings are by Waterworks, the stools by Palecek are covered in a Designtex fabric and the cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray.
27
Contemporary Gray Kitchen
Douglas Friedman
A storied Manhattan townhouse is home to this cool gray kitchen, which has barstools by Philippe Starck and a vintage light fixture by Stilnovo. A dark hardwood floor adds a touch of warmth to the gray color scheme.
28
Polished Gray Kitchen
Simon Upton
A Notting Hill townhouse showcases a gray kitchen with marble floors that match the chic kitchen island. The barstools are from the 1970s, and the cabinetry is custom made. The refrigerators are by Liebherr.
29
Pink And Gray Kitchen
William Waldron
In a splendid Moroccan-inspired pool house in New York, the kitchen island is topped with a gray, custom-painted white ash, complemented by the gray of the cabinetry.
The sink is by Julien, the fittings are by KWC and the floor is painted in Sailor's Delight by Benjamin Moore.
30
Lacquered Gray Kitchen
William Waldron
A kitchen in a Madrid home comes with a healthy dose of shine with lacquered gray cabinetry by Gaggenau. The stools are Italian and the light-box work is by Philipp Donstav.
31
Gray Floor Kitchen
Simon Upton
This kitchen in Courtney Cox's Malibu home is anchored by a stone gray floor and a gray refrigerator by Gaggenau. The stainless-steel sinks are by Franke and the light fixture is from Nessen Lighting.
32
Mysterious Gray Kitchen
Björn Wallander
In a sultry Lake Tahoe home, the gray kitchen countertop is quartzite and the custom-made stools are covered in an Edelman leather.
The cabinetry is by Bulthaup and the sink is by Blanco with Dornbracht fittings.
33
Gray Countertop Kitchen
William Abranowicz
This California home flaunts a custom-made, marble-topped island paired with gray antique Belgian light fixtures. Natural wood elements in the island and chairs add a touch of warmth to the gray color scheme.
34
Gray Galley Kitchen
William Waldron
A bohemian Manhattan home features a chic kitchen with a range and microwave by Wolf, a refrigerator by Sub-Zero, a custom hood by Vent-A-Hood and a gray countertop of Calacatta gold marble. The pendant light is vintage by Max Ingrand for FontanaArte.
35
Dark Gray Kitchen
Wichmann - Bendsten
This mysterious yet inviting kitchen features a matte dark gray kitchen island.
The custom-made stools and gray cabinetry are by Københavns Møbelsnedkeri.
36
Industrial Gray Kitchen
Simon Upton
Elegance and industrialism meet in this Soho kitchen featuring custom-made cabinetry and vintage hardware. The refrigerator is by Sub-Zero, the sink fittings are by Dornbacht and the countertops are white glass.
37
Minimalist Gray Kitchen
Max Zambelli
An elegant Tuscan home maintains its minimalist theme in the kitchen, where the gray stainless steel sink is a prototype of one designed for Boffi's Aprile collection, and the countertops are melamine.
38
Ancient Gray-Brown Kitchen
Jignesh Jhaveri
In a centuries-old restored townhouse in Daipur, India, a gray-brown stone wall showcases its original decorative openings.
The baskets and brass serving dishes were found at a local market.
39
Geometric Gray Kitchen
Ricardo Labougle
While color and character may rule this London townhouse, gray is the star in its understated kitchen, which is given an edge with a geometric floor pattern. The kitchen cabinetry is painted in Pure Gray 6 by Papers and Paints, the 1955 pendant lights are by Serge Mouille, the wall tiles are by Neisha Crosland and the floor is made of three types of limestone.
40
Stone Gray Kitchen
Mikkel Vang
An 1870s carriage house in Bedford, New York has a charming gray kitchen that reflects its original stone structure. The kitchen island is made of a vintage marble slab on a gray steel base, the stove is by BlueStar and the shelves are made of reclaimed wood. The gray floor is concrete.
Rachel Silva Assistant Digital Editor Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture.
Gray kitchens. Color Psychology (Design Ideas)
Welcome to our guide to the psychology of gray kitchen cabinets, where we explore various design ideas, including paint, fittings and decor
Gray Kitchen Design
Gray color gradually began to replace various shades of white flowers from the modern interior. More homeowners are moving from traditional white or brown furniture to a gray color scheme in their kitchen these days. Gray has quickly become the favorite neutral color of interior designers and homeowners. This new trend in favor of multiple shades of gray makes it an extremely versatile shade that creates a timeless and sophisticated look.
Psychology of gray
The gray color is authentic and long-lasting, creating a sense of calm and serenity.
Gray has an elegant and formal appeal that fits in well with any design scheme and thanks to its traditional and practical attributes. Gray is also the color of architecture, commerce and theory, which is both gothic and industrial.
Often immobility and lack of emotion are identified with gray. However, gray also has positive properties such as neutrality, warmth, wisdom, intelligence, futurism, humility, stability, dignity and compromise, making it a timeless choice for kitchen cabinets.
As unusual as it may seem to use gray kitchen cabinets, it will allow you to challenge the expectations of sadness and boredom associated with color. Because gray is strong and enduring, it conveys a sense of modesty, balance, and security.
Depending on the color it is mixed with, gray can become more dramatic and mysterious if its hue shifts towards a darker shade. On the other hand, when gray gets closer to silver or white, it becomes more dynamic, bright and vibrant.
There are endless shades of gray that can be integrated into any design scheme. In addition, gray itself has an effect on shades of other colors such as blue, green, pink, lilac and even yellow, which gives a feeling of excitement and energy.
Why gray kitchens are so popular
For those who think gray is a dark color, there are methods that will allow you to achieve sophistication and elegance in kitchen design, simply by choosing the right shade of gray and understanding how to mix and match kitchen furniture with other elements. Gray helps create the perfect canvas for drawing attention to other design elements and making them stand out.
There are so many different shades of gray that you can use from traditional to modern and you will surely be satisfied with the result. Plus, gray can be paired with just about anything.
Here are some of the best ways to combine gray kitchen cabinets with other items:
Diversify the design with natural materials such as granite or marble countertops, wood or stone floors, and add simple touches of potted plants and flowers.
The beauty of nature is the perfect way to bring life and natural accents to your drab kitchen. Try adding wood trim to your kitchen cabinets for a clean, warm accent.
Combine a gray kitchen with a unique wall panel to spice things up. Dot pattern tiles will create a fabulous sleek and modern design concept.
Decorate your kitchen with richly textured curtains and window treatments; it can soften and create a cozy feel in your drab kitchen.
Adding architectural and decorative lighting will create privacy and warmth. These lighting fixtures can also serve as an accent in your kitchen.
Since gray is a neutral shade, it works well with almost any color. Try pairing your gray kitchen cabinets with other accent colors to create a dynamic effect in your kitchen design scheme.
To add a bit of excitement, combine the top and bottom of the kitchen with another neutral color like white for the top cabinets. You can also combine other unique shades of warm gray, such as rose gray, copper gray, or bluish gray, on the bottom of the cabinet.
It will give your kitchen a luxurious look and feel.
What color walls go with gray cabinets?
As a general rule, dark colored kitchen furniture should be paired with lighter wall colors to balance the mood of the kitchen space. The contrast between the gray kitchen cabinets and the walls sets the mood in the kitchen. Choose a shade of gray that is a few shades lighter or darker than the walls so that the two blend together.
Paint using light and shadow. Consider also the amount and quality of light entering your kitchen, whether it be architectural or natural light, as wall color usually depends on the lighting and creates a very interesting tone for a kitchen with gray cabinets.
Use contrasting colors to give your kitchen a sense of energy. You can also try to use a monochromatic color palette by using different layers of different shades of gray for walls, cabinets, countertops, wall paneling, creating the right mood in the design.
An accent wall can make a big difference in the mood of your kitchen by pairing gray kitchen cabinets with vibrant colors like blue, cobalt, lavender, lime, yellow, green, gold, peach and orange.
What color to choose accessories and appliances for a gray kitchen?
Silver and stainless steel are the most common and traditional choices in gray kitchen design. Fittings and equipment of cold gray tones are especially well combined. A stylish natural and expensive touch to gray kitchen cabinets is the addition of leather or wood handles that make the furniture look more.
Blue gray kitchens look elegant, especially when paired with metallic tones such as nickel and silver.
Dark gray kitchens are just gorgeous when paired with black handles and drawers.
Gold hardware can look great in combination with light gray shades of the kitchen.
If your kitchen is painted in warm tones of gray, try adding brass, copper, or gold details - these are the perfect accent for gray cabinets.
The gold handles on the cabinets work well with a warmer shade of gray and paired with a gold sink faucet.
Brass – Looks amazing when paired with a gray kitchen cabinet because it offsets the cool tones of gray while making it warm and inviting.
Gray kitchen - the perfect combination of kitchen design with a gray tint (77 photos)
For most people, gray causes quite negative associations, such as sadness, loneliness and despondency. Because of this, many homeowners choose not to use it.
And as a result, gray bedrooms and kitchens are extremely rare. However, designers are sure that it is not gray itself that causes such feelings, but its incorrect use.
Therefore, if you familiarize yourself with its advantages before completely abandoning the use of a gray palette, you will understand why the color is so popular with designers.
Due to the fact that the color itself and all its shades belong to a neutral palette, it can be successfully used as a background.
Gray does a great job of enhancing the brightness of any hue.
Perhaps it is because of this feature that some designers call it "indifferent". However, this color can act not only as a background.
Pay attention to the photo of the kitchen in gray tones below. Here, with the help of gray, the necessary accents are placed, which softened the overly colorful interior.
It is also worth noting that in this case the color is taken as a basis and therefore the owner of the apartment has the opportunity to easily and simply make changes to the existing design.
Article content:
- Which shade of gray should I choose?
- Is gray kitchen fashionable or old-fashioned?
- Classic combinations with gray
- Gray kitchen design photo
- Video:
Which shade of gray to choose?
If you decide to use gray for your kitchen design, you should be careful in choosing the right shade.
After all, the kitchen is the place where a person should feel as comfortable and cozy as possible, so you shouldn't darken the room too much.
Please note that modern gray in kitchen design is most often used with shades such as brown, purple, blue and green. It is these shades that make the color more lively.
And although you can also choose darker options, experts strongly advise against experimenting with such a palette in small rooms.
This is due to the fact that small rooms visually become even smaller if dark colors are used in their design. And if for a fairly spacious room the damage is negligible when using a small amount of dark color, then a small room will simply become gloomy.
Therefore, if you definitely want to add some extravagance to the atmosphere, use small accessories in bright colors for this.
After all, despite the fact that the gray color in the interior of the kitchen looks quite harmonious, it can still become faded in the complete absence of bright elements.
Is the gray kitchen trendy or old fashioned?
Nowadays, many people follow the fashion trends in design and tend to stick to them.
That's why ordinary homeowners are wondering if gray is trendy. Gray, like all its shades, is a classic.
And the classics, as you know, never go out of fashion. And if, when choosing the right fashionable color, you choose the classic gray, you can’t go wrong.
You can decorate any room in this color, but it will look especially good in the kitchen.
You can even use gray kitchens in the interior of the kitchen, as they look quite neutral, which means they are suitable for classic and modern bright styles. However, when choosing a suitable ready-made furniture set, remember that it should not be too dark.
Only choose models that are painted in lighter shades of grey. Experts recommend choosing a gray color with a slight shade of purple.
This preference is due to the fact that, according to research data, purple can stimulate appetite.
Classic combinations with gray
So, you have decided for yourself that the gray color in the design of the kitchen or other room will be the main one. Now you have to choose the right colors for the combination. Immediately it is worth noting that the combination of colors in the kitchen in gray tones should be as balanced as possible.
In other words, don't overuse the number of colors. Just one main and 2-3 secondary colors are enough. Thus, you will achieve a harmonious color combination and not turn the room into a multi-colored pavilion.
As mentioned above, gray belongs to the neutral palette and can be combined with any other color.
However, combinations with white and black are considered classic combinations. These combinations are quite popular, because black adds expressiveness to the room, and white nobility. Look at the photo of the kitchen in gray tones, which is presented to your attention below.
On it, you will notice that these two combinations were used to decorate one room. This solution is quite bold and extraordinary, however, it is not suitable for all rooms.
