How To Choose The Perfect Blue Gray Paint For Your Kitchen Cabinets

With their calming, coastal-inspired hues, blue gray kitchen cabinets can infuse your cooking space with serenity and style. But with so many shades of blue gray paint on the market, how do you select the perfect tranquil tone for your kitchen remodel or refresh?

Follow this helpful guide on choosing the ideal blue gray cabinet color. We'll explore popular paint options, undertones to consider, pairing colors, and expert tips on getting the look just right.

Why Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets?

Blue gray cabinetry offers a versatile update that complements both modern and traditional kitchen aesthetics. These muted blue paints evoke feelings of relaxation with their cool, laid-back tones. Blue grays add dimension while still remaining neutral enough to work with a variety of styles.

Unlike stark whites, soft blue grays inject subtle color without overpowering a space. And unlike some bolder blues, these hues have a timeless appeal. So whether you love modern farmhouse, coastal, or traditional decor, blue gray cabinets can be an elegant choice.

Calming, Peaceful Ambiance

With their association with soothing water elements, blue grays naturally create a peaceful state of mind. The cool tranquility of these hues will make your kitchen an oasis from the stresses of everyday life.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee or cooking a weeknight dinner, the calming effect of blue gray cabinets helps promote relaxation. Studies even show such cool hues can lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Versatile for Design Styles

From light airy pastels to deeper slate tones, the versatility of blue gray makes it suitable for any style. Soft muted blue grays complement both rustic farmhouse spaces and sleek modern designs.

Go for a pale robin's egg blue for a whimsical cottage kitchen. Or choose an elegant medium slate shade for a more refined contemporary look. Gray blues work with countertops ranging from Carrara marble to quartz.

Timeless, Classic Appeal

While bright primary colors come in and out of fashion, blue gray has lasting staying power. The natural, neutral aspect of these mellow shades provides a clean, fresh backdrop.

Whether your overall aesthetic is modern farmhouse or traditional, blue gray kitchen cabinets will have an enduring look you won't tire of. And you can easily build upon the color scheme by integrating trending accent shades.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Blue Gray Paint

With so many stunning blue grays on the market, narrowing down your options can be tough. Keep these essential factors in mind as you evaluate cabinet paint colors:

Undertones

The undertones present in blue gray paint have a significant impact on the overall effect created. Green, purple and taupe undertones give blue gray more depth and interest.

Look for soft, subtle undertones for a sophisticated color. Avoid blue grays with strong purple notes, as these can read dated. Green and greige undertones complement most aesthetics beautifully.

Tone and Shade

The depth of color also influences the look and feel of your kitchen. Softer, pale shades like Benjamin Moore Pale Oak or Sherwin Williams Sea Salt feel ethereal and airy.

Deeper slate blue grays like Behr Evening Hush or Benjamin Moore Gray Mirage have a cozier, more grounded look. Evaluate the overall aesthetic you want before deciding on tone.

Paint Finishes

Choosing between satin, matte and high gloss finishes also impacts the visual effect. Matte blue grays have an ultra-soft, approachable vibe perfect for a cottage kitchen.

Satin or semi-gloss finishes offer alluring light reflection that highlights cabinetry details. Consider your style, lighting and other surfaces when deciding on sheen.

Most Popular Blue Gray Cabinet Paint Colors

These top blue gray paint colors for kitchen cabinets offer stunning choices across various brand options:

Benjamin Moore Blue Gray Cabinet Paints

• Pale Oak - soft, peaceful green-gray
• Edgecomb Gray - light warm gray with hints of blue
• Palladian Blue - slightly deeper, greener tone

Sherwin Williams Blue Grays

• Repose Gray - popular, versatile, evergreen tone
• Rainwashed - gray blue with green undertones
• Oceanside - airy, brighter tone reminiscent of sea glass

Behr Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinet Colors

• Evening Hush - deeper slate blue
• Cote D'Azure - green-gray inspired by the ocean
• Harbor Slate - muted with subtle purple notes

Valspar Blue Gray Paints

• Lakeshore Fog - light, misty robin's egg blue
• Windy Blue - airy pastel with green undertone
• Chelsea Gray - calming, neutral slate gray-blue

Choosing Your Cabinet Style

Along with selecting a flawless blue gray paint, consider how your cabinet door style and hardware will complement the serene color scheme.

Door Styles

Clean-lined recessed panel or Shaker doors allow blue gray tones to take center stage. Slab cabinet fronts also pair seamlessly with blue gray paint.

Distressed, ornamental, or brightly painted doors may compete too much with the peaceful palette. Opt for simple door styles to highlight soothing blue grays.

Hardware

Stainless steel and cool-toned nickel or chrome knobs and pulls bring out blue undertones beautifully. Matte black and oil-rubbed bronze also enrich blue grays with warm contrast.

Brass finishes complement blue gray as well - just opt for muted antiqued or brushed brass over shiny brass tones. Handle shapes should remain simple and streamlined.

Painting Techniques for Kitchen Cabinets

Achieving an immaculate, streak-free blue gray finish relies on proper painting techniques. Careful prep and application are key:

• Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to rough up the surface
• Apply high-quality primer to ensure optimal adhesion
• Use mini paint roller and angled brush to paint cabinets smoothly and evenly
• Add a second finish coat, allowing proper dry time between coats

Patience is essential, but the payoff is worth it. Follow paint can directions closely and work in a dust-free area for blue gray perfection.

Additional Tips and Inspiration

A few final pointers for complementing your blue gray kitchen cabinets:

• Opt for soft white LED or pendant lighting to enhance the airy color
• Pair with marble, quartz, or soapstone countertops and natural wood floors
• Add pops of color with a brick red or emerald green backsplash
• Incorporate glass cabinet accents to reflect light beautifully

For more inspiration, browse images of blue gray kitchens in your favorite Pinterest boards and home magazines. Identify examples that align with your personal style.

With their timeless appeal and soothing effect, blue gray kitchen cabinets can infuse your space with coastal charm and an irresistible sense of calm. Follow the tips above to choose a flawless gray blue paint shade perfectly suited to your style.

Beautiful blue grays like Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, and Valspar Lakeshore Fog offer today's most popular cabinet colors. Just ensure your blue gray has attractive undertones and a shade that complements your overall aesthetic vision.

Then focus on painting cabinets properly, choosing complementary hardware and lighting, and adding special touches to craft your ideal peaceful kitchen retreat.