Grey kitchen ideas – 42 ways to use grey on cabinets, worktops and walls Grey has become one of the most popular shades to welcome a modern upgrade from classic white, in all styles of kitchen. In the past, there may have been more of an all-or-nothing approach to colour in the kitchen. Today’s palette is more restrained, with grey kitchen ideas proving a major hit. Tone is important, probably even more so within the grey family where warmer greys create a different feel from blue-based shades of slate, for example. When it comes to kitchen ideas in shades of grey, consider every surface, from walls to worktops and everything in between. Grey kitchen ideas to inspire When it comes to incorporating a grey colour palette within kitchen design the possibilities are endless. For subtle contrast, two different shades of the same calm colour tend to work better on cabinetry than three or four, which can look like a design mistake. An island painted in a deeper or contrasting colour to that of the wall cabinets will make it a focal point in your grey kitchen. Base cabinets in darker shades than wall cupboards enhance the design and prevent it looking top heavy. For stronger, contrasting kitchen colour schemes, think light and dark, or two bold greys of the same ‘weight’ and balance. Too much heavy colour can make a room feel smaller, so you may want to balance things with a neutral floor and walls. For balance, clever kitchen lighting is all-important in a grey kitchen. Delivering the right level of brightness and warmth as and where you need it. 1. Create a contrast Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme Grey and white is a classic combination that goes together naturally and a great choice if you want a timeless look that won’t date. The devil is in the detail with an understated look like this, with luxe surfaces and accent fittings that will keep a simple grey kitchen from looking too plain. Start with worktops, opting for luxurious white marble or composite to add a feeling of spaciousness. Continue with glossy white tiled splash backs for a seamless, uninterrupted look. Floor tiles are a great way of bringing in pattern with a classic, all-over design adding a subtle hint without overpowering the room. Finish off with luxurious fittings, from drawer pulls and handles to tap fitments to light pendants. Copper or brass will stand out and make more of a statement than standard stainless steel. 2. Can’t decide which grey? Try a two-tone kitchen Image credit: Future PLC If you’re having trouble choosing between the shades of grey, using one as an accent colour is the way to go. A two-tone kitchen cabinet colour scheme allows the use of bolder more confident shades without overwhelming the space. Keep to the paler coloured cabinets for the majority of the kitchen, opting for grey (or the bolder colour choice) on a third or less of the total space, so that it isn’t too overpowering. Introducing a freestanding island or a single bank of wall cabinets are great devices when putting a two-tone kitchen colour scheme together. 3. Perk up plain grey with playful terrazzo Image credit: Walls and Floors Lively patterns help bring punch to a plain kitchen. One of the biggest tile trends right now, terrazzo is hardwearing, easy-clean and resistant to water, so the perfect choice for practical spaces like kitchens and utility rooms. Try a tiled splash back in a muted mix of black, white and grey to tie in with kitchen cabinets. Extend tiling to take in the floor for a bolder look, or embrace colour with a bright colour-pop terrazzo in sunny primary shades or soft plaster pink tones to give your kitchen a hint of the Med. 4. Frame your work zone in an open plan kitchen Image credit: Future PLC/Amanda Turner Contrast is always good in a grey kitchen or otherwise the space can feel a bit flat and lifeless. Framing a bank of grey units with contrast units in a glossy black finish grabs the attention and gives the space focus. The longline island acts as a room divider with outward-facing sink and hob so cooks can still socialise while they work. 5. Add a purple island to make grey cabinets pop Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Snook Introducing a bold accent colour on a central island will give a plain grey kitchen new focus. Keep cabinetry style the same for a cohesive look, but choose a vibrant, contrast shade so that the island takes centre stage. Keep worktops consistent throughout the kitchen to tie the colour palette together. And in an open-plan kitchen-diner, choose a table in a wood with a similar tone or grain, to echo the feeling of continuity. 6. Banish hard angles with a curvy kitchen Image credit: Future PLC/ Robert Sanderson Consider curves to bring life to a standard grey kitchen and break up hard edges and harsh angles. Give a compact kitchen a better sense of flow by opting for a central island with rounded corners and contoured profile so access around the kitchen is smooth and uninterrupted. Combine several shades of grey to prevent a grey kitchen from feeling flat. Consider going a couple of shades lighter on top cabinets and choosing a pale, light-reflective work surface to add sparkle and bounce light around the space. 7. Add a lively pattern to perk up walls and floors Image credit: Tile Giant Too much grey can be overpowering in a tight space so soften the look of an all-grey kitchen by bringing in lighter elements and glossy surfaces. A tiled splash back in a lively pattern and contrast colour is one of the easiest ways of lifting a dark scheme. A Victoriana-style porcelain tile takes on a modern twist teamed with classic grey units. Try a simple tiled splash back on its own to add an instant hit of pattern, or go all-out for pattern and continue…

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