Gray Kitchen Cabinets? See 7 Color Palettes That Pair Perfectly with Gray Cabinets

You've made­ up your mind to opt for gray kitchen cabinets. Awesome­ decision! The trend for gray has be­en strong for a while now, and it shows no signs of fading. Now you're face­d with stylish gray cabinets and wondering... what works best with the­m? It's okay, I can relate. 

While re­fitting my kitchen last year, it was a real puzzle­ to pick the perfect color combinations. Ye­t after dealing with heaps of color sample­s and a bit of experimenting, I discove­red some fabulous color scheme­s that superbly complement gray cabine­ts.

7 Color Palettes That Pair Perfectly with Gray Kitchen Cabinets

Whether you're going for moody and dramatic or light and airy, I've got you covered with 7 foolproof color palettes that'll make your gray cabinets pop. Let's dive in!

1. Classic White and Gray

You really can't go wrong with this timeless combo. White walls provide a crisp, clean backdrop that lets your gray cabinets take center stage. It's like the little black dress of kitchen design - it never goes out of style.

For the walls, I'm a big fan of Benjamin Moore's Simply White. It's got just enough warmth to keep things from feeling sterile, but it's still bright and fresh. Pair it with a cooler-toned gray for your cabinets, like Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray, for a look that's both sophisticated and welcoming.

To keep things from feeling too monochromatic, add in some natural wood tones. A butcher block island or some floating shelves in a warm oak would look amazing. And don't forget to add some greenery! A few potted herbs on the windowsill will add life and color.

2. Moody Blue and Gray

For those who want something a little more dramatic, try pairing your gray cabinets with a deep, moody blue. It's unexpected but totally works.

I'm obsessed with Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue for this look. It's a rich, saturated blue with green undertones that pairs beautifully with gray. Use it on an accent wall or even on all the walls if you're feeling bold. Trust me, it'll make your gray cabinets pop like crazy.

For the cabinets, go with a lighter gray to keep things from getting too dark. Something like Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl would be perfect. Add in some brass hardware and fixtures to warm things up and you've got a kitchen that feels both classic and totally current.

3. Warm Greige and Gray

If you're worried about your kitchen feeling too cool or sterile, try pairing your gray cabinets with a warm greige. It's the perfect middle ground between gray and beige, and it adds just enough warmth without clashing with your cabinets.

Sherwin-Williams' Agreeable Gray is my go-to for this look. Despite the name, it's actually a warm greige that plays really nicely with cooler grays. Use it on the walls and pair it with a mid-tone gray for your cabinets, like Benjamin Moore's Coventry Gray.

To really lean into the warm, cozy vibe, add in some natural textures. A jute rug, woven baskets, and some wooden cutting boards on display will all help soften the space and make it feel lived-in.

4. Sunny Yellow and Gray

Want to brighten things up? Yellow and gray is an unexpected combo that totally works. It's like a ray of sunshine in your kitchen!

Now, I'm not talking about a bold, in-your-face yellow. Think softer, more buttery tones. Benjamin Moore's Yellow Highlighter is perfect - it's warm and cheerful without being overwhelming. Use it as an accent color on a backsplash or even on the ceiling for a fun surprise.

For the cabinets, stick with a light to medium gray like Sherwin-Williams' Mindful Gray. The contrast with the yellow will make both colors pop. Add in some crisp white trim and you've got a kitchen that feels fresh and happy.

5. Earthy Green and Gray

For a nature-inspired look, try pairing your gray cabinets with an earthy green. It's calming, it's current, and it works with pretty much any style of kitchen.

I'm loving Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke right now. It's a deep, complex green that changes with the light and pairs beautifully with gray. Use it on the walls or even on lower cabinets if you're feeling adventurous.

For the gray cabinets, go with something like Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray. It's a true gray that won't compete with the green. Add in some natural stone countertops and wooden accents to really lean into that earthy vibe.

6. Soft Blush and Gray

Who says pink is just for little girls' rooms? A soft blush can actually be super sophisticated when paired with gray, and it adds a touch of warmth and femininity to your kitchen.

Benjamin Moore's Love & Happiness is the perfect blush for this look. It's soft and subtle, with just enough color to make an impact. Use it on the walls and pair it with a cooler gray for your cabinets, like Sherwin-Williams' Passive.

To keep things from feeling too sweet, add in some edgier elements. Matte black hardware and fixtures would look amazing, or even some concrete accents for a bit of industrial flair.

7. Crisp Navy and Gray

For a classic look with a twist, try navy and gray. It's preppy, it's polished, and it works in both traditional and modern kitchens.

Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy is my absolute favorite navy paint. It's deep and rich without being too dark, and it pairs beautifully with gray. Use it on an island or even on all your lower cabinets for a two-tone look.

For the gray, go with something light like Sherwin-Williams' Light French Gray to keep things from getting too heavy. Add in some white marble countertops and brass hardware, and you've got a kitchen that looks like it belongs in a fancy magazine.

Pulling It All Together

Alright, so now you've got 7 awesome color palettes to choose from. But how do you actually make it all work in your space? Here are a few tips:

1. Consider your lighting. Natural light can really change how colors look, so make sure to test your paint colors at different times of day.
2. Don't forget about undertones. Make sure the undertones in your gray cabinets play nice with the other colors you're using.
3. Use the 60-30-10 rule. 60% of your color should be your dominant shade (probably your cabinet color), 30% your secondary color, and 10% an accent color.
4. Bring in texture. No matter what color palette you choose, adding different textures will make your kitchen feel more interesting and lived-in.
5. Don't be afraid to tweak things. Sometimes a color that looks great on a swatch just doesn't work in your space. It's okay to adjust as you go!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you love your kitchen. These color palettes are a great starting point, but don't be afraid to trust your gut and go with what feels right for you.

So, what do you think? Which color palette are you leaning towards for your gray cabinets? Whatever you choose, I can guarantee it's going to look amazing.