Kitchen Design
Cooking With Color: When to Use Gray in the Kitchen
Try out Trout or shake up some Martini Shaker gray for a neutral-based kitchen that whispers of sophistication
Gray is continuing its run as a popular neutral hue in homes. It’s still a bit of an unconventional choice as the predominant color in a kitchen, but that is quickly changing, as evidenced by the increasing number of gorgeous gray kitchens appearing on Houzz.
Gray can appear austere and chilly compared to its warmer neutral counterparts, beige and tan. The trick to working with it is to pair it with a warm material, such as wood, or a contrasting hot and bold hue, such as red, orange or yellow. A gray kitchen may not be the best choice if you live someplace with year-round cool, overcast and rainy days, but it’s an excellent color for a kitchen in a hot climate — it will give your kitchen a cool and elegant vibe.
Check out my top gray paint picks for kitchens below, as well as 10 tasty kitchens on Houzz that feature this elegant hue.
Gray can appear austere and chilly compared to its warmer neutral counterparts, beige and tan. The trick to working with it is to pair it with a warm material, such as wood, or a contrasting hot and bold hue, such as red, orange or yellow. A gray kitchen may not be the best choice if you live someplace with year-round cool, overcast and rainy days, but it’s an excellent color for a kitchen in a hot climate — it will give your kitchen a cool and elegant vibe.
Check out my top gray paint picks for kitchens below, as well as 10 tasty kitchens on Houzz that feature this elegant hue.
These medium cool gray cabinets and coordinating backsplash serve as the perfect backdrop to the hot red range.
The gray and white striated marble island in this kitchen is absolutely stunning. Since the designer used a restrained color palette and didn't overdecorate, the rich materials are able to get all of the attention in this cool, modern loft kitchen.
This handsome kitchen is clad in a warmer gray hue — leaning toward taupe. It's a rich, underutilized neutral that works well with any other color. Or keep the entire palette neutral, as was done here, to allow the fine materials to stand out.
Gray and bright yellow are a fantastic color combination. Whereas gray is cool and understated, yellow is hot and eye catching.
Gray isn't just for contemporary kitchens, of course. The soft gray color on these kitchen cabinets is simply elegant, and the color coordinates extremely well with Carrara marble countertops. The dark wood floor simultaneously grounds and warms up the space.
This is such a clean, soothing palette. If you aren't into trendy bold colors but don't want an all-white kitchen either, consider a light warm gray for your walls or cabinetry. Again, the wood floors add warmth and charm. The kitchen is lovely, clean looking and airy.
As a neutral hue, gray will work with any other color you might want to bring into your kitchen, such as the bold lime green in this fun contemporary space. The nice thing about neutral gray cabinets and a bold wall color is that the latter is relatively easy and affordable to change, should another color strike your fancy or if you feel the need to neutralize the space for resale.
These cabinets have a very warm gray hue, closer to a putty color, and I love how they look against the exposed brick wall. The contrast is very subtle, allowing the brick to get the attention it deserves. The sky-blue chairs add a nice punch of color.
I'm a big fan of the full-height backsplash in this kitchen. The tiles form a unique accent wall in an otherwise minimalist space. They also serve a more practical function in that they are durable and easy to clean. The tiles are a rather dark shade of gray, but because the rest of the colors in the space are light and there is plenty of natural light streaming in, they create drama without being too heavy and overwhelming.
Black appliances look sharp alongside medium to dark gray cabinets. This kitchen palette of black, white and shades of gray is understated yet so sophisticated. A touch of warmth is essential, however, to avoid a cold and sterile-looking kitchen. The rich wood floor adds the perfect dose of warmth and character.
Tell us: What do you think — yay or nay for going gray in the kitchen?
More: Obsessed With Gray in the Kitchen | More Houzz guides to gray
Tell us: What do you think — yay or nay for going gray in the kitchen?
More: Obsessed With Gray in the Kitchen | More Houzz guides to gray
1. Carriage House 157-3, by Mythic Paint
2. Horizon Gray 2141-50, by Benjamin Moore
3. Rhino 710E-3, by Behr
4. Online SW7072, by Sherwin-Williams
5. Lava Gray 554-6, by Pittsburgh Paints
6. Seal Grey GLN46, by Glidden
7. Trout 33-13, by Pratt & Lambert
8. Martini Shaker KM3925-2, by Kelly-Moore