Selecting the color of your cabinets is a crucial decision when designing or renovating your space. Cabinets play functional roles, and they also significantly affect the overall aesthetic and mood. Choosing the right color cabinets can be challenging when you have gray walls. However, carefully considering and understanding color theory will help you find the perfect color cabinets.
The color of your cabinets should match your gray walls to create a cohesive look and harmonious feeling. Like any neutral color, gray walls provide a versatile backdrop for varying styles and colors. Depending on the shade of gray, colors like white, black, navy blue, green, and pastel hues all work if well balanced.
Before we list and discuss the different colors that go well with gray walls, it’s essential to understand the undertones of your chosen shade of gray. Gray can have either warm or cool undertones, affecting which cabinet colors to choose.
Understanding Gray Wall Undertones
Gray walls with warm undertones have beige, brown, or yellowish hues, while cool undertones have blue, green, or purple tones.
We categorize gray walls with warm undertones as either agreeable or repose, which reflects the level of warmth or coolness in the color. Both are warm grays, but agreeable gray is a touch warmer than repose gray.
If you’re unsure about the undertone of your gray walls, hold up a white piece of paper next to them. White will bring out the underlying tones in your wall color and help you determine if it has warm or cool undertones.
What Are the Characteristics of Agreeable Gray and Repose Gray?
Agreeable gray is among the lighter, warm hues and has brown and beige undertones. It is often described as a “greige” color because it blends gray and beige tones. These shades are versatile and blend well with various cabinet colors.
Repose gray is also a warm shade but a touch lighter than agreeable gray, with violet undertones. It’s a calming and serene color that works well in spaces with lots of natural light. Due to its cooler undertones, it pairs well with white or light-colored cabinets to create a bright and airy feel.
How Does Lighting Affect Gray Wall Undertones?
Natural light has a reputation for bringing out your walls’ true colors, so it’s essential to consider the lighting in your space when choosing a cabinet color.
If you have a lot of natural light in your kitchen, agreeable gray may appear warmer and more beige than it actually is. In contrast, repose gray may appear cooler and bluer in a room with less natural light. It’s best to test paint swatches in different lighting throughout the day.
To get an accurate representation of the undertones in your gray walls, also check how lighting varies in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. It will help you see how the color changes with varying natural and artificial light levels.
Which Color Cabinets Go with Gray Walls?
Both agreeable and repose grays work well with different cabinet colors, depending on the look you’re going for. Here are a few suggestions for cabinet colors that complement gray walls:
1. Cream Cabinets
Cream cabinets add a touch of warmth and softness to repose gray walls. They are ideal for cozy and inviting spaces and help maintain a well-lit look. The gray and cream combination also offers a subtle contrast, making the space more visually appealing.
2. Navy Cabinets
Pair repose gray walls with navy cabinets for a bold and stylish look. The dark blue hue adds depth and contrast to the light gray walls, creating a striking modern aesthetic. You can always use this combination for traditional or contemporary kitchens.
3. White Cabinets
White reflects light, amply lighting up a space, so white cabinets are a timeless choice because of the warmth and purity they exude. The crisp white hue against the warm, light gray walls creates a timeless and elegant look. It also helps brighten the space, making it feel airy and spacious.
4. Dark Wood Cabinets
Opt for dark wood cabinets against repose gray walls for a more dramatic contrast. The deep tones of the wood add richness and warmth to the room while standing out against the light gray walls.
This combination works particularly well in rustic or industrial-style kitchens, especially larger spaces with plenty of natural light.
5. Green Cabinets
Green and gray are two colors that complement each other perfectly—pair repose gray walls with green cabinets for a fresh and natural look. The soft green hue against the warm gray creates a calming and earthy vibe. It also adds a pop of color without being too overwhelming.
6. Black Cabinets
Consider black cabinets against repose gray walls for a bold and modern look. The dark and moody hue creates a striking contrast with the light gray walls, making a statement in any kitchen. This combination works best in contemporary or industrial-style spaces.
7. Light Wood Cabinets
Opt for light wood cabinets with gray walls if you want to add warmth and coziness to your space. Contrasting light and dark colors create a visually appealing balance.
8. Gray Cabinets
You can’t go wrong with gray cabinets against gray walls for a monochromatic look. Make sure to choose different gray shades to create a contrast that adds dimension to the room.
The Role of Cabinet Hardware in Enhancing the Pairing
Cabinet hardware like handles and knobs are excellent styling accessories to help pair your repose gray walls with kitchen cabinets. Choosing the right hardware can elevate the overall look and feel of the space.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting cabinet hardware for this color combination:
1. Choose Hardware That Complements Your Kitchen’s Style
For example, sleek and modern hardware works well with black cabinets, while rustic and vintage hardware pairs nicely with green or dark wood cabinets.
2. Consider the Finish of the Hardware
Choose hardware with a similar finish to your cabinet color for a cohesive look. For example, oil-rubbed bronze hardware complements dark wood cabinets, while brushed nickel or chrome works well with gray or black cabinets.
3. Be Bold by Mixing and Matching
For a bolder and more creative look, consider mashing up different styles or finishes of hardware. Just make sure they still complement each other and the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
4. Think about What Color Cabinets Go with Gray Floors
We already discussed pairing repose gray walls with kitchen cabinets, but what about flooring? Gray floors are a popular choice for kitchens, and several cabinet colors will complement them, such as:
- White cabinets.
- Dark wood cabinets.
- Navy blue cabinets.
Pairing gray floors with white cabinets creates a clean and modern look, while dark wood adds warmth and depth to the space. Navy blue cabinets bring a bold contrast, serving as a captivating centerpiece in the kitchen that demands attention.
5. Consider Adding Some Color or Texture
While white, black, and gray are popular cabinet colors for pairing with repose gray walls, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Adding pops of color or texture through your cabinet choices can enhance the overall look of your kitchen.
For example, light blue cabinets can add a refreshing and airy feel to the space, while textured or patterned cabinets can create visual interest.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on the right cabinet color to pair with repose gray walls is a personal choice and depends on the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your kitchen. Whether you opt for a classic, modern, or eclectic style, don’t be afraid to mix and match or add some color or texture to make your space truly unique.
Also, read this: Prefab vs. Custom Cabinets: Which One Do You Need? It will help you decide on your kitchen renovation project. Regardless of which option you prefer, it will also benefit you to determine how much Ultracraft Cabinets cost and factor that into your budget.