A kitchen remodel presents the perfect opportunity to create a gorgeous, streamlined look using gray kitchen cabinets paired with crisp white countertops. This color scheme lends an airy, bright feel to the kitchen while also giving it a modern edge. Gray and white work together seamlessly to produce a visually cohesive style that is both elegant and timeless.
In this article, we’ll look at ways to successfully execute this popular two-tone kitchen cabinetry style. We’ll offer tips on choosing the right shades of gray and white, share photos for inspiration, and cover how to pull off the overall aesthetic. Read on to learn how to make the most of using gray cabinets and white countertops to achieve a sleek, contemporary kitchen design that will stand the test of time.
Benefits of Going Gray and White
There are many reasons why gray and white have become one of the most sought-after kitchen palette combinations. Here are some of the top advantages of using gray cabinets with white countertops:
- Timeless and classic: Gray and white have endured as staple neutral colors because they offer a clean, versatile look that fits into many different design aesthetics. The colors easily transcend trends and styles.
- Looks fantastic in any home: Whether you have a traditional, modern, contemporary, or eclectic home, gray and white are versatile enough to complement your existing architecture and decor.
- Bright and airy ambiance: The light and dark contrast between the two colors creates a nice visual balance while giving the space an open, airy vibe. This makes kitchens feel larger.
- Softens modern edges: While gray cabinets create a modern look, the white counters temper it so the overall effect is sleek but not stark.
- Easy to accessorize: Gray and white make a great neutral background that allows you to easily change up accessories and decor elements over time. Pops of color are effortless to incorporate.
- Enhances natural light: The light reflective qualities of the white counters balanced against the gray cabinets make kitchens feel even brighter and bring out the best attributes of natural light.
Choosing the Perfect Gray Cabinet Color
One of the keys to successfully implementing the gray and white kitchen combination is choosing the right shade of gray. Cool-toned grays work best for this look. Here are some of the most popular gray paint colors for cabinets:
Cool Grays
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
- Behr Peppercorn
Stick with a gray that has a blue, green, or purple undertone. These cooler shades complement white counters nicely and lend a more contemporary feel versus warm grays. Soft, hazy grays that are almost greige also pair beautifully with white by lending just enough color while still feeling neutral.
Avoid Orange or Red Undertones
Watch out for gray paint colors with reddish, orange, or yellow undertones. While these warmer grays work well in living rooms, they tend to look dated or drab when paired with white counters in a kitchen. Cool-toned grays have more versatility and provide the most seamless look alongside white quartz, marble, or laminate countertops.
Distressed Styles
In addition to flat cabinet paint colors, consider a distressed gray finish. Lightly weathered gray cabinets still pair nicely with white while also lending extra character. Just opt for a gray distressed finish with a cool undertone instead of one with warm reddish undertones.
Dark Gray Cabinets
Rich charcoal gray cabinets can also make a dramatic statement contrasted by bright white countertops. Just take care to have adequate lighting in the kitchen since an overload of dark gray can look brooding. But the right amount creates an upscale, contemporary look.
Finding the Perfect White Countertops
When paired with gray kitchen cabinets, white countertops act as the starring focal point. As a result, you want to choose a crisp, clean white rather than an off-white. Here are some options:
White Quartz
Quartz countertops, like Caesarstone in Pure White, offer a brilliant white look. Quartz is an engineered stone that’s resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. It’s also easy to care for. The only downside is the higher price point, but the durability and ease of maintenance make it worth considering.
White Marble
For a bright white stone with elegance, white Carrara marble is a fantastic choice. Marble gives off an ultra-luxe vibe that allows it to fit well in high-end kitchens, but be aware it requires more maintenance than quartz to keep it looking pristine.
White Granite
White granite, like Venatino or River White, are natural stones with a crisp white background and attractive gray veining that often complements gray cabinets nicely. Granite is also heat, stain, and scratch-resistant when properly sealed.
White Laminate
High-quality laminate counters like Wilsonart’s Calcatta Marble provide an affordable option for the white countertop look. Laminate comes in endless options, is easy to install, and resists scratches. Just avoid pairing dark gray cabinets with white laminate, which can look mismatched.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
Now that you know how to select shades of gray and white, here are some inspiring ways to put this color scheme to work in your own gray and white kitchen:
Light Gray Cabinets and White Quartz Counters
This is one of the most common pairings. Soft light gray cabinets keep the look subtle and elegant while white quartz countertops and backsplashes brighten up the space. Add modern or traditional accents based on your personal style.
Light gray cabinets white quartz counters. Image by Studio Dearborn.
Charcoal Gray Cabinets and White Marble
For a look that’s dramatic but tempered by the clean white counters, charcoal gray cabinets are an excellent match with pristine white marble. Include modern pendant lighting and metal accents to continue the contemporary vibe.
Charcoal cabinets white marble. Image by Platt Bay Homes.
Distressed Gray Cabinets and White Granite
Worn gray cabinets paired with crisp white granite create fabulous contrast while lending vintage character that works great in old homes. Finish it off with an exposed brick or wood accent wall.
Distressed gray cabinets white granite. Image by Leigh Wolf Photography.
Gray Perimeter Cabinets and White Island
For another unique idea, go with dark gray on the perimeter cabinets and a fresh white quartz or marble island in the center. This draws the eye to the main functional space while gray cabinets recede.
Gray perimeter cabinets white island. Image by Christine Dempsey Photography.
Gray Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
- Use a gray and white herringbone tile backsplash
- Add architectural trim details and open shelving in white
- Include modern white pendant lighting over a gray-and-white veined quartz island
- Use a gray stained wood vent hood and white marble subway tile backsplash
- Put in glass cabinet doors to break up all the gray
- Opt for a gray kitchen island on wheels and white perimeter cabinets
Keep accessories, plants, and decor minimalist so as not to clash with the crisp gray and white color scheme. A few pops of metallic accents like gold hardware, black stainless steel appliances, or a chrome sink faucet keep it current.
FAQs About Gray and White Kitchens
Still have some questions about successfully executing the ever-popular gray and white kitchen cabinet combination? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is gray and white out of style?
Absolutely not! Gray and white have staying power as one of the most preferred kitchen color palettes because they are so versatile, bright, and classic. Even though trends come and go, this combo has endured and will continue to maintain popularity.
Just focus on avoiding a dated undertone, like a purple-gray, when selecting cabinet and counter shades. Opt for cool grays and brilliant whites to keep it timeless.
Should white cabinets go on top or bottom?
White cabinets classically go on top when paired with dark gray lower cabinets. The reason is that the darker color recedes, so it gives the impression of being anchored to the ground visually. Using white up top lends an airier, lighter feel.
However, mixing it up with a white kitchen island contrasting gray perimeter cabinets is also eye-catching. So feel free to break design “rules”!
What flooring works best with a gray and white kitchen?
You have lots of options! Medium-toned hardwoods offer a nice balance alongside the cabinets and counters. Charcoal luxury vinyl plank flooring is fantastic for an upscale modern look.
But don’t shy away from choices like a checkerboard tile floor in black and white or a gray wood-look ceramic tile. Even polished concrete can work beautifully. Just ensure proper sealing. And you can always lay down some soft white rugs!
Should I get cool or warm white counters?
Cool white is definitely the way to go. Warm whites with a cream or almond undertone tend to look dingy against gray cabinets. A bright white quartz, marble, or laminate provides a much cleaner contrast. Warm white counters only work with light, warm gray cabinets, which are not an ideal pairing.
What backsplash works with gray and white?
It’s hard to go wrong with the classic subway tile backsplash in white or light gray. White mosaic tiles, gray stone like marble, and white or gray herringbone patterns are also excellent.
For a pop of contrast color, bold blue, green, or black backsplashes work well against gray and white. Just avoid going overboard on accessorizing with splashes of color. Simple is best for showcasing this combination.
Achieving a Sleek and Seamless Design
The key to making gray and white kitchen cabinets look their best is choosing complementary shades and finishes. Ensure both the gray cabinets and white counters or backsplash feel cohesive. Here are some top tips:
- Pick a white that’s clear and cool-toned, not creamy. The brighter the better alongside gray.
- Stick with cool-colored grays rather than warm shades, which tend to look muddy.
- Use the same undertones, whether they are blue, green, or purple, in both the gray and white choices.
- Match up the finishes. For example, pair a high-gloss white quartz countertop with a shiny lacquered gray cabinet for a seamless look.
- Include “bridging” elements between the two colors, like a gray and white patterned tile backsplash.
- Accent with silver or chrome metal finishes and stainless appliances instead of gold, which can feel mismatched.
Following these guidelines helps gray cabinets and white counters unify into one chic, contemporary kitchen design rather than competing against each other. Take it from drab to fab with the right shade selections.
Conclusion
Gray and white kitchen cabinets make for an invariably sleek kitchen combination. The light and dark color contrast looks contemporary and stylish while remaining timeless. Plus, gray and white complement any decor from modern to traditional.
Just be sure to select the proper shades. Cool-toned grays and clean whites work best to foster a sense of cohesion instead of clashing. With smart finish and pattern choices, you can easily achieve a space that feels tailored and streamlined.
Have fun accessorizing with pops of colorful details like plants, art, appliances, bar stools, or dishware. Then sit back and admire the gorgeous, light-filled kitchen created through your flawless pairing of gray cabinets and white counters and backsplashes. Enjoy the airy, welcoming vibe.