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A modern kitchen in gray tones is a practical solution that provides wide scope for design solutions. The gray shade is in harmony with all colors and materials, it looks strict and respectable. Next, we will talk about the design features of a gray kitchen in a modern style.

Advantages of gray color in the interior

Some people think that gray kitchens look too dull and austere. This is a misconception: proper planning, decoration and adherence to color rules help create a stylish and cozy interior.

Gray color symbolizes calm, regularity and balance. This shade has a beneficial effect on the psyche, and some experts claim that this shade promotes improved brain function. Gray color harmoniously combines with pastel and bright shades, making any combination of the color palette possible. This shade fits well into any interior: strict classics, technical modern, airy Provence, creative loft.

Current ways to plan a modern kitchen in gray tones

The layout of the room depends on its shape and dimensions. This year, the following layout options are becoming increasingly popular:

Merging with the living room

The creation of an “inconspicuous kitchen” that mimics a living room or dining room is gaining popularity. Harmony can be achieved through the use of the same type of finishing materials. Avoid placing large household appliances in visible places: give preference to built-in cabinets. Don’t forget about placing a powerful hood: it can be built into a cabinet, or you can prefer a telescopic design;

Island

In the case of an island layout, the dining area is located in the very center of the room. This solution creates a visual unity between the working and dining areas.

Peninsula

If the room cannot boast of large dimensions, interior designers resort to the peninsular type of layout. The work area is adjacent to the wall at the end; the dining area forms a kind of ledge.

Open plan

The kitchen is furnished with modular cabinets on wheels that can be moved according to the owner’s wishes. This solution provides the opportunity to periodically modify the interior layout.

Material selection

For a gray kitchen in a modern style, the choice of material plays a big role: it determines its performance characteristics and shapes the overall impression of the interior. The gray shade emphasizes the visual advantages of natural and artificial materials.

Flooring

The floor must be highly resistant to temperature changes, mechanical stress and moisture. Porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles and high-quality linoleum have high performance characteristics. Designers recommend preferring neutral floor shades that will not “knock out” it from the overall interior. The rooms, furnished in a classic style, are in harmony with the flooring made of natural wood in a smoky shade.

Wall decoration

In the process of choosing finishes for a kitchen in a gray style, you need to be guided by the general principles of color. If the set has a gray tint, it is better to resort to neutral colors for wall decoration. The most successful color combinations:

1. Dark gray + white + silver;
2. Light gray + olive;
3. Milky gray + “rose ash”;
4. Cadet gray + blue;
5. Gray + beige.

Ceiling

It is not recommended to experiment with ceiling decoration. It’s better to stick to neutral colors. The decor can be diversified with the help of massive wooden beams, but only if they are combined with other interior elements.

Facades

Enameled MDF creates a uniform and smooth surface of the set, and the plastic coating is suitable for placing textured facades. A luxurious option is to choose natural wood of a smoky shade in combination with marble. Solid wood, veneer and laminated chipboard are budget options that, when skillfully designed, create a harmonious atmosphere in the kitchen.

Countertop materials

You can see photos of a modern kitchen in gray: often the countertops contrast with the neutral shades of the interior. A successful combination of a façade with a calm color scheme and a contrasting countertop made of marble or granite will help create a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere in the room. Laminated chipboard is a budget option for countertops.

You can choose a glossy or matte countertop. Matte interior elements look expensive and aesthetically pleasing, but such surfaces often leave stains, fingerprints and whitish spots.

Apron

Interior designers identify several common trends in apron design:

1. Ceramic tiles are the most practical option for kitchen design. Ceramic tiles are resistant to moisture, temperature changes and mechanical damage. The modern market for finishing materials offers a wide range of ceramic tiles of various patterns and colors;
2. Mosaic often plays the role of contrast. Using mosaics to decorate a kitchen backsplash is not as practical a solution as ceramic tiles, but such a finish can add variety to the interior. For example, matte kitchens can be diversified with glossy mosaics on the wall;
3. Aprons made of natural stone: marble and granite look solid. Such materials give the kitchen a touch of austerity, but well-chosen lighting can smooth out this effect;
4. Gray wall coverings look impressive in combination with glass. Rooms decorated in a modern style (high-tech, loft, minimalism) may include glass aprons, countertops and even chairs;
5. Metal. A gray metal apron is an original and unexpected solution for the kitchen. This frame looks impressive in a high-tech kitchen in a high-tech or loft style;
6. Brick finishing is best suited for a loft-style kitchen. Of course, you cannot use untreated porous material: the finish must be treated with water-repellent solutions;
7. Wood and gray stone are the best combination in a modern kitchen. This solution is suitable for a classic interior or eco-style. It is important to note that a wooden apron needs high-quality impregnation with water-repellent solutions.

Lighting

If the lighting is poor, a gray modern kitchen can look too gloomy. Follow the general lighting rules for convenience and try to diversify the kitchen with various light sources: lamps, spotlights, garlands, etc. Warm light will help create a cozy atmosphere even in the most austere room.

Modern kitchen in gray: the right choice of furniture

During the furnishing process, it should be taken into account that furniture occupies most of the kitchen area, and its shade forms the overall impression of the room. You can choose smooth sets, or products with exquisite decorated facades.

Headsets of the “light top, dark bottom” type look advantageous. Wall cabinets are designed in a white shade, floor units and countertops are in graphite color. In addition, gray color harmonizes with deep blues, greens and purples.

The following trends can be seen in the photos of modern gray kitchens:

• Classic rooms are in harmony with wooden furniture. Constructions made from laminated chipboard and other budget materials with wood imitation can also be used;
• High-tech is complemented by glass tabletops in combination with chrome legs, as well as gray chairs;
• The delicacy of Provence can be complemented by a light gray tabletop with a worn effect and an elegant floral print.

An interesting solution: a combination of an ash-gray set with a dining island in a dark chocolate shade. The composition should be complemented with plain accessories or textile elements.

Color solutions

Modern kitchens in gray combine effectively with all shades. The main thing is to adhere to the basic principles of color.

White color is universal; in combination with graphite it looks expensive and stylish. Provides wide design possibilities due to combination with all accessories and shades.

Beige and gray kitchens fit into any interior and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Neutral shades look attractive both “solo” and in combination with contrasting accessories.

When choosing a green shade, it is better to focus on deep dark shades. The calming color goes well with latte, metal and white marble. The choice may fall on both finishing elements and the set.

Ivory adds a fresh, midnight blue hue. The composition can be diluted with golden cabinet handles, chair legs, lamps and other decorative elements.

The set and upholstered furniture may have an eggplant or lavender hue. You can avoid excessive darkening by using a large number of ceiling and wall lights.

In the process of choosing the current color scheme, you need to focus on the basic principles of kitchen design in a particular style. For example, Provence includes delicate pastel shades, classic – natural materials, high-tech – neutral and strict shades. Scandinavian style can include a set of wood combined with blue wall trim.

Decorating a gray modern kitchen

Well-chosen textile elements can become a successful accent in the interior. Bright or patterned curtains and tablecloths will dilute the overall severity of a gray kitchen and introduce playful notes into it.

Colorful plates, vases and flower bouquets will add coziness to any kitchen. Sets and finishes made from natural materials are in harmony with flower pots and green spaces: this solution makes the room more “alive” and attractive.

Conclusion

The gray shade provides ample opportunities for use in a modern interior. Before arranging the kitchen, it is recommended to create a three-dimensional model of the room: this way you can familiarize yourself with the current finishing and furnishing options, and, if necessary, select an alternative design solution.