Below we discuss the best kitchen colors with gray cabinets including shades for paint, flooring, finishes, backsplash & countertop designs.
The color has gone from boring and depressing, to high end and stylish. On top of that, there are so many colors and textures for the gray cabinets that there is no way the end product will be anywhere near dull. Below are some suggestions for what you can use to incorporate gray cabinets into your kitchen.
Paint
White paint is frequently used with gray cabinets to provide plenty of contrast and keep the design from feeling too dark. If not white you’ll often see gray being offset with a light color paint such as another shade of gray, greige, or beige to keep the design bright.
Blue can easily become overwhelming if using a dark shade, it is recommended that a lighter shade be used to create a crisp and clean environment.
Flooring
Sometimes pairing wood cabinets and wood flooring can be difficult; you do not want too much of the same color, but also do not want the woods to clash. One of the best things about having gray cabinets is that (depending on the shade or gray) it can match almost any wood tone you have in mind.
One of the best woods to pair with gray cabinets is espresso wood. The deep brown this wood has brings a modern look when used with gray cabinets and a unique backsplash.
Backsplash
Finishes
The finishes you select for your kitchen can have a big impact on the overall feel of the space and conveying the type of design you desire. Gold finishes are back in style and when combined with gray cabinets they can inject a lot of style and sophistication to the room.
Countertops
The vast majority of kitchens with gray cabinets combine them with white countertops with great results. There’s a timeless allure when white and gray are used to contrast each other. White countertops can come in quartz, marble, granite and man made laminates.
If going the cool gray route and choosing a blue paint, incorporating a dark color such as a blue countertop can make a kitchen look like its straight out of a magazine.
Imagine you have light gray cabinets, espresso wood flooring, stainless steel appliances, white backsplash tile, and paint and accessories. The countertop can be a coordinating gray color, with white, dark gray and even blue veins or flecks in it, bringing all the colors together.
Adding a few accents on the countertop will bring out the colors in the countertop. Even keeping the primary color out of the counters and keeping it neutral will let the paint colors and accessories in the space really shine.
Coordinating Color with Gray Cabinets
Ask the Designer: For this section we asked interior designer Danielle Porter her best techniques for matching and coordinating colors with gray kitchen cabinets and here’s her response:
As design trends ebb and flow, there are always a few aesthetics, details, or palettes that tend to come along and have a lasting effect. When it comes to kitchen design – gray cabinets are one of those design elements. Because of their versatility and modern appeal, they’ve become increasingly popular with homeowners and designers.
The beauty is that going with a gray cabinet doesn’t lock you into a singular specific design aesthetic or vibe – there is a multitude of ways to integrate gray kitchen cabinets while creating a unique experience that is tailored to your style.
The first thing to consider is if you’re going with a dark, light, or mid-tone gray. This decision will absolutely make a difference in determining which colors you’ll pair with the cabinets. Second, you’ll want to consider which part of the kitchen you want to feature.
Whether it’s the paint, flooring, cabinets, backsplash, appliances, or counter – there is always a way to integrate gray cabinets seamlessly.
We’ll first review one of the most popular approaches – the classic and timeless color pairing of white and gray. This color combo works in a variety of design styles, hence its popularity across the board.
Depending on your gray tone, you can bring in a warm white or off-white shade that complements the undertones of your cabinet. Bringing in a bright white, especially on the counters and backsplash, will always create a crisp and clean environment.
If you’re looking for something more bold or dramatic – consider pairing black, charcoal or even a deep jewel tone to add punch to your space.
This can be done through a patterned backsplash tile, black hardware, or accent paint throughout the kitchen. Bring in a white or light gray countertop for a high-impact, contrasting effect. As always – look at the space as a whole and create balance with your finishes.
For those who like a more subtle design, earth tones are a great option to pair with gray cabinets. Bringing in beige, brown, and green can make your kitchen feel natural and organic and work best with a warm white.
Earth tones work great with natural stone options for the countertop that have different shades of your colors integrated (think granite, soapstone, marble, and even wood).
If cooking is your respite and you’d like your kitchen to feel more calming and tranquil – opt to pair shades of blue or green with your gray cabinets. This color combination creates a relaxing and cool atmosphere and fits right in with homes that are near the water or are coastal/beach inspired.
Bringing in a backsplash that has blue, green, and cream glass can add a soft pop of color to any kitchen. Adding more natural tones, like wood accents will help balance out all of the cooler colors as well.
Lastly – think bold, bright, and playful! Gray, after all, is a neutral tone and you can play up your kitchen to be a lively entertaining space with bright colors.
Some ways to do this are through materiality – like a red brick wall or a bright yellow backsplash to add color and personality. Because design is all about balance – bringing in some supporting neutral colors (whites, creams, light grays) will help make the space cohesive.
When it comes to designing a kitchen with gray cabinets – the palette and design options are truly endless. No matter which scheme or palette you prefer, we always recommend looking at the space as a whole and finding the balance between the colors and tones.
By considering the entirety of your kitchen, you’re bound to create a space that is functional, beautiful, and reflects your unique style.
For more related ideas check out our gallery of white kitchens with gray islands.
It would be better to see pictures of colored walls with gray cabinets instead of gray and white
I recently had custom cabinets built with the understanding they would be painted. I want the exterior paint on the island to be a blue gray, while all other cabinets, uppers and lowers will be white. The cabinet painter says the interior cabinets on the island should be the same as the exterior paint color. Is that correct/industry norms?
Hi, my name is Ruby,am remodeling my kitchen, and I try to go with light grey cabinets and white countertop with grey shiny dots but I still don’t know what floor should I go with. If you could please help me figure out what color to go with. Am debating either dark grey or wood espresso color that looks like wood. Thank you, I appreciate the help.