How to create the perfect grey colour scheme for a neutral yet warm kitchen
Many believe grey is the perfect colour for most rooms in the house, as it conveys a minimalist interior design. Others see grey as too bland, especially when it’s not paired with other tones. But could there be something in between?
Experts in interior design love using grey to create a balanced interior look, as it’s often paired with contrasting tones and soft shades. This is the secret to having a neutral yet welcoming room, which is important in places where you gather with loved ones, such as the kitchen.
Here are some ideas to inspire you to create the best-looking grey kitchen.
Pick up on cosy greys
Grey comes in such a vast array of hues that it’s impossible not to find one of your liking. Warmer shades of grey pair perfectly with other soft neutral tones. These types of grey kitchens use undertones of yellow, taupe, and brown that make the final colour warmer. Combining these greys with copper, moss green, and beige is the best selection of shades in the kitchen. When it comes to greys with cooler undertones — usually blue or pink — you can pair them with soft pinks, as well as plum or teal, to make them pop without overpowering the grey.
Approach bolder schemes
For those who love a maximalist look, choose to pair bolder shades of grey with other similar, stronger colours. For example, an impressive scheme includes iron grey, fuchsia, and gold. The latter complements the look best with accent furniture and décor, while the vibrant fuchsia makes the dark grey pop, especially when placed on an accent wall. Another dramatic yet effective design includes charcoal grey, blush pink, and grass, almost a timeless combination. These contrasting tones blend well together, and the brass accents can be easily introduced in elements like the tap.
Try out an earthy kitchen
Earthy tones are some of the most well-loved in the kitchen, as they make it feel like home. Grey can also blend in when accompanied by cream and red-orange accents. This design calls for a rustic kitchen with antique pieces, furniture made from natural materials, and ample natural lighting. Some nice additions include visible beams for a barn-like look, an apron-front sink, and distressed wood flooring. Imperfections are best in this kitchen interior design, so you can showcase your personality and preferences with some plants, for example.
Switch to an industrial grey colour scheme
While preferences are subjective, what feels welcoming to you may be an industrial approach to the colour grey. Such a scheme would include charcoal grey walls, cream-colored elements, such as the units and cabinets, and white accents, such as a rug. What’s best about this combination is that you can find numerous charcoal grey paints that accurately represent your aesthetic. In addition, the industrial colour scheme is ideal for repairs, since it becomes part of the room. If you need to change the cabinet doors and must drill hinge holes, any imperfections will simply blend into the room’s factory-like vibe.
Combine the grey with delicious colours
Grey doesn’t have to blend with only similar shades or tones, which is why we encourage you to select interesting colours as well. For example, warm red and orange pair perfectly with a grey tinted with a bit of green, while a soft grey will impress all guests with hot pink accents. You can either upholster some furniture in this shade of pink or simply add some accessories across the kitchen.
What is grey isn’t my colour?
Grey might not be for everyone who wants a less moody environment when cooking. However, if you want to keep the minimalist look, you may approach neutral tones with the same strategy as with grey. As long as you pair a less intense colour with a bright, bold one, the kitchen will be balanced.
For a minimalist look, it would also help to keep the kitchen organised and tidy at all times. You can achieve this by installing closed storage throughout the kitchen, where you can place all your appliances, utensils, and ingredients in an orderly manner. Organisational systems within the storage are also important, so try to label containers, use colour-coded systems, and buy fewer appliances.
Is a neutral kitchen outdated?
In terms of kitchen interior design trends, a neutral kitchen may not be what people prefer right now. That’s simply because they choose a combination of white, black, and grey that has no balance or structure. In addition, as trends change and we see something new, we tend to want to change and bring a bit more colour to our spaces.
Keeping up with trends is one of the most difficult parts of designing your kitchen, because new designs appear every season, not just once a year. You may also be tempted to decorate your kitchen for Halloween, the coming of spring, and Christmas, which means new colours, decorations, and overall clutter across the kitchen.
And there’s nothing wrong with that as long as we keep it organised and don’t waste items. You can reuse last night’s decorations from Halloween and Christmas, just make sure they don’t obstruct your way across the kitchen or get tangled in other objects. Sometimes, less is more in decorative motifs as well, so going small can help keep the kitchen in good condition while being prepared for the holidays.
Hence, regardless of the colour scheme you choose, make sure it speaks out for itself and can withstand the test of a few years before being totally changed.
Conclusion
Grey kitchens may seem cold and unapproachable to some people. That can be because most grey colours have cool undertones, but others with warm undertones not only look better but can also be paired with amazing shades. So, you can have a welcoming grey kitchen, introduce an earthy scheme, or try out bolder shades of fuchsia, pink, or blue. Don’t worry if the kitchen seems outdated; it’s more important that it be functional and fun for you.
