Grey kitchens are often said to be dull and gloomy in the kitchen space, but that’s really not the case as long as you know how to style them to create a unique and flawless look that stands the test of time. The best thing about grey kitchens is that they work in any type of design, whether ultra-modern or farmhouse, meaning there’s something for any homeowner. Moreover, this kitchen design really gets outdated, making it a long-term investment for your home. 

The good news is that there are endless ideas when it comes to styling a grey kitchen, and if you’re looking for some inspiration to help you get started, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we give you 8 tips on how to design a grey kitchen you will stay in love with for many years to come. Read on!

Go for a two-tone kitchen

If you have a hard time deciding which shade of grey would look best in your kitchen, go for a two-tone kitchen cabinet instead, where one shade can be used as an accent. This colour scheme enables the use of bolder and more confident shades without making the space look overwhelming. 

Our recommendation is to opt for grey for nearly a third (or less) of the overall space to ensure it’s not overpowering. Consider including a single bank of wall cabinets or a freestanding island, as these elements are excellent for pulling together a two-tone kitchen colour scheme. 

Incorporate wood furnishings 

Grey doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to aesthetics, as it is considered cold. However, you can mix in some wood and create a warm look and a balance between cosiness and modernity. The key is to opt for the right shade and ensure it merges well with the right tone of timber. 

Consider a wood dining table or an island with a wood base, which will perfectly match the grey kitchen. Opting for contrasting finishes is also smart, but it’s essential to choose the shade of the wood based on how dark or light the kitchen is. For instance, a light grey tone requires a darker wood, such as walnut, to add richness to the space, while a dark grey kitchen requires a lighter wood, such as oak, birch, or pine. 

Add a statement island

Adding a bold accent hue on a central island will transform a plain grey kitchen and give it a new focus. Our recommendation is to choose the same style for the kitchen cabinets, as this will help create a cohesive look. However, the colour should be bold and contrasting to ensure that the island becomes the focal point in the room. 

Also, worktops should be consistent throughout the kitchen’s design so that the colour scheme is tied together. Consider using accessories in the same tone to bring the secondary shade throughout the kitchen space. 

Embrace the Scandi kitchen design

More often than not, the reason why homeowners are drawn to grey kitchens is that they want to create a minimalist space. This gives them the perfect opportunity to pare a look back and turn the kitchen into a clutter-free space.

You can maximize this look by embracing the Scandi kitchen design, which consists of slab kitchen cupboards and ultra-simplistic handles. This creates an uninterrupted swath of cabinetry that is pleasant to look at and keeps kitchenware hidden. If you want to take the look even further, choose large cupboards instead of small drawers, as this will help prevent the number of joins. 

Incorporate a lively pattern

Too much grey can overpower a tight kitchen, so consider softening the look by incorporating glossy surfaces and lighter elements. One excellent idea to lift a dark scheme is to add a tiled splashback in a lively pattern, but make sure a contrasting colour is used. 

Consider opting for a simple tiled splashback, which can instantly add a hit of pattern, or opt for the pattern if that’s what you prefer the most, keeping the exact design of the floor tiles as well. 

Mix grey with gold finishes

If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to your grey kitchen, consider including chic metallic finishes. Elements such as pendant lights with metallic accents, stainless steel appliances, and brass fixtures can help introduce subtle hints of glamour, complementing grey tones and infusing a sense of luxury into the kitchen. 

You can choose dark grey, which offers versatility, and strike a balance by opting for subtler, lighter shades as well. Gray kitchens come in a variety of styles, and you can opt for a darker shade, as it can be a fantastic canvas for accentuating details, whether by adding copper, brass or chrome accents, or including complementary hues such as green, boosting the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Create contrast with the floor

For the kitchen flooring, you should choose materials that offer texture and contrast. Lighter hardwood tiles or floors with warm undertones can help offset the cabinets’ darkness and add visual interest. 

For the worktop, marble-inspired quartz designs in lighter shades are an excellent choice. They complement dark grey kitchens while providing elegance and durability. 

Opt for pale grey and add reflective surfaces in a tiny kitchen

If you have a kitchenette, you’ll obviously have to make different choices to ensure an outstanding look. Opting for dark grey units isn’t the best idea, so consider opting for a soft grey instead. 

You can complement the cabinetry with stainless-steel accessories such as appliances and kickboards, as well as a sink, which will help reflect light around the tiny kitchen. This shows that grey kitchens work well in any type of space and can be sophisticated rather than gloomy. 

The bottom line

There you have it: a list of inspiring ideas to help you create an outstanding grey kitchen that never gets old! All of these ideas are proof that grey isn’t a bad choice as some people say: the key is knowing some tips on how to style it so you can create a look you will be proud of. So, are you ready to turn your grey kitchen into a culinary retreat?