Grey is a pretty common colour in interior design, being used in all areas of the home, but especially in the kitchen, where it has been a favourite for many years. However, grey can also be a quite divisive choice, since both designers and homeowners tend to have very different opinions on it. Some appreciate the neutral hue and think it’s perfect for the kitchen area, while others are all fed up with the fad.
This makes many wonder if grey is still a colour they should be considering for their kitchen design or if this colour, along with all its variations, has already had its day in the sun, and now it’s time to leave it behind. Trends come and go all the time, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see grey kitchens ruled as obsolete. Since picking a colour palette is one of the most important aspects of designing a kitchen or any other room, you need to make sure if grey is the right option for you or not. This calls for a closer look at the benefits and potential shortcomings of integrating grey into your kitchen’s design.
The case for grey kitchens
Whatever your stance on the matter may be, it can’t be denied that grey kitchens have a lot going for them, and if you’re not sure what makes them so popular, here’s a rundown of their strong suits, starting with their most important feature, versatility.
Being a neutral colour means that grey pairs well with almost everything and can adapt to every design style you may choose for your kitchen, be it traditional, classic, or contemporary. If you’re aiming for a modern look, sleek grey cabinets combined with cutting-edge appliances and some bright pops of colour for contrast can make your kitchen look modern and sophisticated. Similarly, if you want to infuse your kitchen with old-world charm, incorporating grey shaker-style units alongside vintage décor elements will help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
Grey hues create a canvas on which you can layer all sorts of different design elements, allowing you to create countless combinations and play with numerous components without making the space feel overwhelming. This versatility gives grey kitchens a timeless quality, helping them seamlessly transition from one era to another, withstanding the test of time and keeping their allure intact through the years while many other trends blossom and fade around them. A timeless colour scheme is highly beneficial in the long run since it ensures your kitchen won’t become outdated fast, and you won’t have to upgrade or renovate it as often, thus saving you plenty of time, effort, and money.
Another aspect that makes grey kitchens particularly appealing to homeowners is their ability to conceal dirt and signs of wear and tear. With most kitchens being subjected to intense use and having to endure heat, moisture, and grease, any trick that could make them look their best for longer is welcome. So, if you appreciate the timelessness and adaptability of white kitchens but worry about maintenance, grey is a good alternative to consider. While you’ll still have to clean regularly and care for your kitchen regardless of colour, at least you won’t have to wipe surfaces every single day or several times a day to keep them spotless.
On top of that, far from being a boring colour as some might think, grey comes in a wide variety of shades, ranging from off-whites to dark charcoals, so you can pick the one that best suits your setting.
Last but not least, according to colour psychology, grey tones are known to induce feelings of peace and comfort, helping you create a calm and relaxing ambience by choosing the right hues. Lighter shades can also make a space feel brighter, while darker tones can be used to create an inviting and cosy atmosphere.
These aspects make grey kitchens a solid design option, so even if they might have lost some ground to other trends in recent years, they are far from being out of fashion and remain the go-to choice for many homeowners these days.
Getting it right
Just because grey hues can look stunning in the kitchen doesn’t mean this colour scheme guarantees great results every time, and you can’t go wrong with it. You can, and chances are you will if you don’t know how to work with it. Poorly executed grey kitchens end up looking dull, cold, and outdated, the kind of look no one would appreciate in their home. So, how can you avoid these common pitfalls and ensure your grey kitchen looks flawless?
There are a few basic rules that can help you get things right, as follows:
- Take the size of the room into account to decide whether lighter or darker shades of grey are more appropriate. Choose softer tones if you have a small kitchen and feel free to go darker if you have plenty of space at your disposal.
- Think about the appliances and accessories you already have or want to incorporate into your design and see how they would match different grey tones. Opt for a colour that works well with these elements to ensure a unified and cohesive look.
- Consider your personal taste when choosing how you’re going to use grey inside your kitchen. After all, you’re the one who will be spending time in this space, and your style preferences should dictate your design decisions, no matter what the “rules” say you should do. Don’t be afraid to take chances, experiment, and change things up until you find a formula that feels right for you.
Grey is always a good idea in the kitchen, no matter what type of look you intend to create, so if you enjoy this particular colour scheme, you should definitely give it a try.