Light gray kitchen cabinets are a timeless choice, and in this post, I'm sharing our full kitchen cabinet makeover using one of my favorite warm grays — Willow Creek by Benjamin Moore. This shade gave our dated oak cabinets a cozy new look without making the space feel dark or cold.
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Jump to:
- From oak to light gray: our budget-friendly kitchen update
- Why you’ll love light gray kitchen cabinets
- The hunt for the perfect light gray paint
- Willow Creek by Benjamin Moore: a cozy, versatile gray
- Painting the cabinets: what we used and loved
- Coordinating colors and finishes
- Other light gray paint colors to consider
- More light gray kitchen inspiration
- Frequently asked questions
From oak to light gray: our budget-friendly kitchen update
If you’re considering light gray kitchen cabinets, you’re in good company. A few years ago, we decided to give our dated oak cabinets a much-needed refresh. Rather than doing a full renovation, we took a more budget-friendly (and DIY-friendly) route, painting them ourselves.
Before picking up a paintbrush, we made a few key updates to help the layout feel more custom and functional. First, we extended the cabinets to the ceiling with crown molding, which made a surprisingly big visual impact. Then we added an inexpensive kitchen island using repurposed bathroom vanities - a game changer for both prep space and storage. (If you're planning something similar, I’ve shared tips on figuring out the right amount of space to leave around a kitchen island.)
Then came the color search.
After testing dozens of swatches, we found a warm, light gray from Benjamin Moore that completely transformed our kitchen. It worked beautifully with our existing counters, brought softness to the space, and gave the whole room a calm, cozy feel.
In this post, I’ll walk you through our cabinet makeover, share the exact paint color we chose, and explain why it’s become one of my all-time favorite grays for kitchen cabinets. I’ll also link to the products and tips we used along the way, from the primer that made it all stick to the paint we used without sanding.
Let’s get into it.
Why you’ll love light gray kitchen cabinets
- Pairs beautifully with countertops
Works especially well with marble and quartz that have soft gray veining. Also complements butcher block and warm-toned surfaces. - Easier to maintain than white
Light gray hides smudges, dust, and daily messes better than bright white cabinets. - Feels calm and timeless
It adds softness to the space without feeling cold or trendy. - Works with many design styles
Looks just as good in a modern kitchen as it does in a farmhouse or traditional space. - Plays well with warm metals and wood tones
Looks great with brass, nickel, stainless steel, and natural wood accents. - Great backdrop for color and texture
Lets your hardware, backsplash, and decor shine without competing.
The hunt for the perfect light gray paint
What we wanted from our cabinet color
We knew we wanted a light gray that felt warm and cozy, not sterile or blue-leaning. It had to work with our existing countertops and lighting, and not feel too trendy or too cold.
Testing paint swatches in our kitchen
Before committing, we tested multiple grays - warm, cool, neutral - directly on our cabinet doors. We checked them throughout the day, under different lighting, to see how they shifted.
Tip: Always test swatches in your actual space. Lighting can dramatically change how a gray reads.
Why we chose Willow Creek by Benjamin Moore
Willow Creek stood out for its soft warmth. It has just enough depth to feel rich, but still keeps the space light. It worked beautifully with our off-white counters and wood tones and gave the kitchen the cozy, welcoming vibe we wanted.
Bonus Tip: If you're struggling to choose a shade, try using Samplize peel-and-stick swatches. They're made with real paint and easy to move around.
Willow Creek by Benjamin Moore: a cozy, versatile gray
If you’re looking for a soft gray that feels warm and inviting - not cold or flat - Willow Creek (1468) is worth a look. With subtle violet undertones, it brings a cozy, lived-in quality that works beautifully in a variety of kitchen styles.
It has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 34.48, putting it squarely in the mid-tone range. That means it adds depth without making the room feel dark, which is ideal for kitchens where balance is key.
Originally, we paired Willow Creek with our off-white laminate counters. We’ve since upgraded to a beautiful white quartz with gray veining, and the color still shines. It complements warm wood accents just as well as it does cool stone surfaces, giving it serious versatility. Whether your kitchen leans traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, this shade adapts effortlessly.
Painting the cabinets: what we used and loved
Once we landed on the perfect shade, it was time to get painting. We wanted a smooth, professional finish that would hold up in a busy kitchen, so we spent some time researching products and prepping properly.
We started with a solid base. I used this cabinet primer, and I absolutely swear by it. It gave us great adhesion and helped the paint go on more evenly. Even better, we didn’t have to sand everything down to bare wood. If you're hoping to skip that step too, you can check out my full process for painting kitchen cabinets without sanding.
For paint, we used Benjamin Moore Advance in a satin finish. This paint has a self-leveling formula, which means fewer brush marks and a nice smooth surface. It’s designed specifically for cabinets and trim, so it holds up well to daily wear and tear. I loved how it dried with a soft sheen that didn’t look overly glossy but still felt clean and polished.
We applied it with a combination of brush and foam roller. Brush for the edges and corners, roller for the flat surfaces. Two coats gave us full coverage, and we let everything cure for a few days before reattaching the doors and hardware.
Coordinating colors and finishes
To balance the light gray cabinets, we chose a deeper, richer color for our budget-friendly kitchen island. We went with Bear Creek by Benjamin Moore, a warm dark gray that adds contrast without feeling harsh. It anchors the space nicely and gives the island its own moment without clashing with the rest of the kitchen.
For hardware, we picked brushed nickel round cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. They tie in beautifully with our stainless steel appliances and add just enough shine without stealing the spotlight. Plus, they’re easy to clean, which is always a bonus in a busy kitchen.
Warm gray tones like Willow Creek are surprisingly versatile. They pair well with both cool and warm finishes, so you’re not boxed into one style. Whether you love brass, matte black, or classic stainless, this kind of gray plays nicely with them all.
Other light gray paint colors to consider
If Willow Creek isn't quite the right fit, there are plenty of other beautiful light gray paints to explore. Some lean warm and cozy, while others have cool undertones that give a more modern vibe. Here are a few reader favorites worth sampling:
- Agreeable Gray 7029 by Sherwin-Williams - Warm
- Repose Gray SW 7015 by Sherwin-Williams - Warm
- Platinum — PPU26-11 by Behr - Cool
- Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore - Warm
- Dorian Gray SW 7017 by Sherwin-Williams - Warm
- Gray Owl 1237-60 by Benjamin Moore - Cool
- Gratifying Gray — DC-008 - Behr - Warm
- Cool Silver Chain 1472 by Benjamin Moore- Cool
No matter which one catches your eye, always test samples in your own space. Lighting can change everything. I recommend using peel-and-stick samples like Samplize so you can move them around your kitchen and see how they look at different times of day.
More light gray kitchen inspiration
Frequently asked questions
Yes, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Light gray cabinets strike that perfect balance between timeless and on-trend. They work beautifully in both modern and classic kitchens, and pair well with a variety of finishes, from warm brass to matte black.
That depends on the look you're going for. If you want warmth and softness, go for a gray with beige or violet undertones like Willow Creek by Benjamin Moore. For a crisp, cooler vibe, try something like Gray Owl or Silver Chain. Always test samples in your space before committing.
Light gray is a flexible neutral, so you have options. It pairs beautifully with white or marble-look quartz countertops, brushed nickel or black hardware, warm wood tones, and soft whites or "greiges" on the walls. It also plays well with bold accents like navy or forest green if you want contrast.
Absolutely. Light gray creates a calm, clean, and inviting atmosphere. It reflects light well (without being stark like white) and tends to hide daily smudges and fingerprints better than bright white, which is a win in busy kitchens.
The choice between using the same or different grey shades for upper and lower kitchen cabinets depends on your design goals. Using the same shade creates a cohesive and balanced look, giving your kitchen a harmonious appearance.
However, if you're looking to add visual interest and a pop of color to your kitchen, consider using a lighter grey for upper cabinets and a darker shade like Wrought Iron from Benjamin Moore for lower cabinets. This modern look can create a subtle contrast that adds dimension to your kitchen design while maintaining an overall grey color scheme. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and the style you want to achieve in your own home.
This is just one of many spaces we’ve refreshed in our home. See the full list in the Home Decor Projects Hub.
Choosing light gray for our kitchen cabinets was one of the most impactful (and surprisingly affordable) upgrades we've made to our home. It brought a calm, cozy feel to the space and gave our old oak cabinets a completely new life.
If you're on the fence about painting your cabinets, I hope this post gave you the inspiration and confidence to take the leap. Whether you go with Willow Creek or explore other light gray options, the right shade can make all the difference in creating a kitchen that feels both timeless and personal.
Looking for more kitchen DIYs? Check out how we added a kitchen island on a budget, or browse my cabinet painting tips without sanding to make your own makeover easier.
Happy painting friends!
