Gray has a bad reputation for being foreboding, unsexy, and just rather plain. But done right, gray is one of the most versatile neutrals you can use in your home. This sultry shade goes with every color and can be used to add depth and sophistication to any room.
Of all the neutrals, gray is one that instantly brings gravitas. Gray is a color that has its own weather system of light levels and hues. From the gentle gray morning rain to the breathtaking drama of dark storm clouds, the scope for creating beautiful interiors is endless, especially when it comes to the heart of the home. It is a shade that has always been popular in the kitchen – and for a good reason.
It comes as no surprise that British actor Henry Cavill has chosen this unsuspecting non-color for the kitchen cabinets in his modern kitchen. It pairs beautifully with the beige backsplash and black hardware for a contemporary look.
Decorating with gray harmonizes well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore. 'It is the reason why gray kitchen ideas are, even though it has had a recent dip in popularity, still at the forefront of our kitchen cabinet color choices.'
Despite our love for gray fading in recent years, we expect 2025 to see something on a comeback for this unsung neutral.
A new kitchen is a big investment while updating an existing one can involve a lot of upheaval, so whichever style or color you opt for it must have staying power. Gray has the benefit of being neutral, which means that it will look timeless on its own, contrast well with other colors, and complement many different materials and surfaces.
‘Gray is calming and softens a room,' says Suzanne Francis, kitchen designer at Tom Howley. 'In psychology, it represents peace and balance which is so important within a home. It’s practical, simple and reliable.'
‘When it comes to kitchen color trends – soft, muted gray tones can create a warm atmosphere for dinner parties without the worry of passing color trends and fads,’ adds Tom Howley, design director. It is why I believe that gray will never truly date – it all depends on how you style it.
Shop the gray look
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