There are plenty of reasons why neutral paint colors are a go-to for many in kitchens. We love a good accent color, but some homeowners may prefer the timelessness and versatility offered by a simpler shade. White-colored cabinets are pretty much a universal favorite (same goes for cream)—but there’s another neutral that’s just as deserving of attention: grey.

Modern grey kitchen cabinets work well in spaces both big and small, and they can complement an otherwise minimalist design or work as a pared-back element of a more minimalist room. Depending on the paint color that you choose, they can be subtle or dramatic—and don’t forget how your choice of cabinet hardware can impact them, too.

If you’re not quite sold on an all-white space, but you’re not yet ready to dip your paint brush into the world of color, consider modern grey kitchen cabinets the perfect compromise that will help you to create a serene space where you can happily meal prep, dig into leftovers, and gather with the ones you love over an at-home cocktail or a late night snack. These seven spaces provide plenty of inspiration for you to run with.

Modern Classic

All-over grey cabinetry can feel intimidating for some, but Francis Domínguez of EFE Creative Lab perfectly balances warm and cool tones in this Miami, Florida renovation. Natural elements like exposed brick and hardwood floors add a welcome contrast to Semihandmade’s Supermatte Shaker cabinets in light grey, creating a space that feels both welcoming and modern. 

Simple Stripes

If a few coats of grey paint alone don’t feel impactful enough for your taste, consider adding the hue to your kitchen with a bit of texture, like Sarah Sherman Samuel did in this space. The designer’s Semihandmade Beaded cabinet fronts in Desert Grey look especially great paired with contrasting brass drawer pulls: The beauty is all in the details.

Dual Tone Drama

Designer Orlando Soria goes for a dynamic mix-and-match look in this West Hollywood, California, kitchen, opting for Semihandmade Supermatte Shaker fronts in light grey for the lower cabinets and white up top. A warm butcher block countertop prevents the space from feeling too cool-toned, and the simple subway tile backsplash allows the more detailed tile floors to steal the spotlight.

Bright and Breezy

A combination of grey lower cabinets paired with white upper cabinets can add depth to a kitchen, as this Santa Barbara, California, interior by Hearth Homes Interiors demonstrates. Semihandmade’s Supermatte Light Grey Shaker fronts are light enough to keep the space nice and bright—and here they complement the backsplash of glossy zellige tiles, too.

Contemporary Boho

Who says grey kitchen cabinets have to be cold? In this design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, wooden drawer pulls add an earthy touch to her Semihandmade Quarterline fronts in Desert Grey. The perfectly neutral hue of the cabinets also plays up the natural veins in the marble backsplash. A smattering of cutting boards adds to the look—while also providing convenience for the frequent cook.

Dark and Dynamic

For a more dramatic look, go for a more pigmented grey, like Benjamin Moore’s Quarry Rock, shown here in this Green Bay, Wisconsin kitchen by Jennifer Gizzi. The almost-blue color has a historic feel, yet pairs well with Semihandmade’s DIY Shaker fronts for a more modern look. Silver hardware throughout the kitchen amps up the cabinets’ cool tone, while faux leather counter stools add a warm contrast.

Subtle Eclectic

Here’s another option for a dual-toned kitchen: Dark lower cabinets (Semihandmade’s Supermatte Shaker cabinets in black) paired with grey upper cabinets (Semihandmade’s DIY Shaker painted in Sherwin-Williams Magnetic Grey) strike a balance in this space by Yellow Brick Home. The neutral shade helps accentuate the detailed pattern of the tile backsplash, while keeping the space looking bright. An open corner shelf provides additional storage and decoration, holding a mix of dry goods and eye-catching pottery.