Gray Kitchen Cabinets

How to choose the right gray tone for your kitchen?

Choose light gray cabinets or dark gray cabinets?

When choosing between gray color tones, consider the kitchen space you have to work with. Small areas that have little natural light will feel smaller and darker. The dark tones, especially dark gray and black, absorb light, whereas light gray tones bounce light around the room. In many cases, new homeowners will lean more to the lighter shades of gray kitchen cabinets to avoid having a naturally dark kitchen. This doesn't mean that light gray cabinets are better. Dark gray kitchen cabinets allow for excellent contrast between light countertops, backsplash, and flooring.

Traditional and modern will have different variants on the color tone and finishes. For example, traditional gray cabinets will have a smooth finish with shaker cabinets. On the other hand, modern will have flat, sleek finishes in matte or gloss. Modern cabinets also open the doors for semi-custom panels, allowing unique tones to create a blue-gray kitchen. You can easily choose a shade of gray by matching and balancing the colorful accents you plan to have during the kitchen remodel.

Why are gray kitchen cabinets so popular?

Gray is a neutral color, similar to white kitchen cabinets. Gray cabinets allow for many options and color combinations to work exceptionally well. Being used in many interior design styles means unique accent pieces like light tone natural wood countertops or even marble countertops can be an appealing choice for a home remodeler.

Some may describe white kitchen cabinets as too sterile when one thinks of white kitchen cabinets. Many hospitals feature white to emphasize cleanliness, but many do not like that aesthetic. Gray kitchen cabinets with white countertops add an eye-catching contrast that sparks visual interest without changing the kitchen design.

Is gray a good choice for kitchen cabinets?

Similar to white, gray is a neutral color for kitchen cabinets. However, since this color has multiple tones and shades, there is a color tone to match various kitchen styles. From light gray kitchen cabinets to dark charcoal cabinets, gray has as many options as white has. 

What colors go with gray cabinets?

Gray being a neutral color does not clash with other colors. You can match almost any color to match your decor, flooring, appliances, and countertops. The best combinations will be ones that add that contrast to the gray cabinets.

White: White is a classic complement to gray cabinets. no matter the shade, white adds that level of contrast that balances out the kitchen from appearing too dark.

Wood: An elegant way to relevant your kitchen is with hardwood flooring. Light butcherblock countertops or reclaimed wood countertops can be a game-changer from the typical quartz or marble stone options.

Brass: Adding a small hint of rustic contrast to the grey cabinets works exceptionally in transitional kitchen styles. It allows for small hints of contrast between the doors and drawers from your hardware.

Polished Nickel: For those looking to add contrast without going overboard, polished nickel can help add some flare to your gray cabinets. The finishes and textures add interest and charm to a typical simple surface. You can even use this for your kitchen faucet to keep the finishes consistent.

Obscure colors: You don't need to only choose white as the only color to mix with gray cabinets. Other variants of gray can create bold accents or even a unique kitchen island with blue cabinets. Other colors like off-white or even yellow can also create a contrast not normally seen with gray.

Are gray cabinets too trendy?

We have seen many kitchen trends fade out as fast as they are introduced. One may think to avoid these trends to future proof their home. For traditional or conventional kitchen designs, gray is not regarded as trendy. They have stood the test of time ever since Scandinavian kitchens. Gray has been a staple in traditional kitchen designs and has unique features and color variants in contemporary kitchens.

If gray cabinets are too trendy, white kitchen cabinets may be the cabinets for you. Much like gray, white shares many of the same features. Both are neutral colors that blend well with other kitchen decorations, countertops, backsplash, and flooring. White and gray both look exceptional with unique wood tones and even subway tiles. With many similar traits, you can't go wrong choosing either-or.

What wall color goes with gray kitchen cabinets?

White color paint is used with a gray cabinet to add some contrast and prevent the design from being too dark. If not, you will see a light tone of gray paint to offset dark gray cabinets. The paint colors should help brighten up the room and focus on the kitchen cabinets.

Choosing to go with an industrial style can still help bring the focus to the cabinets. Modern cabinets will focus more on the darker tones of gray seen in gloss and matte finishes. You can reinforce modern kitchen design with gray countertops and gray backsplash. Having lighter tone walls draws attention to the dark gray cabinets.

Are gray kitchens still in style?

Gray cabinets are in style in both American and European cabinets. The traditional style utilizes the ever-popular shaker cabinets with the center recessed panel.

So which kitchen styles feature the use of gray kitchen cabinets? Traditional, contemporary, transitional, beach, farmhouse, and industrial are popular styles that can utilize these cabinets. A cabinet style can change depending on the color tone of gray.

Will gray kitchen cabinets go out of style? Gray will not go out of fashion. They mix with complementary kitchen decor and accent pieces—additions like having a subway tile backsplash, farmhouse sink, and hardwood floor blend seamlessly. Just like white cabinets, the combinations are endless.

Are light gray kitchen cabinets hard to maintain?

Gray cabinets are easier to maintain when it comes to dirt and dust. They hide dirt and dust better than white cabinets that require constant cleaning. In addition, even minor scratches are not as visible on most gray options in comparison due to the color tone. Easily wipe down your cabinets with a damp cloth that will easily clean most stains to keep your gray kitchen cabinets top shape.

How do you brighten up gray cabinets?

Mixing in bright colors will help lighten up the room. Gray kitchen cabinets work with white to help add contrast and brighten up the kitchen. Many people will typically have stainless steel appliances. Having the light elements of large windows for natural light, white countertops, and white backsplashes will create a perfect balance in the room.

With dark charcoal gray, adding white will add the contrast to help brighten the color. Having multiple variations of gray in the same room can transform the style to look more industrial. When going with dark variants, adding lighter tones rather than dark earthy colors will brighten the room rather than dampen the lighting.