Reese Witherspoon's gray kitchen cabinets offer a designer-approved twist on the modern 'new neutral'

The power of conventional gray kitchens is wavering, as many designers may warn us – but what happens when there's a twist on the once-popular hue? Introducing: gray-green – the warmer, earthier alternative to the classic – and it's already favored by the likes of Reese Witherspoon.

The actress recently shared a look inside her power gray-green-hued kitchen – showcasing cabinets drenched in this trending tone. Reese's cupboards and cabinetry still boast the moody yet sophisticated feel we all grew to love about gray, but it's a slightly bolder twist on the cool neutral – and designers are quick to share their love for this emerging hue. But what makes it so sought after?

'Gray-green exudes a soothing aura. The color contributes to establishing a tranquil and serene environment in your dwelling,' says New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky.

Artem Kropovinsky

Designer Artem Kropovinsky has a decade of global design experience, including founding Arsight – a residential and commercial interior design studio based in New York. He manages a team of passionate professionals working on projects in the US and worldwide. 

As with all 'color trends,' you'd be forgiven for approaching gray-green with caution –but as the designer explains – this hue is more than a fleeting fad. Firstly, because its therapeutic aura is unlikely to fall out of vogue – and secondly, because it's so easy to get right. And he's not alone in his observations. 

'Gray-green works beautifully in the home because they combine neutral, soothing earthy tones,' adds kitchen expert and Nieu Cabinet's head of design, Teri Simone.

'Greens with a hint of a gray undertone make for a balanced color palette, and both provide grounding elements that can be emphasized with pops of other bright tones to warm up the space,' he adds. In the case of a kitchen, we'd recommend looking for a vibrantly-hued appliance or collection of bright-colored cookbooks that will bring more color to the space. 'Alternatively, soft linen curtains will create a subtle contrast.'

How to style gray-green kitchen cabinets

As Teri explains, choosing bold-colored appliances is one way to highlight this hue in your kitchen. However, are even more ways to make this color work for you. 

Artem recommends introducing nature-inspired elements that work well against the grounding hue. 'This could encompass items such as floral, botanical arrangements, or a textile with a pattern that derives from nature,' he says. 

'Also, remember to focus on your kitchen lighting. Appropriate illumination is crucial for any space, but it is particularly significant in a gray-green setting where you can accentuate its welcoming and warm tones' – to create a sociable space that is as beautiful as it is functional.

We're starting with this color match to Reese's paint via Backdrop below.

Silver Lake Dad paint sample| $6.00 at Backdrop

This soothing tone is the perfect example of what happens when gray meets green. Alongside its good looks, we love this shade is easy to apply and seamlessly washable. We also love that Backdrop is a sustainable paint brand so we can order our samples with confidence. 

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