7 Gray Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Designers Swear By
For many years, gray kitchen cabinets (also known as “millennial gray kitchens”) seemed to be the default trend in most homes. Within the last year, however, industry insiders began pushing against this predominantly popular style in kitchens far and wide. While more people are gravitating toward bold, dramatic cupboard hues, designers say this color hasn’t completely lost its timeless charm.
“The appeal of gray and greige cabinets is rooted in their versatility and ability to pair with the other elements in a room,” says Jennifer Carter, principal designer at Studio Envie. “Gray tones have the ability to skew either cool or warm, which makes them very versatile. But I think the real reason they are appealing is because they are safe — and kitchens are a huge investment.”
Kitchen remodels vary in price, and while there are formulas to estimate how much yours may cost, real estate experts appreciate gray’s staying power compared with trendier colors. That’s because neutrals may make your home easier to sell, explains Jennifer Weisberg, principal designer for JLW Interiors. “While bolder colors like cobalt and turquoise blues have become more in vogue for kitchen cabinets in recent years, they convey a more assertive visual presence,” she says. “Gray and greige are classics as they elicit a sense of quiet luxury and calm, which will always resonate with homeowners.”
Timelessness and the adaptability of gray kitchen cabinets are indeed a positive — but Leyla Jaworski, founder and creative director of The Shop from Design Shop Interiors , adds there are potential drawbacks. For example, Jaworski shares that they can feel cold without added textures; they can also sometimes look overdone. Warm finishes and thoughtful decor can quickly change this.
“We steer clear of cooler grays with blue undertones and lean into warmer tones that feel more timeless,” Jaworski explains. “Adding natural elements like wood, unlacquered metals, and textured tile adds that timeless dimension. Lighting also makes all the difference. Lighting can completely transform how gray reads in a space.”
There are many materials and colors that designers know work wonderfully with gray cabinets, adding flair while still maintaining their classic calmness. “I like using warm grays right now, mixed with classic, brown-stained woods like oak and walnut, white marble, soapstone, brass, and polished nickel,” shares Claire Staszak, principal designer and owner of Centered by Design.
Whether you currently love your gray kitchen cabinets — or are eyeing a bit of a refresh for your space — keep reading to see how designers have successfully used this classic color in each of their projects below.
Best Gray Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
You may be hearing that gray kitchens are tired or overdone, but choosing certain shades and hues for your cabinets is a sure way to make your space feel fresh and unique. “Gray might be out of style for an entire look, but neutrals are always classic on cabinetry,” Staszak says. “All shades of gray and greige can look timeless in a kitchen, especially if mixed with the right metals and wood tones.”
Looking for which colors pair well with gray kitchen cabinets? Weisberg recommends staying in a “similar color range” to make the room feel connected. “For instance, if you choose a cool, silver gray for your cabinets, an icy blue backsplash will generally coordinate well,” she says. “Whereas a brass hardware finish will pair better with a warm, smoky gray cabinet color.”
Below are real-life examples of how these talented designers used gray (or greige!) in their kitchen projects.
Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe (No. 26)
While most people likely think of a traditional light gray when it comes to their cabinets, the truth is that there are many hues within this color family. Jaworski used Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe (No. 26) for the kitchen island cabinets, and the result is dramatic. “[The paint is] a dark charcoal gray that adds bold contrast and pairs beautifully with brass,” she explains.
Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)
“Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) was the perfect choice for this home bar that served as an extension of this client’s kitchen,” Weisberg explains. “The cabinet color, in a matte finish, highlighted the silk shimmer wall covering and allowed it to truly stand out.”
Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter (1464)
If you picture a classic gray mixed with a bit of warmth, you’ll likely land on Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter (1464). Carter describes it as a “very stable, warm gray,” adding: “This color offers a more neutral palette and plays nicely with both warm and cool tones.”
Benjamin Moore’s Bruton White (CW-710)
Even though Benjamin Moore’s Bruton White (CW-710) doesn’t have “gray” in the name, it still leans greige. “I love Benjamin Moore’s historical color deck,” Staszak shares. “I didn’t want to do a white kitchen, and this shade has just enough color — it looks gray in some light and beige in others. It turned out lovely and soft in this space.”
Benjamin Moore’s Winter Solstice (1605)
If you’re looking for a gray that has a bit of oomph, consider Benjamin Moore’s Winter Solstice (1605), like Carter did in the project above. “This is a more classic middle-range color that we used to pair with wood countertops and slatelike tile,” she says.
Benjamin Moore’s Anchor Gray (2126-30)
Not ready to commit to overall gray kitchen cabinets? Follow Weisberg’s idea and paint just the interiors a splash of gray. “Benjamin Moore’s Anchor Gray (2126-30) was utilized for the interior of these kitchen cabinets,” she shares. “Its contrast against the white cabinet fronts added depth to the kitchen and accentuated the mosaic tile backsplash.”
Farrow & Ball’s Stony Ground (No. 211)
“One of our longtime favorites is Farrow & Ball’s Stony Ground (No. 211), which we’ve used across client projects and in our retail storefront, The Shop,” Jaworski says. “The perfect paint color should feel tailored to the architecture and enhance the natural light. It should elevate the room, not overpower it.”