20 Ways to Style Gray Kitchen Cabinets

These days, more and more homeowners are ditching traditional white or brown wood cabinetry in favor of rich grays in their kitchen. And it's not a surprising trend because unlike some color schemes, gray offers the perfect balance of warmth and neutrality, working well in nearly any size kitchen. And for those who think gray means drab, they'll find there are endless shades and hues in the gray family, ranging from subtle tints to bold blue-grays.

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Why Gray Isn't Going Away

Studio McGee

If you're worn out on stark white kitchens and bored by brown shaker cabinets, it's time to start having gray thoughts. This bright kitchen from Studio McGee is proof that gray doesn't mean dingy. By breaking up the upper and lower cabinets and adding in a medium shade of gray to the bottom ones, this kitchen is anything but drab.

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Mixing in Subway Tile

Kayla Lynn

Unique back-splashes are a trend in kitchen decor right now, but a standard subway tile is sometimes the most timeless and appealing choice. This stunning bright kitchen from Kayla Lynn may not be big, but the subtle gray cabinetry helps give the room more depth without feeling dark.

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Add a Hint of Blue

Rue Magazine

For those who tend to gravitate toward brighter hues, gray paint with a hint of blue is a great way to add a pop of color that won't feel dated in a few years. This blue-gray kitchen from Rue Magazine is absolutely beautiful. The charcoal wood flooring helps bring the whole look together.

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04 of 20

Don't Be Afraid of Dark Gray

eye swoon

This look may not be for the faint of heart, but it sure is eye-catching. Blogger Eye Swoon proves that even the darkest of grays can work in a kitchen. The room may feel slightly darker, but the result is a moody, almost French provincial look that's perfect for those sleepy Sunday morning pancakes.

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Distressed Cabinets

Kylie Interiors

The distressed look is in, and these cabinets from Kylie Interiors inspire us to rough up our own kitchen. The bluish shade of gray gives off an easy farmhouse vibe with just a coat of paint and a little bit of elbow grease.

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Try a Gray Pantry

paullmcraig / Instagram

Not ready to paint the cabinets quite yet? A new standing pantry, like this one seen on Paul Craig's Instagram, is a great way to embrace the gray kitchen look without making a long-term commitment. This dark gray would look gorgeous in nearly any kitchen.

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07 of 20

Gray Works With All Sizes

Jennifer Allwood Home

For those lucky enough to have a kitchen with a lot of cabinets, this space from Jennifer Allwood Home proves that even a liberal helping of gray doesn't have to overwhelm. Large kitchens can embrace the gray trend too—opting for light countertops keeps the space airy and open.

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Experiment With the Backsplash

Centsational Style

There are so many shades of gray—and because of that, it's actually an extremely versatile tone. This light gray kitchen from Centsational Style spices things up with a dot-patterned backsplash that looks fabulous with the subtle cabinets. With gray, there is a shade that works with nearly any backsplash or granite color.

60 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Every Style and Budget

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Focus on the Island

Jillian Harris

For those who can't bear to give up their all-white kitchen, test the gray waters with the island instead. This updated kitchen from Jillian Harris looks sophisticated yet unique with its multi-colored palette.

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Gray and Modern

The Plumbette

This two-toned kitchen from The Plumbette is sleek and modern, and uses a dark gray to really make the space pop. Though this designer opted for white cabinets in most of the kitchen, adding a deep gray pantry is a great way to add dimension to the space.

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A Gray IKEA Kitchen

The Sweetest Digs

Who would have thought this stunning space from The Sweetest Digs was an IKEA kitchen? By adding a touch of gray paint to the bottom cabinets, this room feels high-end and luxurious at a bargain price.

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Add Brass Details

The DIY Playbook

Gold and brass details, especially in a kitchen, are incredible, and this makeover from The DIY Playbook is an example of how brass and gray can really shine together.

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A Beautiful Farmhouse Sink

unapologetic_homes / Instagram

For those who needed an excuse to splurge on a new farmhouse sink, this kitchen from Krystal Rowley is just what you've been looking for. The modern chevron backsplash next to the vintage-inspired sink is to die for.

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Concrete Can Be Elegant

fellipelima.fotografia / Instagram

Here's a gray kitchen that's just a little out of the ordinary. Designed using concrete as its main material, this kitchen from Fellipe Lima is at once modern and elegant. The sleek countertops and contemporary cabinetry provide a polished backdrop for the stunning concrete island.

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A Gray-Green We Can't Resist

Stories by Sarah Sherman Samuel

This Easter egg-inspired painted kitchen is so fun and fresh. Spotted on Stories by Sarah Sherman Samuel, the lightly tinted gray cabinetry is a wonderful way to add in a pop of visual interest while maintaining a neutral palette.

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Mix Neutrals

homestylepl / Instagram

It's clear by now that neutral kitchens are in, whether you pick white, beige or gray. This kitchen from Homestylepl on Instagram went with both beige and gray to create a soft, inviting space. The result is a soothing and calming palette that will definitely inspire more cooking sessions.

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Gold Details

Elements of Style

This space from Elements of Style is another example of why we can't get enough of gold and gray. The amazing gold lanterns over the kitchen island make the gray palette look even more high-end.

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Pair With Dark Floors

ktchn.guide / Instagram

For those who might think dark floors with gray cabinets would look uninviting, this space from ktchn.guide proves otherwise. The deep flooring accentuates the hint of blue in the gray cabinets and makes the whole space feel like a gorgeously designed artist's loft.

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Gray and Natural Wood

Homebunch

This kitchen from Homebunch is the perfect coastal-inspired space for anyone who wants a rustic-yet-modern feel in their home. The reclaimed wood walls pair perfectly with the light gray tones.

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Teal-eriffic

V Interiors

This sea glass backsplash from V Interiors is one of the most beautiful complements to a gray-dominated palette we've seen yet. The result is fresh and unique, but still traditional enough not to feel dated in the next few years.

FAQ

Is the color gray a popular choice for kitchen cabinets?

Gray falls into the neutral category of the color spectrum, making it a favorite color for kitchen cabinets, although white is still the most popular one.
What colors go best with gray kitchen cabinets?

White is often selected for the countertops or walls as an accent for gray kitchen cabinets. The combination of these two colors is a good contrast and makes the room feel spacious and clean.
What accent finish goes with gray kitchen cabinets?

Gray kitchen cabinets are versatile and you can accent them with silver, gold, bronze, black, and copper hardware and light fixtures, etc.