Accent Your Gray Kitchen Cabinets with Complementing Hardware Colors

When remodeling a kitchen with gray cabinets, choosing the right hardware finishes can make all the difference in pulling the look together. The key is finding colors and metals that complement the existing cabinetry while adding visual interest through contrast. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. Follow this guide to learn how to accent your gray kitchen cabinets perfectly using complementing hardware colors.

First, assess the undertones of your gray cabinets. Grays can skew warm, cool or neutral. Warm gray cabinets feature subtle yellow or red undertones. Cooler grays lean towards blue. Neutral grays don't have a strong undertone. The tone of your gray will determine which metals and finishes best accentuate the existing color.

Opt for Warm Metallic Finishes on Warm Gray Cabinets

Warm grays featuring reddish, yellowish or beige undertones look beautiful paired with metallic finishes in comparable warm hues. Gold, brass, bronze and copper make excellent choices. Go for an aged patina or antique finish for extra stylish contrast.

Gold Hardware Adds a Luxe Touch

Gold hardware is a timeless and elegant choice for warm gray kitchens. Antique brass with its mellow golden tone and subtle dark highlights is perfect for playing up the richness of warm grays. Oil-rubbed bronze also complements warm grays beautifully while adding an elegant, aged aesthetic.

When shopping for gold hardware, look for styles like bin pulls, cup pulls, bar pulls or drop pulls. Gold knobs also make classic and affordable accents. Mixing a few different gold finishes and styles together can look especially upscale.

Brighten Up with Brilliant Brass

For a more contemporary twist, try pairing warm gray cabinets with unlacquered brass hardware. The shiny, bright finish acts as an eye-catching accent against muted gray tones. Polished brass and champagne bronze offer comparable vibrant metallic shine.

Brass bar pulls make a particularly bold statement and are on-trend. Drop pulls, bin pulls and cup pulls in brass finishes also complement warm grays beautifully. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix brass with other metals like black or silver for contrast.

Cool Metals Complement Cool Gray Cabinets

For kitchen cabinets in cooler, bluer gray tones, you'll want to match the hardware accordingly. Stainless steel, chrome, nickel and black metal finishes tend to suit these shades best. Go for an ultra-modern look or keep it simple and classic.

Sleek Silver Finishes Keep it Contemporary

Stainless steel and brushed nickel pulls are ideal choices for pairing with cool grays. Their silvery sheen has a clean, futuristic look. Nickel works particularly well for blue-gray cabinets. Opt for cup pulls, bar pulls or wire pulls in these metals to match the modern vibe of the gray.

Aged nickel and soft champagne finishes offer a more muted metallic accent that still complements gray nicely. Mixing these with polished chrome or steel creates attractive contrast.

Black Hardware Adds Bold Contrast

For a dramatic pairing, black hardware against cool gray cabinets can't be beat. Matte black and black nickel have an edgy, contemporary feel. Aged black hardware offers a more distressed look.

Black cup pulls, knobs and bar pulls all pop beautifully against light to mid-tone gray cabinets. Keep the rest of the kitchen decor minimal to let this bold combo shine.

Use Paint Swatches for Perfect Pairing Every Time

Not sure if a hardware finish will complement your existing cabinet color? The best way to check is by bringing an actual paint swatch with you when shopping. Seeing the two colors side-by-side takes the guesswork out of achieving cabinet hardware harmony.

Paint stores can provide you with gray cabinet paint swatches. Bring these along to hold against the pulls, knobs or handles you're considering. The hardware will either blend in subtly or pop boldly against the swatch.

Mixing Metals and Finishes Adds Visual Interest

While matching cabinet hardware finishes creates a seamless look, combining two or more metal colors and textures can be an easy way to make a bolder statement. In most cases, you'll want one dominant hardware finish paired with metallic accents.

For instance, mainly install brushed nickel cup pulls on cool gray cabinets but use a few matte black knobs as accent points. Or couple antique brass handles with a pop of shiny chrome. Get creative while keeping the overall palette cohesive.

Use Color to Set the Kitchen Mood

Beyond the cabinet hardware, don't forget about paint colors, tiles, textiles and decor pieces that can further accent your gray kitchen. Soft, muted hues help create a calm and peaceful mood. Earth tones like beige, brown and terracotta add warmth and homeyness.

Conversely, painting an accent wall or backsplash in a saturated tone like navy, emerald or poppy red makes the space lively and vibrant. Ultimately, let your personal style and the vibe you want to achieve guide your color choices.

Gray kitchen cabinets serve as a fabulous neutral foundation for your dream kitchen look. By strategically choosing cabinet hardware in finishes that complement the gray tone, you can create a cohesive, polished space. Assess cabinet undertones, compare paint swatches, play with mixing metals and factor in the mood you want to emanate. With this comprehensive approach, your beautiful new hardware will flawlessly accent those gray cabinets.