Kitchen Design
New This Week: 3 Wonderful White-and-Gray Kitchens
See how playing with materials, tones and finishes can change this classic color palette
White and gray are good colors for kitchens because they establish a crisp, fresh look, which is something that works well in a room associated with food and cleanliness. But there are nearly countless ways you can use a white-and-gray palette, including punching it up or playing it down. Here are three kitchens that offer various takes on a white-and-gray palette.
2. Warm Up With Wood and Orange Tones
Designer: Melissa Prevost of M Prevost Design
Location: San Diego
Size: 165 square feet (15 square meters); 11 by 15 feet
Homeowners’ request. A timeless look with a bit of edge. “They wanted light and bright but also wanted some depth and warmth,” designer Melissa Prevost says.
White and gray. White cabinets (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams). Gray picket-style tile backsplash with white grout. White countertops. Stainless steel sink and appliances.
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Designer: Melissa Prevost of M Prevost Design
Location: San Diego
Size: 165 square feet (15 square meters); 11 by 15 feet
Homeowners’ request. A timeless look with a bit of edge. “They wanted light and bright but also wanted some depth and warmth,” designer Melissa Prevost says.
White and gray. White cabinets (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams). Gray picket-style tile backsplash with white grout. White countertops. Stainless steel sink and appliances.
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Other special features. Black painted island. Black custom light fixtures. Brass hardware. Wood shelves and beam. Custom camel-colored stools.
Designer tip. “If the redesign allows, consider utilizing a load-bearing beam as a feature in a space,” Prevost says. “By partially exposing this beam, instead of hiding it up in the ceiling, it not only adds architectural interest but warmth to the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Open shelves can be tricky, and the type of supports should be decided on before drywall goes up,” Prevost says. “True floating shelves are achieved by putting metal supports into studs, but these clients did not realize that is what they wanted until after the drywall was complete and painted. Instead of opening up the wall, we sourced some beautiful brass brackets to support the shelves, and the clients are even happier with the outcome.”
Designer tip. “If the redesign allows, consider utilizing a load-bearing beam as a feature in a space,” Prevost says. “By partially exposing this beam, instead of hiding it up in the ceiling, it not only adds architectural interest but warmth to the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Open shelves can be tricky, and the type of supports should be decided on before drywall goes up,” Prevost says. “True floating shelves are achieved by putting metal supports into studs, but these clients did not realize that is what they wanted until after the drywall was complete and painted. Instead of opening up the wall, we sourced some beautiful brass brackets to support the shelves, and the clients are even happier with the outcome.”
Photo by Andy Ryan
3. Keep It Classic With Just Two Colors
Designer: Maria Ciringione of Kitchen Magic
Location: West Nyack, New York
Size: 162 square feet (15 square meters); 18 by 9 feet
Homeowners’ request. A transitional-style kitchen with whites and grays.
White and gray. Satin white Shaker-style cabinets. Dark gray-blue walls (Mysterious by Benjamin Moore). Gray-blue quartz island countertop. Perimeter counter of white quartz with gray veining. Matte gray ceramic tile backsplash.
Designer Secrets: Pros Share Their Favorite Light Gray Paints
3. Keep It Classic With Just Two Colors
Designer: Maria Ciringione of Kitchen Magic
Location: West Nyack, New York
Size: 162 square feet (15 square meters); 18 by 9 feet
Homeowners’ request. A transitional-style kitchen with whites and grays.
White and gray. Satin white Shaker-style cabinets. Dark gray-blue walls (Mysterious by Benjamin Moore). Gray-blue quartz island countertop. Perimeter counter of white quartz with gray veining. Matte gray ceramic tile backsplash.
Designer Secrets: Pros Share Their Favorite Light Gray Paints
Photo by Andy Ryan
Other special features. Mosaic tile focal point over stove. Natural cherrywood flooring.
Designer tips. Designer Maria Ciringione says if you’re on a budget, consider refacing some of your current cabinets and replacing others only where needed. She also recommends using glass cabinet fronts to add dimension and implementing French legs on an island for an upscale design detail.
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the fridge was relocated to the pantry space, it almost didn’t fit, so some adjustments in the molding were made to gain the extra inch needed — and voilà, it fit,” Ciringione says.
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Other special features. Mosaic tile focal point over stove. Natural cherrywood flooring.
Designer tips. Designer Maria Ciringione says if you’re on a budget, consider refacing some of your current cabinets and replacing others only where needed. She also recommends using glass cabinet fronts to add dimension and implementing French legs on an island for an upscale design detail.
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the fridge was relocated to the pantry space, it almost didn’t fit, so some adjustments in the molding were made to gain the extra inch needed — and voilà, it fit,” Ciringione says.
More on Houzz
Cooking With Color: When to Use Gray in the Kitchen
32 Home Design Trends That Will Rule in 2019
Get kitchen design ideas
Find a kitchen designer
Shop for kitchen products
Designer: Jared Epps of JSE Interior Design
Location: Manhasset, New York
Homeowners’ request. A balance of old and new styles, architectural details and “all the bells and whistles,” says designer Jared Epps, who used Houzz ideabooks to collaborate with his client and help guide the design direction.
White and gray. Gray cabinets (Heather Gray by Benjamin Moore). Calacatta Gold slab countertops and mosaic backsplash. White walls and ceiling.
Other special features. Matte black island base. Exposed ebony stained beams. Black-and-brass range and hood. Brass hardware, light fixtures, faucet and stools.
Designer tips. “The contrast of the gray cabinet color and black island color created a dynamic look and feel to the otherwise neutral and calming space,” Epps says. “The small pops of black in the island, window glazing and exposed beams take the eye through the kitchen and help create a sense of balance and interest.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Matching the brass finishes from the hardware to the light fixtures to the appliances and bar stools was challenging, as each manufacturer’s finish is slightly different,” Epps says. “In order to create a cohesive design, we matched the plumbing fixtures’, appliances’ and light fixtures’ brass finish and allowed the cabinet hardware and stool finishes to act as accessories in the kitchen.”
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