Give Your Kitchen a Breath of Fresh Air with Repose Gray Cabinets

If you're looking to give your kitchen an airy, sophisticated update, repose gray cabinets may be the perfect solution. This popular, versatile neutral gray has been making waves in kitchen design, offering a warmer alternative to stark white for a transitional look that works in both traditional and contemporary spaces.

What is Repose Gray?

With its warm, taupey undertones, repose gray is often described as a "greige" - a mix between gray and beige. This distinctive neutral was created and popularized by Sherwin Williams as part of their celebrated gray and greige palette.

While many gray paint colors skew slightly cool or lavender, repose gray sets itself apart with subtle tawny brown undertones. This makes it a versatile neutral that isn't too stark or icy.

Origins and History of Repose Gray

Part of their popular "Collector's Edition" paint palette, Sherwin Williams first introduced repose gray in 2016. It quickly emerged as a rising star neutral among their selection of grays.

As the maker of many go-to neutral paints like Alabaster and Shoji White, Sherwin Williams has a reputation in the design world for spotting elegant crossover colors. Repose gray fits that bill with its warm yet refined vibe.

What Makes Repose Gray Unique

While repose gray leans slightly warm, its undertones are fairly subtle. It avoids veering too beige or taupe but has a softer look than many grays.

This chameleon-like quality allows repose gray to blend with various design styles. It provides a transitional look in both modern and more traditional kitchens.

Why Choose Repose Gray Kitchen Cabinets

There are many reasons to consider repose gray if you're in the market for new kitchen cabinets.

Works in Many Kitchen Design Styles

From contemporary to modern farmhouse, repose gray cabinets feel right at home in most kitchen aesthetics. The warm grays provide a soothing backdrop that allows other elements to shine.

In traditional kitchens, repose gray offers a refined neutral update that won't clash with existing features. For modern and contemporary spaces, repose gray provides a trendy, softer alternative to high-contrast black and white.

Ultra-Versatile Neutral Backdrop

Repose gray's versatility stems from its softly neutral foundation. Since it isn't too cool or warm, you have flexibility when it comes to countertops, backsplash, hardware and accent colors.

Pair repose gray with crisp white marble or quartz for a light and airy contrast. Or create depth with brass accents and warm wood flooring. Even bold black hardware and fixtures pop against the tranquil gray.

Softens Modern Kitchens, Modernizes Traditional Kitchens

For contemporary kitchen designs, repose gray delivers a more inviting version of the trendy "dark and moody" look. The gray adds modern flavor while warm undertones keep things cozy.

In traditional spaces, this sophisticated gray palette feels updated and serene without clashing with existing features. Repose gray modernizes kitchens gracefully.

Tips for Designing With Repose Gray Kitchen Cabinets

Ready to bring repose gray into your own kitchen? Here are some top design tips to create a cool, cohesive look:

Choosing Countertop and Backsplash Materials

To keep things fresh, opt for countertops and backsplashes with some contrast against repose gray. Crisp white quartz or marble countertops look elegant against the soft gray cabinets. For the backsplash, consider marble, quartz, ceramic or glass tile.

Since repose gray already has warm undertones, avoid matching it with beige and brown gray backsplashes and countertops. Too much tan and gray results in a flat, lifeless look.

Hardware and Lighting Finishes

Adding pops of black or brass hardware brings out repose gray's versatility. Black hardware gives things a modern twist, while brass warms up the look.

For lighting, try brass or black pendant lights over islands and dining areas. Chandeliers also complement repose gray's refined vibe.

Flooring and Other Elements

With repose gray cabinets, you have lots of options for floors. Light-toned woods, concrete, tile, and stone floors all pair beautifully. For something a little warmer, try a medium toned oak.

Don't be afraid to incorporate glass doors and open shelving for an airy accent. The gray backdrop keeps things from feeling overly busy.

Repose Gray Color Pairings

Some winning color combinations with repose gray cabinets include:

• Crisp or soft whites
• Light, airy blues
• Warm metallics like brass and gold
• Rich wood tones
• Pops of black

Keep decor simple to allow the elegant gray to shine. Avoid beiges, yellows, oranges and reds, as these can feel jarring against repose gray's cool undertones.

Repose Gray vs. Similar Gray Cabinet Colors

With gray being so popular in kitchen design, you may be wondering how repose gray compares to other gray paint options.

Repose Gray vs. Gray Cashmere, Gray Owl, etc.

Within the Sherwin Williams catalog, repose gray is often compared to other popular medium-toned grays like Gray Owl and Gray Cashmere.

While all three are sophisticated neutrals, repose gray stands out with its subtle beige undertones while the other two lean slightly more blue-gray and lavender-gray.

Benjamin Moore and Behr Repose Gray Equivalents

For designers who prefer Benjamin Moore or Behr paints, close matches to repose gray include Pale Oak and Gray Cloud.

Behr's Cyberspace is another frequently named crossover color, though it reads a bit more blue than the Sherwin Williams original.

Painting vs. Staining Kitchen Cabinets Repose Gray

Repose gray looks beautiful on cabinets whether painted or stained. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of each method.

Repose Gray Stained Cabinets

Staining cabinets in a repose gray stain works well for certain cabinet door styles like Shaker that feature visible wood grain.

Staining provides a warmer, slightly more textured look compared to painted cabinets. The wood grain shows through attractively against the gray tint.

Painted Repose Gray Cabinets

For many homeowners, painted cabinets are the most accessible option. Painting allows you to easily update cabinets without sanding or stripping.

Painted repose gray cabinets have a smooth, sleek lacquered finish that looks bold and modern. The painted finish is also more durable than stained cabinets.

FAQ

What colors go well with repose gray cabinets?

Some of the best color pairs include crisp white, light blue, brass, black, and wood tones. Avoid matching repose gray with other warm grays or beiges.

What kind of kitchen floors look best with repose gray cabinets?

Light hardwoods, concrete, tile, and stone floors complement repose gray beautifully. Medium oak floors also pair nicely for added warmth.

Should I get painted or stained repose gray cabinets?

Painted cabinets give a smooth, contemporary look that's easy to DIY. Stained cabinets showcase wood grain for a slightly warmer, textured aesthetic.

What are good repose gray kitchen backsplash ideas?

Some backsplash options that pop against repose gray include white marble, glass and ceramic tile, and brass or silver metal tile.

With its understated elegance and versatility, it's easy to see why designers are embracing repose gray cabinets in all styles of kitchens.

Repose gray's greige undertones provide the perfect marriage of timeless and trendy. Modernize a traditional kitchen or give a contemporary space a breath of fresh air with this must-try gray.