Recently, I blogged about a kitchen here that I designed that is featured now in the Holiday issue of Traditional Home. I love that not only was it custom designed specifically for my client, but that it is a gray kitchen versus a white one like you are seeing everywhere.
Don’t get me wrong- I love a white kitchen because they are clean, classic, and on trend. I recently painted my own a version of this palette and I am enjoying it.
But when I am able to start from scratch and create a space you won’t see in any other house, I am all over making it unique. After all, that is why clients hire us- to give them a space that is classic enough to stand the test of time, but one that is custom and special and different than their neighbor’s.
I kept the colors soft to suit the owners and their style, so I chose Sherwin Williams “Crushed Ice” for the cabinetry and walls. The kitchen is light and airy without having to be white.

It’s hard to tell from these photographs but we played with the Crushed Ice color. I watered down the color on the wood walls but used the same color in full formula for the cabinets. This kitchen had many details that added warmth and contrast to the design, while remaining bright and airy.
Even though the cabinetry and walls were light, the countertops were a great place to add warmth. The dark soapstone really stood out in this space and helped marry the darker island base. Soapstone is a forgiving material, so it was perfect for this type of workspace. The island countertop is Mystery White marble, and this “clean” material was fitting for this somewhat formal-feeling kitchen.

The French white oak floors from Bois Chamois are not only beautiful, but practical as well. With two dogs in the house, they are scratch resistant and won’t show dog hair. The waxed finish keeps the color light, but its gray tones blend into the rest of the kitchen.

The warm gray charcoal finish on the white-oak island base added contrast, as well as a touch of formality with it’s soft lines and reeded cabinet doors. It became a grounding piece against the lighter cabinets and wood floor.
Classic details, such as mixing metals in the light fixtures and hardware, softly added more warmth through these layers. Keeping these details refined and purposeful is one of the best ways to create a tasteful space.
And, as always, if we can help turn your home into one you think you can only dream about, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you-
dana
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