Kitchen Cabinets Take on Grey Whitewash Look

Gray washed kitchen cabinets are becoming popular due to their versatility, calming effect, and ability to hide dirt and scratches. The neutral gray tone serves as a blank canvas that allows other decorative kitchen elements to shine. Whitewashing also creates an aged, timeworn appearance without signs of wear.

Transforming your existing kitchen cabinets saves the cost of full replacement while still providing a fresh facelift. Read on to learn the benefits of going gray, whitewash techniques, design ideas, and maintenance to protect your updated space.

Benefits of Grey Whitewashed Kitchen Cabinets

What drives the growing preference for gray washed kitchen cabinets? They offer many advantages over darker or more colorful options:

• Create a light and airy look. The pale gray finish paired with exposure of the natural wood grain prevents dark and closing in the kitchen.
• Provide a coastal, beach-inspired style. Whitewashing evokes casual seaside living rooms.
• Modernize the kitchen without a full remodel. Just swapping out cabinet color refreshes the space.
• Soften the look of wood cabinets. The thin opaque coating mutes grain and patterns.
• Disguise dated or worn cabinet finishes. Whitewash covers damage beautifully by letting base material show through.

Gray can be a base color to inspire color selection for other kitchen elements and balances color temperature. Gray washes can have varying shades, such as light gray, dark gray, or gray washed oak, and can be used in traditional, contemporary, or transitional kitchen styles.

Oak wood is an excellent choice for gray washes due to its prominent grain patterns and ease of absorbing stains and paint. Interior latex paint, mixed with water, is recommended for gray washing as it is water-based, less toxic, and more malleable than enamel or acrylic paint.

How to Whitewash Kitchen Cabinets

Achieving the coastal chic look of gray washed cabinets relies on proper technique. Follow these steps:

1. Clean cabinets thoroughly before starting. Remove grease and dirt so the whitewash adheres well. Fill any cracks or holes with wood filler.
2. Lightly sand cabinets to help paint adhere. Scuff the surface with 150 grit sandpaper. Vacuum away dust.
3. Choose water-based whitewash paint in light grey tone. The wash works best as a translucent stain rather than an opaque coverage. Consider sample testing colors.
4. Apply thin coats using brush, foam roller, or sprayer. Work top to bottom so drips don't mar finished sections. Allow paint to penetrate the wood.
5. Distress or sand paint between coats for varied finish. Create an aged whitewash look by selectively removing some color.
6. Seal whitewashed cabinets when dry for protection. Water-based polyurethane works well for a clear coat guard.

Take care not to get whitewash too thick or it will lose the transparent stained appearance. Layer multiple diluted coats rather than one heavy application for convincing results. Experiment with sanding, sponging, rag rolling, and glazing to customize the finish.

Achieving Realistic Whitewashing

Certain techniques heighten the authenticity of gray washed cabinets:

• Focus whitewashing on exterior cabinet frames and door fronts since interiors don't show.
• Paint the cabinet boxes and shelves a lighter tone than doors for contrast.
• Vary effects from a faint opaque dusting to heavier opaque coverage across pieces.
• Allow some previous stain or wood tones to show through transparently for dimension.

Planning your approach helps recreate an inconsistent, time worn patina. Study inspiration images to identify charming elements to incorporate.

Design Ideas with Grey Whitewashed Cabinets

The light gray washed finish serves as a lovely neutral backdrop for the rest of the kitchen design. Consider these stylish ideas:

• Pair with white countertops and backsplash for crisp look. Contrast makes both elements pop.
• Add pops of color with aqua or navy accent pieces. Whitewash mutes loud hues.
• Use driftwood, rattan, or reclaimed wood kitchen decor. Natural textures complement.
• Contrast with black island, hardware, or lighting fixtures. Go for bold tempered by soft.
• Install open shelves to complement the light finish. Show off glassware and dishes.

Choosing Countertops

What countertop options work well with gray washed cabinets? Considerations include:

• White marble or quartz counters to play up the pale whitewashed finish
• Butcher block for gorgeous wood-on-wood look
• Concrete for cool, coastal vibe against weathered cabinets
• Black granite countertops to boldly contrast the pale wash

Incorporating Backsplashes

Like countertops, the backsplash presents another chance to enhance gray washed cabinets. Ideas include:

• Subway tile backsplash for classic appeal
• Sea glass mosaic tile to echo beach cottage charm
• Weathered plank panels to match distressed cabinet vibe
• Patterned Moroccan tile to add global flair

Selecting Hardware

Don't overlook cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls when designing with gray washed cabinets. Options like:

• Aged brass hardware for a well-loved look
• Pewter or nickel for subtle metallic sheen
• Matte black for bold contrast to soft whitewash
• Rustic wood knobs to heighten beach house feel

Can make all the difference in your kitchen's cohesiveness. Choose hardware last after settling on other finishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While gray washed cabinets promise gorgeous results, beware these pitfalls:

• Failing to properly prepare the cabinets. Ensure thorough cleaning/sanding for paint adhesion.
• Applying whitewash too heavily or unevenly. Seek translucent stain instead of opaque paint.
• Not distressing or sanding enough between coats. Remove some color for aged patina.
• Forgetting to seal the finish when complete. Polyurethane protects the washed look.
• Overaccessorizing instead of letting cabinets stand out. Simple is best with this technique.

Rushing the process or adding too many decorative elements diminishes the washed cabinets as the focal point. Keep extras minimal to let the finish shine.

Grey Whitewashed Cabinets vs. White

Debating between whitewashed gray versus brilliant white kitchen cabinets? Consider key differences:

• Whitewash is more translucent with wood grain visible compared to solid white.
• Whitewash lends a more casual, beachy style than formal bright white.
• More layering and variation occurs in the whitewashed finish.
• White can appear more formal and bright against whitewash 's weathered patina.

Essentially, whitewashing permits a hint of color instead of stark white. This flexibility leads to soft, coastal kitchen designs full of depth and texture.