Choose the Perfect Cabinet Color for Your Dreamy Gray Floor Kitchen
Gray floors are having a major moment in kitchen design. From light silvery grays to deep, moody charcoals, gray flooring lends an undeniably sleek, modern look to any kitchen. But all that chic, neutral groundwork also offers the ideal backdrop for adding pops of color through your cabinetry.
With so many gorgeous gray flooring options now available - from matte finishes like concrete to cool-toned woods and polished porcelain tiles - it's understandable to be obsessed with choosing that perfect gray. But don't let all that focus on flawless floors distract from picking cabinet colors that will truly make your new kitchen shine.
Consider the Undertones of Your Gray Flooring
Before selecting any cabinet colors, take a close look at the specific gray tone and undertones of your floors. Grays can range from crisp, icy blues to earthy taupes and everything in between. Identifying where your flooring color falls on that spectrum is key for choosing complementary cabinets.
Cool-toned grays with hints of blue or green will pair best with cabint colors in similar cool, icy tones like frosty whites and light blues. Warm gray floors with yellowish, beige undertones are better matched with earthier wood cabinets or warm whites.
Cool Tones Grays
Floors in shades like platinum, nickel, or charcoal gray will have hints of blue and green throughout. These cool-leaning grays work well with similarly crisp, icy cabinets like bright or antique white. Pale blue-grays also complement the floors nicely.
Deep navy blue cabinets are another chic option for kitchens with cool-toned gray floors. The rich blue has enough gray undertone to coordinate with the floors without matching exactly.
Warm Tone Grays
Warm grays like dove, beige, or greige gray often include subtle brown, taupe, or yellow undertones. These floors look best with earthy wood cabinetry in oak, walnut, or pecan. Soft sage greens or even pale yellows also bring out the warmth in the floors.
Charcoal floors with brownish undertones can be accentuated with dramatic black cabinets. Just be sure to include plenty of task lighting so the space doesn't feel too dark and cave-like.
Avoid Matching Cabinet and Floor Colors
It can be tempting to fully commit to a singular gray tone by installing identical gray floors and gray cabinets. But matching your cabinetry and floors exactly is generally not recommended from a design perspective.
Using the exact same gray shade everywhere can make your kitchen look flat and one-dimensional. The space needs some contrast between elements to create visual interest and dimension.
For a cohesive but not claustrophobic look, vary the gray tones by choosing a medium charcoal floor, for example, and pairing it with much lighter silvery gray cabinets. Or vice versa - lighter floors with bold, dark cabinets.
Cabinet Colors That Pop Against Gray Floors
When searching for that perfect cabinet shade to contrast with your dreamy gray floors, you have plenty of gorgeous options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular cabinet colors that really make gray floors shine:
Crisp White Cabinets
An iconic combo for good reason, white kitchen cabinets paired with gray floors exude modern, minimalist elegance. The stark contrast highlights both elements beautifully.
Opt for true bright white cabinets rather than cream or antique whites, which won't show up as vividly. Matte finishes also help the white pop even more compared to high-gloss.
Soothing, Light Gray Cabinets
For a more subtle take on gray-on-gray, use lighter gray cabinets over darker gray floors. The variation in shades and texture prevents a flat, boring look.
Light grays with just a hint of blue like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue work perfectly for this approach. Or try warmer heather grays for an earthier vibe.
Dramatic Black Cabinets
Deep charcoal floors provide the ideal moody backdrop for statement-making black cabinets. The crisp contrast is undeniably bold and elegant.
Keep the rest of the kitchen bright with marble countertops and plenty of brass or gold accents to prevent an overly somber look.
Vibrant Orange for Pops of Color
For contemporary kitchens with gray concrete or luxury vinyl plank floors, bright orange cabinets make a daring, cheerful statement. Mid-century modern kitchens look especially sharp with citrus cabinet colors.
Stick to deeper orange tones rather than pale creamsicles, which can appear dated. Matte finishes also lend a more refined look.
Additional Factors for Choosing Complementary Cabinets
When finalizing your cabinet selection, keep in mind additional elements like countertops, lighting and the overall function of the space.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Look at samples of any quartz, stone or tile you're considering for countertops and backsplashes next to your cabinet selection. You want all finishes to coordinate.
Avoid matching countertops and cabinets exactly. Varying materials and colors creates depth.
Kitchen Lighting
The lighting you choose can impact how colors appear in the space. For a bright, airy look, use LED lights. For a cozy ambiance, opt for incandescent under-cabinet lights.
You may need to adjust your cabinet color after installing lighting to make sure the tone matches what you envisioned.
Kitchen Function
Factor in how you use your kitchen daily. Busy family kitchens may benefit from durable laminate cabinets in navy or black. Entertaining-focused kitchens can indulge in elegant painted cabinets.
For kitchens exposed to lots of moisture, choose water-resistant vinyl or acrylic cabinets.
Choosing that flawless cabinet color to match your fabulous new gray floors may take some thoughtful consideration. But with the right undertones and finishes, your kitchen can absolutely achieve a stylish, cohesive look.
Just remember to avoid matching your grays exactly, and instead create contrast between your dreamy floors and stunning cabinetry. With so many gorgeous colors to complement gray, you're sure to find a pairing that brings your ideal kitchen vision to life.