Gray Kitchen Cabinets? Here Are 8 Soothing Cool Toned Wall Colors to Consider
Gray kitchen cabinets are having a major moment in home design. These versatile cabinets pair well with a variety of materials and styles from modern to farmhouse chic. When it comes to wall color, gray cabinets look particularly striking complemented by cool-toned paint colors. Soothing blues, greens, and grays create a relaxing ambiance in the kitchen while allowing the gray cabinets to take center stage.
Whether you're seeking a crisp, bright white, a calming sage green, or bold navy blue, there's a cool paint color perfect for your style.
Bright White
Nothing is as timeless and classic as pairing bright white walls with gray kitchen cabinets. The clean white bounces light around the kitchen, opening up the space and making it feel airy. White walls serve as a "blank canvas" for decorating with accent colors and materials. It allows the gray cabinets to stand out while keeping the background light.
Soft White or Greige
For those seeking a slightly warmer alternative to stark bright white, soft white or "greige" walls are another elegant option with gray cabinets. The subtle tan or greige hue provides a cozy yet bright feel. While not as vibrant as bright white, soft white or greige still reflects light well and prevents the space from feeling too cold.
This versatile wall color works well in almost any kitchen style from modern to traditional. Pair soft white walls with glass cabinet doors to enhance the brightness.
Light Gray
Selecting a light gray wall color that's slightly lighter than your gray cabinets creates visual interest through contrast. The different shades add dimension while remaining cohesive through the same cool gray tone.
Light gray walls have an similar open, airy effect to white while providing a more layered, sophisticated look. The two cooler grays play off each other beautifully in both modern and transitional kitchens.
Light Blue
For a crisp, clean contrast to warm gray cabinets, few colors work better than a light powder blue. The soothing, soft blue tones balance out the subtle tan undertones in many gray cabinet finishes.
Whether you opt for a pale sky blue, icy blue, or weathered robin's egg blue, the tranquil blue walls bring a relaxing energy into the kitchen. Accent with marble, brass, and rattan textures for a stylish vintage vibe.
Sage Green
Earthy, soothing sage green is an unexpected yet complementary color for gray kitchen cabinets. The refreshing light green adds an organic, natural element to balance out the more industrial gray tones.
Sage green evokes creamy mint ice cream and bright green fields, bringing those invigorating sensations right into your own kitchen. Use a matte finish and brass accents to keep the calming vibe.
Robin's Egg Blue
For a playful twist on basic blue, robin's egg blue adds a cheerful pop of pastel color. This vintage-inspired shade pairs beautifully with gray kitchen cabinets, especially those with brass handles and a distressed style.
Robin's egg blue is uplifting and optimistic - an ideal complementary hue for a gray kitchen in need of some brightness. The light green-blue look especially well with marble, terra cotta floors, and woven textures.
Lavender
While an unexpected choice, soft lavender can provide a soothing complement to gray kitchen cabinets. The light purple hue - whether muted, dusty, or pale - adds a unexpectedly refreshing pop of color.
In contemporary kitchens, a muted lavender reads elegant and luxurious against cool gray cabinets. In cottage spaces, it lends a romantic, charming feel. Whatever your style, this is a creative option for those craving subtle color.
Navy Blue
On the flip side, navy blue walls provide high-impact contrast to light gray kitchen cabinets. The bold, dark blue is sophisticated yet dramatic. White subway tile and brass accents keep the moody navy feeling more refined.
The inky navy hue grounds the floating gray cabinets, allowing them to stand out crisply while enveloping the rest of the kitchen in its cool depths. For contemporary styles, few colors are as striking.
Design Considerations for Cool Toned Kitchens
When using cool-toned wall colors with gray kitchen cabinets, keep these design tips in mind:
Lighting
Proper lighting is key to maximizing the bright, airy feeling in cool-toned kitchens. Led pendant lights, recessed can lighting, and ample task lighting prevent the space from feeling too somber.
Windows and Natural Light
Incorporate large windows or skylights to fill the kitchen with natural sunlight. This allows light wall colors to truly shine and bounce light around.
Furniture and Decor
Warm wood dining tables, rattan chairs, and brass accents pop beautifully against the mix of grays and blues. Add plenty of texture through woven placemats, ceramic vases, and cozy knit blankets.
Gray kitchen cabinets offer a stylish, versatile foundation for any kitchen design. Cool-toned wall colors like light blue, sage green, soft gray, and even navy blue complement gray cabinets beautifully. They create a soothing, inviting environment for cooking and connecting.
When selecting your shade, consider the mood and aesthetic you want to cultivate in your space. Play with light and shadow to highlight your beautiful gray cabinetry. The options for colors are endless with this on-trend look!