What color walls go with grey kitchen cabinets? 4 tried and tested combinations that always look good

You may not realize it, but choosing the right wall color for grey cabinets can greatly affect the overall look of the room. Well-coordinated cabinet and wall tones will give the interiors a crisp, smart look, while overly contrasting colors will create chaos and affect the aesthetics of the space.

Whether your grey kitchen cabinet or living room furniture is freestanding or built-in, finding the right tone for the walls requires some thought. If you're ready for some inspo, then consider these colors suggested by experts.

1. Blue

Blue is a color that can add a soothing touch to a room, or enliven it, depending on the shade you choose. To give it a fresh, welcoming feel, you could choose a sky blue tone, and fill the room with serenity. Plus, it'll subtly contrast with the grey cabinets, adding a touch of color without overpowering the space. Darker shades of blue can create a bold and dramatic look, adding depth and richness to the home. For a greater impact, choose other, dark colors that go with blue, for a personality-filled interior.

'If grey has a cooler undertone it can harmonize beautifully with darker, cooler blue walls,' says Kashi Shikunova, director at Yam Studios. 'The combination can create a sophisticated look. The blue infusion adds depth while maintaining a cozy atmosphere.'

2. Grey

If it's a small room and you want the elements to blend together to give the space a seamless look, consider painting the walls the same tone as the cabinets. You could even go for light grey walls with dark grey cabinets, especially because several colors go with light grey. This color-layering trick will create a sense of unity and flow in the room, and give it depth.

'If you have grey cabinets, consider matching your wall paint to the same tone as the cabinets, to achieve a monochromatic blend and a calm sophistication in your space,' says Julia Mack, founder of Julia Mack Design. 'Be certain to change the finish to create a depth of tone between surfaces. For example, a glossy cabinet finish would look good with a flat or low-luster matte grey wall paint.'

3. White

A widely accepted and popular option for wall colors is white. This tone goes well with all colors of the spectrum. Plus, it provides a neutral backdrop that allows you to add colorful accessories or artwork to the room without overwhelming the space. Of course, you may want to consider the best white paint for interior walls, as the right shade of white can give the space a classic look, while a super, stark white can create a cold atmosphere.

'The classic is to combine a grey cabinet with fresh white walls, as this scheme is timeless and always looks fresh,' says Kashi.

'For more drama and contrast with grey cabinets, select Benjamin Moore, OC-152, Superwhite paint for your walls in an eggshell finish to achieve a modern and vibrant space,' says Julia.

4. Beige

Beige or taupe is another winning color that pairs perfectly well with grey cabinets.  The combination of beige or taupe walls with grey cabinets can conjure a relaxing and inviting visual and can work well in both traditional and modern homes. Plus, decorating with beige is easy, as this neutral allows other tones to shine.

'When grey leans towards warmer undertones, it pairs well with brown/taupe walls, enhancing the entire space with a sense of warmth and softness,' says Kashi. 'Taupe introduces an earthy element, which, when combined with lighter grey tones, acquires a contemporary edge.'

Cook's Blue

Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Mid Tones
Type: Water-based paint
Price: $40 for 3 liters

Grey 10

Finish: Matt
Type: Water-based paint
Price: $70 for 3.7 liters

Brooklyn Cowboy

Finish: Sheen
Type: Acrylic paint
Price: $75 for 3.7 liters