Martha Stewart's Paint Pick To Make Kitchen Cabinets Look Expensive

If you're looking for a kitchen reno hack that won't break the bank but packs a punch, look no further than Martha Stewart for inspiration. Or, more specifically, her kitchen set of the 90s' TV show, "Martha Stewart Living". This stunning gray-green color, once seen on her kitchen cabinets, is seeing a resurgence — and with good reason. The surprisingly neutral mix of green, gray, and a touch of blue brings light into the space and — perhaps our favorite — lends a calming, understated elegance to the space.

Why does this color rank as one of the top paint colors that'll make your kitchen look expensive without the cost? It comes down to the two colors in its base: gray and green. Gray provides a neutral, timeless feel while green brings in a touch of nature. While we couldn't find the exact paint color on the set's kitchen cabinets, you can still get this same calming, expensive look in your own home by finding the right tone for your kitchen.

How to find the perfect gray-green paint for your kitchen cabinets

On the surface, gray-green seems like a simple color: just mix gray and green, and ta-da! Well, not quite. Both grays and greens vary widely in cool and warm tones, so the key is deciding what atmosphere you want to create, and then finding the right mix for you. For example, if you want to create a warm, luxurious-looking kitchen, similar to the "Martha Stewart Living" set, consider looking for warmer green-gray colors with a hint of yellow, like pale sage green. To bring more light and airiness into your kitchen, select a cooler-toned green-gray. Oh, and go for a gloss finish if possible. It's a bit more durable than other finishes and the gloss adds a beautiful sheen that looks professional.

After picking your paint, it's time to decide what cabinets to paint. Painting both the top and bottom cabinets will immerse your kitchen in color and create an elevated look quickly. To create the feeling of more space, simply paint the bottom cabinets gray-green and give the top ones a fresh coat of white paint. This is especially handy if you have a smaller kitchen and want to make it look bigger. Make sure to properly prep your kitchen cabinets before painting by cleaning them out, then sanding and priming them to create a truly expensive look. Once done, you'll have a kitchen you — and Martha Stewart — will love.

Recommended