Take Your Kitchen Style up a Notch with Sophisticated Grey Cabinets
If your kitchen is looking tired and dated, grey cabinets can give it the modern yet timeless upgrade it needs. Painting cabinets a chic shade of grey is an easy yet dramatic update that takes your kitchen's style up a sophisticated notch.
Grey kitchen cabinets create a bold, sleek statement that looks high-end and expensive - but can actually be achieved through an affordable makeover. More nuanced and interesting than basic white, grey adds a touch of warmth and richness to your space.
Why Go Grey?
Grey kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now because they offer so many style benefits for modern kitchens. Going grey gives your kitchen a look that is simultaneously sleek yet soft - more interesting than stark white but not as harsh as black can sometimes read.
The color grey inherently lends kitchen cabinets a refined, upscale appearance. When done right using the perfect grey tone, your kitchen will radiate elegance and have that sought-after designer feel without the outrageous price tag.
Sleek Sophistication
A gorgeous hue of grey instantly elevates the look of your kitchen to refined and sophisticated. The color grey has an inherently chic, luxurious feel to it that is perfect for a modern kitchen redesign. Grey kitchen cabinets make a bold statement and your kitchen will have that special designer touch.
Beautiful Contrast
One of the best aspects of grey kitchen cabinets is that they provide beautiful contrast. Lighter grey cabinets pop beautifully against dark countertops and hardware for definition. Dark charcoal grey cabinets contrast stunningly with white marble counters and brass accents.
Cohesion
Grey kitchen cabinets create harmony and flow. Matching your kitchen island, bar stools and lighting fixtures to your grey cabinets ties everything together seamlessly. Grey provides a neutral base that allows you to add pops of any color through accessories.
Choosing the Best Grey Paint Color
While grey kitchen cabinets are trending, it is crucial to pick the right shade of grey that complements your space. Not all greys are created equal, so putting thought into the grey tone and undertone will ensure your kitchen has that polished look.
Undertones
When selecting a grey, pay attention to the color undertones. Greys with blue undertones pair beautifully with dark finishes and metals like matte black and stainless steel. Warmer greys with subtle brown, beige or tan undertones complement light marble, wood accents and antique bronze hardware.
Dark vs. Light
Also factor in lightness versus darkness. Deeper charcoals, navies and black-greys are great for small kitchens because the rich color makes the space feel cocooning instead of cramped. Lighter oyster grays and driftwood whites read airier for large, open kitchens.
Popular Grey Paint Colors
Some fail-safe grey paint colors for kitchen cabinets include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter - a warm greige
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray - a light blue-gray
- Behr Pale Oak - a warm, tan-influenced grey
- Valspar Kettle Grey - a medium charcoal grey
- Farrow & Ball Shadow White - a sophisticated blue-toned grey
Whitewashing for a Two-Tone Look
Take your grey kitchen cabinets to the next level by whitewashing them for contrast. Whitewashing involves diluting white paint so that a light wash of color lets the wood grain show through.
Varying Opacity
You can control the opacity of the whitewash depending on how much wood texture you want peeking through. Use a heavier whitewash for just a hint of wood, or thin it out more for prominent grain.
Visual Interest
Painting perimeter cabinet frames, doors and trim in a whitewash while leaving main cabinets grey provides eye-catching distinction. The white wash ties everything together while the contrast adds stylish depth.
Vintage Vibe
For more of a weathered, antique look, apply dark wax over top of the whitewash. This antiquing technique works beautifully on open shelving or island ends.
Steps for Painting Cabinets Grey
Achieving a professional looking grey cabinet paint job follows many of the same steps as painting kitchen cabinets white. Follow these tips for flawless results:
Prep
Thoroughly clean cabinets using TSP substitute to remove grease and grime. Lightly scuff surfaces with sandpaper so the paint adheres perfectly.
Prime
Apply a high-quality primer formulated specifically for painting kitchen cabinets, like Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer or Sherwin Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer.
Paint
Use a top-quality cabinet paint such as Sherwin Williams ProClassic, Benjamin Moore Advance or Fusion Mineral Paint. Employ multiple thin coats for even coverage and an ultra smooth finish.
Protect
Seal painted cabinets with a clear polyurethane for enhanced protection and sheen. For added durability, roll on two coats of water-based poly, letting the first coat fully dry before adding the second.
Design Ideas for Grey Kitchens
When designing your grey kitchen, lean into elements that complement the sophisticated color.
Mix Materials
Grey cabinetry looks stunning mixed with materials like marble, quartz, glass and chrome. Try open shelving or glass cabinet doors to break up all the grey while showing off cool dinnerware.
Bright Accents
Embrace your grey kitchen cabinets then liven things up with pops of colors through accessories and appliances. Vibrant kitchen towels, turquoise bar stools and a ruby mixer make grey cabinets shine.
Warm Metals
Soften the modern edge of grey cabinets by incorporating hardware with warm patinas. Brass, antique bronze and aged nickel provide beautiful balance.
Tone on Tone
Take your grey kitchen to a striking new level by painting the walls, island, lighting and barstools in tones of grey. Visually uniform while anything but boring.
Grey kitchen cabinets provide one of the most dramatic yet easy kitchen makeovers. Choosing a grey with proper blue or brown undertones ensures your kitchen radiates refined sophistication.
For added interest, whitewash perimeter cabinets and frames. Follow the right steps to paint cabinets like a pro for a flawless finish. Then accessorize with materials, metals and colors that complement chic grey.