Color Features
The gray color is comparable to pearls, the depths of the sea, and silvery fog. Its light shades expand a small room, while its rich dark shades narrow the space.
In tandem with wood, ceramics and stone, gray looks great in eclectic, classic, Provence, loft and minimalist styles.
Kitchen
Any housewife dreams of creating a unique image in her kitchen, filling the room with an atmosphere of comfort and coziness. To do this, there is no need to follow fashionable interior trends, you just need to have your own taste and listen to your own wishes.
Professionals have some tricks to help them work with gray shades. Dark tones can hide any imperfections; they visually make the living space smaller.
Light shades have the opposite effect, so they are ideal for small bedrooms and living rooms.
To achieve a harmonious image, it is important to choose one specific color, and you can add shades to it. The furniture should be a couple of shades lighter or darker than the walls of the living space.
Attention! Professional stylists do not advise choosing the same color for the flooring and ceiling.
Instead of harmony, such a kitchen will be uncomfortable and uncomfortable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Opponents of the use of gray colors in the interior argue that their shades have a negative effect on the psyche, are too gloomy and cold, and visually reduce the space. But such solutions are rarely used.
There are many more arguments in favor of gray pigment.
- This color is universal, it is neither warm nor cold;
- emphasizes and highlights the texture of furniture and the shape of other interior items;
- does not bother you, does not cause negative thoughts or aggression;
- practical for use in the kitchen, does not fade;
- harmonizes with natural decor, panels and still lifes;
- differs in a variety of tones.
Stylish rich gray shades are practical, do not get boring for a long time, and are suitable for interior decoration, including the kitchen space.
Photo wallpaper in the interior of rooms
If the walls in the room are a mousy color, you can liven up the room with interesting photo wallpaper. The printing quality of such paintings is high, they are durable, and can be easily dismantled if necessary.
In the living room and hall
Most often, photo wallpapers are placed in spacious rooms that do not have bulky furniture items. This is usually the living room and hall. Modern industry produces a wide range of these products. Therefore, you can choose a bright element for almost any interior. A living room or hall must have a relaxation area. It is best to place photo wallpaper in this place. They will create the mood and help highlight a certain area.
To the kitchen
The kitchen is also sometimes decorated with photo wallpaper, but only if it has a sufficiently large area. For photo printing, space is freed up on a separate wall, which will not be cluttered with kitchen utensils and furniture.
To the bedroom
Placing photo wallpaper in the bedroom means creating an individual interior. A realistic image will help fill the bedroom with brightness and create the illusion of a living plot. A correctly chosen print will visually expand the room and fill it with an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
To the office
Photo wallpaper used in the office emphasizes the business environment, helps to organize and concentrate. As a rule, these are not bright, even monochrome paintings (city landscape, technocratic images).
To the children's room
For the room where children are, choose photo wallpapers that are gentle, light, fairy-tale or with scenes from the natural world. Wall decor should maintain an atmosphere of happiness and joy. Aggressive and saturated colors, bright contrasts, and surreal scenes are not acceptable for children.
For the bathroom
Marine-themed photo wallpapers, pictures of nature, and scenes with fauna are often used in the bathroom. When choosing an option, pay attention to the style and basic tone of the room. The image should fit harmoniously and complement the composition.
To the balcony
Residents of multi-storey buildings use the balcony as an additional living space, which is equipped as an office, gym, workshop or children's play area. The design is also selected depending on the purpose. The most natural decoration for a balcony or loggia is considered to be scenes using landscapes, images of flowers and nature.
For the dacha
A well-kept country house is a pleasant rest and quick recuperation. Therefore, in the design of such a room, the owners use their favorite scenes. The choice depends on the preferences of the homeowner and his family: gardeners enjoy admiring still lifes and landscapes, fish enjoy the sea and pictures of the underwater world.
For the gazebo
Photo wallpaper for a gazebo is a decoration that should match the style of the gazebo and match its size. Most often they are used in spacious and well-lit gazebos, which are well protected from the negative effects of moisture and temperature changes.
Combinations
You can combine gray pigments with almost any shade. The choice of color duet depends on the desire to give the room a certain style.
Bright burgundy gloss is not suitable for French Provence, but will fit perfectly into minimalism.
And sky blue shades will perfectly emphasize the Mediterranean comfort and spaciousness of the room. Let's look at a few examples of a spectacular combination of gray with other colors in the kitchen interior.
White
Silver, graphite or mouse color is nothing more than a mixture of black and light in different proportions. If there is a concern that the color is too faded for the work area, it is worth considering an option where the facades have a white top and a gray bottom.
A great combination is a gray and white palette with one bright element in a small kitchen with ceramic accessories, natural wood or stone surfaces.
Brown
The chocolate tone in combination with smoky should be diluted with gold splashes and pearlescent metallic.
Brown ornaments, fittings, and decorative elements with beige shades: cappuccino, coffee, coffee with milk will harmoniously fit into the kitchen.
With the right approach, you can create an original combination.
Red
This bright color will highlight the gloss of surfaces, stone finishes, and minimalist style. One of the most modern combinations for the kitchen is red and any shade of gray. Household appliances are selected in metallic tones; the use of glass and steel accessories is important. A good accent would be a ceramic floor, tiled walls and a kitchen apron.
Pastel shades
In combination with soft pink, lavender, sky blue or light green tones, these shades are perfect for classic French design.
Violet
This color combines harmoniously with gray and all shades of lilac - from light pastel to rich eggplant. It is best to dilute and soften the gray-violet palette with the help of white walls and ceilings, and a kitchen apron with a bright pattern.
Black
This color should not dominate; its task is to complement and emphasize the gray base tone. Dark furniture, finishes on cabinets, accessories in the form of flower pots and black wooden frames, a dark apron that imitates a chalkboard will be an excellent option. An abundance of light, white walls, and a light floor will help to avoid a gloomy effect.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
Red, yellow, olive tones add a warm color to gray. Violet, blue, blue, light green emphasize the coldness in it.
Basics of selection and principles of color combination of curtains in the kitchen
You can choose curtains in a single palette with the interior of the room (for example, gray-yellow, citrus), contrasting (swamp and cream, white and red), in overlapping, complementary colors (purple, pink, lilac).
For the design to look harmonious, there should be about 70% basic tones, 20% contrasting, and another 10% bright accessories that dilute the atmosphere.
Soft transitions
To create a visually soft kitchen design, you should choose a shade of curtains or drapes in the same color scheme as the main interior palette. But 100% matching the color of the wallpaper is a mistake. Curtains should be several shades lighter or darker than the walls. For example, for a kitchen with purple wallpaper, gray curtains are suitable.
Choose the color of the curtain to match the main interior palette.
The color temperature must be observed. For example, emerald or mint curtains (green with a blue undertone) will look awkward in a room whose walls are painted with olive paint (green with a yellow undertone).
But curtains of sandy, creamy, milky white, yellow-orange colors are suitable.
Vivid contrasts
Contrasting curtains will add expression, boldness and expressiveness to the interior. Universal combinations are obtained by using pure red, blue, green, black, white, yellow. These colors are combined in pairs: red with green, blue with white, yellow with black, etc. The result can be aggressive, so you need to take into account the style of the interior.
Contrasting curtains make the interior expressive.
In small rooms, it is better to abandon contrasting curtains, which visually make the room smaller, or to focus on a nude palette. For example, for ivory-colored walls, milk chocolate-colored curtains will provide a soft contrast, and pale cornflower blue wallpaper will be complemented by curtains in a deep brown or light pink tone.
Combining curtains with interior and furniture
Curtains can be combined not only with walls, but also with a set, an apron, textiles (tablecloth, chair cushions, napkins). For example, if the walls are white, beige, lilac, olive or quartz (gray with a green undertone), and the fronts of the kitchen cabinets are wenge, the interior will be softly shaded by dark brown curtains. And to create a contrasting combination, you can choose curtains and pillows for chairs in a rich mustard color.
Curtains need to be combined with the interior and furniture.
The relationship between shades and texture of fabric
The depth of color in some cases is determined by the type and texture of the fabric. For example, thin curtains in neon colors (lemon yellow, fuchsia, ultramarine) are on sale, but it is more common to see thin fabric in light nude shades. And massive curtains look better in rich colors: mustard, emerald, burgundy, graphite.
The color is determined by the type and texture of the fabric.
The density and texture of the fabric also determine the volume of the drapery. On dense fabric (linen, cotton, jacquard) it is enough to mark several deep folds, and thin curtains made of tulle, organza, polyester need to be drawn so that they are 2-3 times wider than the length of the cornice.
General mood
Curtains can match the color of furniture, wallpaper, textiles, a kitchen corner, large accessories, or be a bright accent. In order not to make a mistake in choosing and not to create an inappropriate rainbow in a small room, it is better to choose curtains to match the overall design of the kitchen.
Curtains can be a bright accent.
Most interiors can be described in one phrase, for example, cream tones, bluish white, refreshing green, gray beige.
Curtains of a “medium” color will highlight the overall mood and will not stand out from the existing design.
Styles
You can experiment with the basic gray color in different design solutions:
- Minimalism. A complete lack of luxury, no crystal chandeliers, monograms, or gold ornaments. It emphasizes emptiness, simplicity, free space and a sense of breadth even in a small kitchen.
- High tech. This style is dominated by glossy surfaces, a minimum of accessories, a lot of glass, steel, and a restrained palette of colors. Gray pigments fit perfectly here.
- Art Deco. This is the case when you want luxury and chic, but in a modern interpretation. The style is based on steel, aluminum, glass, expensive fabrics, leather. The gray color scheme is an excellent base, which can be diluted with burgundy, red, and gold tones.
- Loft. Open floor plan, lots of light and space. The design combines several solutions at once and is suitable for decorating modern studio apartments.
- Scandinavian or Mediterranean. Restraint, comfort, maximum closeness to nature. Gray shades are combined with pastels of light green, blue, and beige tones.
- Classical. Suitable for those who do not want to give up luxury, prefer precious metals, geometric shapes, natural stone, granite elements.
Each style is emphasized through furniture, tabletop material, accessories, and decorations. It is important to choose the right textiles, decor, and install sufficient lighting.
Using neutral shades
Listen to the advice of professionals if you don’t want to make a mistake in choosing textiles for kitchen curtains to match gray wallpaper. Designers recommend using a shade that goes well with any wallpaper. We are talking about neutral tones that emphasize the comfort of a home environment, give peace and promote relaxation.
Cream or ivory color is very popular in this sense. If the walls have a warm shade, this will be a perfect combination. Designers do not recommend using snow-white curtains in the kitchen. This combination will resemble hospital peace and is not at all suitable for a confidential family atmosphere.
A good solution would also be to use light brown and beige shades. The tone of this design can be “warm” or “cold”. The golden-straw spectrum is suitable for a warm base, and “wet sand” is suitable for a cold-gray base.
Finishing
The kitchen space is subject to constant temperature changes and high humidity. Therefore, for repairs they choose high-quality, reliable, time-tested materials.
Floor
Gray color goes well with wooden floors, but not everyone can afford a natural material.
An alternative could be laminate or linoleum with a wood-like pattern.
You can also lay the floor with anti-slip ceramic tiles.
Walls
The main requirement for covering walls in the kitchen is the ability to wash it using aggressive detergents. If you choose wallpaper, then among the washable options. It is best to decorate the work area and the area next to the stove with tiles or decorative plaster. A durable and easy-to-clean coating that should not be deformed when heated or damaged by impact loads.
Facade
Kitchen furniture is made from laminated chipboard, MDF, and plastic. The surface of its facades should be matte or mirror-glossy and match the style. A popular design solution is a smooth transition from rich dark tiers to a light shade of the top.
Tabletop
This element is subjected to the heaviest loads, constant humidity, and shock. When choosing a material, it is best to pay attention to artificial or natural stone.
Cabinets with a wooden countertop require careful handling and timely removal of moisture from the surface.
Material options:
- Glass. Not practical, but stylish solution. Looks impressive.
- Steel. Resistant to temperature changes, easy to sand if necessary. But stains, marks, and imprints remain on the surface.
- Stone. Looks great, easy to clean. But over time, mechanical damage appears and crumbs fall off.
- Tree. Expensive, short-lived material. Hot marks often remain on it, scratches and abrasions appear.
- Laminated chipboard. This is the cheapest and most common countertop option.
Apron
The apron in the kitchen can be plain, in the form of a mosaic pattern, or contain a bright image of juicy fruits or a city at night. It is practical to use ceramic tiles instead of the usual plastic.
Advice! For any design option for walls, floors, furnishings, it is better to leave the ceiling white.
Options for adjusting living space using wall color
Interior professionals know the secrets of choosing the right shade for walls, thanks to which you can visually adjust the architecture of a living space: lower or raise the ceiling, narrow or expand the size of the room, highlight functional areas.
When choosing a wall color, it is important to first rationally arrange the furniture in the room.
In addition to the color of the furniture, it is important to consider the texture of the furniture facades. For example, for a smooth texture, stylists use light finishing materials. Rough surfaces are complemented with dark colors.
Advice! Polished furniture facades can be highlighted with cool shades, and warm wallpapers are selected for matte furniture.
An interesting solution would be to use contrasting shades in one living space, for which gray furniture is chosen.
For example, one wall is painted white, and the second wall is decorated in black. In this case, upholstered furniture in asphalt color will be an ideal option for creating a functional office or living room.
Furniture
Against a gray background, a wooden table and chairs with metal inserts and brass inlay look great. It will stylishly fit into the design of a corner furniture ensemble.
The kitchen space can be zoned using a bar counter and a high vertical shelving unit.
Furniture in white and black tones will effectively highlight the gray walls in the kitchen. Corner cupboards made of aged wood are ideal for Provence and classics.
Selecting the surface and color of the headset
Glossy or matte? Any look good. It all depends on the amount of light and the size of the room.
The classic version is gray and white. They create a space of air and spaciousness. Looks great in small spaces. Gloss will create a feeling of volume. Combines with wooden floors and countertops.
Gray and black tones. The dark, matte top of the furniture will be perfectly broken up by white or light gray details. For example, sink, countertop, handles. The lighting will be just right, the graphite color will highlight it. Suitable for larger rooms.
A combination of dusty and pink. An ideal family combination. In such a kitchen it is pleasant to gather for tea and conversation. Ashy types of cabinets will look gentle with muted pink colors of the apron or countertop. And even if you do the opposite, you will not ruin your kitchen.
Smoky with brown. They are not ready to give in to each other. Therefore, it is necessary to combine correctly. To begin with, choose the main one. And clearly withstand this dominance.
Shades of cappuccino, beige and chocolate tone are very good with gray. It turns out a wonderful, warm and tasty interior if we make rough, loft-style walls (for example, brick, like in old videos).
Luxurious light gray facades with golden or mother-of-pearl decorative elements. The floor can be made to look like wood.
With yellow. This is a very successful and mutually beneficial combination of yellow and gray tones. Yellow looks brighter next to it. And gray is more noble. A few details are enough. For example, chairs, a vase, even part of a kitchen apron or a few towels will refresh the interior. A stylish addition, you can add yellow lighting to dark gray cabinet doors. In such a kitchen, any evening is a holiday!
Lighting
For a kitchen design in gray and a combination of the base shade with bright or pastel colors, the correct organization of light is important.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
A work area, a dining area, and bar elements should be highlighted.
Options for lighting space in the kitchen:
- recessed ceiling lights;
- apron with LED lamps;
- a bright chandelier over the dining area;
- large designer lampshades;
- furniture lamps.
Depending on the amount of natural light in the kitchen, you need to choose two or more options.
Design
Choose a stylistic solution that will help us get the detail of the photo. Here you will see which styles are most often used in gray kitchens. And yes,
Ikea Budbin grey.
Curtains and decorative elements
Accessories and textiles must correspond to the concept of the chosen design.
- blinds, roller blinds, Japanese panels, pleated panels are suitable for modern kitchens in the style of minimalism, loft, and modern;
- fabric or tulle curtains correspond to the classics, emphasizing the airy lightness of Provence and Scandinavian style;
- Roman blinds will suit any solution.
It is advisable to use silver fabric on matte walls. Floor-length curtains look harmonious with glass, metal, and chrome decorative elements. Bright paintings, still lifes, and colorful panels are noticeable against a gray background.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
If the kitchen walls are plain, then curtains with a pattern and bright ornaments are acceptable. It is better to choose calm textiles for colorful wallpaper.[/expert_bq
Which curtains to choose?
Curtains can complement a simple design or become the highlight of the interior. The choice of curtains for the kitchen is huge, read more about it here.
Well, let's move on to curtains that go well with a gray kitchen.
2. Light blinds.
3. light curtains.
4. Short light curtains.
5. Gray and white curtains.
Gray color in a small kitchen
In an average city apartment, the kitchen space is approximately 6-9 square meters. m. But even a small room can be renovated with a predominant gray tint. Here are some design tips:
- use glossy surfaces and mirrors;
- choose corner combinations of cabinets and other furniture;
- take care of a large amount of artificial lighting;
- give preference to light colors.
If possible, it is better to replace the dining area in a small kitchen. Instead of a traditional corner ensemble, use a folding table or bar counter.
