Gray kitchens have been having a moment, well…for much longer than a moment now. It’s about time some new kids come to town. And this is coming from someone who painted her dream kitchen gray. While black kitchens have been gaining ground and bright white kitchens remain the super safe bet, there’s a softer option for the color-phobes among us: I give you the clay kitchen.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34

Think of clay as gray’s softer, warmer cousin. It creates a beautiful, neutral backdrop that envelopes you like a hug of an old friend, but the hue still feels sophisticated and refined.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34

One of the great things about this color is its versatility. It can feel right at home in more rustic, country kitchens but also feels right at home in modern spaces. I love the look of clay lower cabinets contrasted against a lovely carrara counter and bright white walls in the kitchen above. The classic shaker style lends to a traditional feel, while the no-uppers is incredibly current. Little hits of dark in the sconce and staub pot are like drops of paint on a creamy canvas. It’s a gorgeous example of a kitchen design that will stand the test of time.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34

Clay looks just as gorgeous in an ultra modern setting. The tone on tone look of this kitchen is gorge. A concrete island and counters offer a cool contrast to the cabinets, warm wood floors and bar stools. A glossy white backsplash adds a little shine.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34

Floor to ceiling clay cabinets help the large scale of the piece blend in rather than feel overbearing.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34

This house carries the warm clay from the kitchen to its entry with beautiful effect. While this could look very Scandi if it were all bright white, this color offers a soothing alternative.

clay is the new gray on apartment 34clay is the new gray on apartment 34

While I’m never going to stop loving gray kitchens, I’m certainly developing a new kitchen crush. What say you? Are you feeling the clay? I’d love to know your thoughts.

For even more kitchen design ideas, CLICK HERE.

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What do you think?

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18 Comments

  1. Beautiful!! Where is the door decal from – For Like Ever?

  2. I love seeing all of these kitchens presented together. What a gorgeous soothing color. Can you suggest any paint colors?

    1. These are all warm creams or whites. Crisp Linen by Benjamin Moore is lovely as is China White by Pratt & Lambertt and Shadow White by Farrow & Ball

  3. Never liked gray kitchens but these clay colors are much more me. Do you have a list of the paint shown in these pictures?

    1. While I don’t know the exact colors in these images Deb, I love these options: Crisp Linen by Benjamin Moore is lovely as is China White by Pratt & Lambertt and Shadow White by Farrow & Ball

  4. grey provides such a wide range of “colour” choices & is so much more interesting than white on cabinets. That’s coming from someone who chooses to live with white walls!

  5. Wayyyy to hard to keep clean! Gotta keep my dark wood cabinets and very busy granite countertops. The walls and cabinets have no chance against a pasta dinner with red sauce!

    1. I live in an all white house wth a toddler. The effort to keep it clean is def worth it to me

  6. Who makes the Clay paint you show here? It’s what I’ve been looking for.

  7. Beautiful. Love it all. Ordering the poster. Gorgeous kettle too. Would love to know what kind it is.

  8. What color paint is this?. It is quite soothing.

  9. Love these! Was going to do a blue kitchen but decided to switch to neutral and thrsevate definitely what I’m after.

  10. Could you suggest any paint specs for this color? Thank you! Love it.

  11. LOVE the clay! Is there. Specific paint you recommend for the look? Building a new kitchen 🙂

  12. What is a good clay color to use with white?