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The old standard chimes are dead, and in their place are the best video doorbells. Instead of simply alerting you to the arrival of a visitor, these smart devices allow you to see who is outside and even communicate with them without leaving the sofa.

Pairing home security with smart home convenience, video doorbells give you the power to keep an eye on the area around your house even when you’re not there, and makes missing a package much more difficult.

For example, have you ever heard a knock at the door right when you’ve just started the washing up? Or had a guest arrive early while you’re still at the shops? The best video doorbells solve these problems and more besides.

They also serve a vital security purpose, and many can be used alongside the best security cameras and alarms.

Of course, these devices cost a good chunk more than the classic version, so you may be questioning whether it’s worth the investment? Below we list our favourite video doorbells for a variety of budgets, as well as offer advice on how to make the best choice.

The best video doorbells 2022

1. Google Nest Hello

Best video doorbell overall

Credit: Nest

Video: HDR video
Audio: High-quality speaker and microphone
Power: 12 V AC – 24 V AC; requires an 8 VA transformer and wired doorbell
Reasons to buy: Crisp, clear images, easy installation
Reasons to avoid: Requires a wired doorbell and chime

Google bought Nest, so it now features as part of its line-up for smart home products. So if you own a Thermostat, Home or Nest Wi-Fi, then this is an excellent addition to that ecosystem which is all run through one app. That means Google Assistant integration for door alerts on your Google Home speaker, which also means Google smarts.

As such, this doorbell is clever enough to recognise faces. That means you can have it alert you only when you want to know a particular person, say when your child gets home late. Thanks to the HD video with HDR, this is clear to see, which we found meant you got a clear image even when sunlight was in the background or when in night vision mode.

The look is super minimal, and the easy installation process goes along with that. But it’s backed by robust 128-bit encryption, so you don’t need to worry about security. You can also rest easy on recharging as this only comes in a hardwired version. That can make installation challenging if you don’t already have a doorbell wired in. But it means you can get the video to record constantly for you to scroll back through, for up to three hours at a time, without worrying about battery life. But, of course, you’ll have to pay if you want to store video for the longer term.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

2. Ring Doorbell Pro

Best Ring doorbell

Credit: Ring

Video: 1080 HD video
Audio: Two-way audio
Power: Hardwire to existing doorbell kit or via Plug-In Adapter
Reasons to buy: Slim design, interchangeable plates
Reasons to avoid: Requires professional installation and an existing doorbell

Yes, it’s a Ring doorbell appearing again early on in this list. That’s because Ring specialises in what it does, and it does it well. But there are different models to suit different needs, and in this case, it’s for those that don’t want to faff with a battery and would like a lot of options.

One thing we found in testing video doorbells is that they’re only as good as their notifications. Yes, you could use it at its most basic, only responding to the doorbell press, but if you want to be secure too then, motion detection is essential. That’s why this model excels, as it uses smart sensors and an app that lets you set zones to only be alerted when you need to be.

The design is also of appeal here with a super slim finish and long single black glass central unit to give a more premium look to the front of the house. There are interchangeable plates, too, so you can pick the look that fits. Even wiring this in is easy with an adapter included and all the tools and instructions to get you up and running quickly.

The price is the only downside here, although we did find audio quality could vary with it less clear sometimes, but that was likely our Wi-Fi in those cases.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars

3. Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Best budget video doorbell

Credit: Ring

Video: 1080p Full HD
Audio: Two-way
Power: Wired
Dimensions: 9.9 x 4.5 x 2.2cm

Reasons to buy: the cheapest Ring doorbell on the market; smaller than other models
Reasons to avoid: no wireless option; no chime included

After conquering the video doorbell market, Ring has gone a step further by releasing the Ring Video Doorbell Wired – an affordable option with pretty much all of the features of its other, more expensive models.

The smart doorbell offers 1080p Full HD video with two-way audio, is weatherproof and has night vision to help you see what’s going on after the sun goes down. You can view the video feed from your phone or Alexa tablet, and motion zone customisation lets you set how the camera monitors the area in front of your home.

It’s sleeker and less bulky than the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus or Pro, so some may prefer its more demure aesthetic. However, the biggest thing that could stop you from opting for the cheaper one is that it needs to be wired, which makes things slightly more complicated for those who are renting or who don’t already have existing wiring.

That said, if you already have a wired doorbell or are willing to hire a professional to fit it for you, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired comes highly recommended for those looking to save a few pennies.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4. Eufy Video Doorbell 2K Battery

Best video doorbell with 2K resolution

Credit: eufy

Video: HD 2k resolution
Audio: Two-way audio
Power: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Reasons to buy: 180-day battery life, no subscription fee needed
Reasons to avoid: Video quality doesn’t shine through on a smartphone

Eufy is growing fast in the smart digital homeworld, with robot vacuums and security cameras leading the way. Its doorbell is a standout model as it, unlike most of the competition, offers an eye-melting 2K video quality on its feed thanks to a Sony sensor.

This is a pro-grade lens, which goes some way to explaining the price of this video doorbell. The quality is excellent but, to be honest, isn’t that noticeable on a small smartphone screen when compared to a 1080p video.

What is a really appealing feature here is the inclusion of free cloud storage. This means you keep access to all your video but without having to store it locally. Another pro feature is the customisation for motion sensitivity with a selection of activity zones, motion sensing and human detection.

All that amounts to notifications only when relevant – something our smartphone battery certainly benefited from. This also makes no compromises with power, allowing you to wire it in or go for the battery. Using it on battery should last for half a year which seemed accurate in testing, but of course, it depends on how active your notification settings are.

The use of an included base station helps keep battery use low, and Wi-Fi worries less of an issue, which we struggled with on other models.

Ideal Home rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

5. Ezviz DB1 Video Doorbell

Best high-res affordable video doorbell

Credit: Ezviz

Video: 3 MP resolution camera
Audio: Two-way audio
Power:
Reasons to buy: Alexa and Google compatible, heat detector
Reasons to avoid: Camera resolution not as sharp as the competition

Ezviz might not be a big brand name, but it’s quietly been working away at home security for years, offering decent specs for a low price. This wired model fits that description perfectly, undercutting the competition while still offering high-resolution video and a minimal design.

All the usual features are here with night vision, two-way chat, dual-band Wi-Fi, IP65 weatherproofing and app support. What it also offers, that’s better than some of the competition, are a full 180-degree field of view, ideal for smaller spaces, heat-based motion detection, and local storage on MicroSD cards.

At first, the heat detection was a little overly sensitive, but you can easily adjust this to avoid too many notifications. Settings range from 5 to 3 to 1.5 metres allowing you to perfect this, so you only get notified when someone is actually near your door. Or, as we did, just turn it off and let them press the bell.

Since this records everything, you can always check back should there be an incident worth your attention. This even works with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant for smart alerts on your home devices despite the price.

Ideal Home rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

How to choose the best video doorbell for your home

Credit: Ring

Video doorbells come in plenty of different shapes and sizes. But what’s important is that they also come with a wide variety of features. There are a few stand out specs you’ll want to make sure you take into consideration before you buy.

Wired or wireless: some are wired into power, like a classic doorbell, while others can use battery, allowing them to attach easily, anywhere
Ecosystem: some brands work with a broader ecosystem of gadgets via one app, making your life simpler if you’ve already got some of this kit
Home security: some are built for this, with motion alerts, while others simply respond to the button press
Ongoing costs: some charge for storage of video in the cloud, while others allow you cheap or free local storage options
Quality: the better the quality, the more you can see, which is crucial if you want this for home security too
Audio quality: can vary, so if you plan to do a lot of two-way chat, this is a feature to look closer at

Why do I need a video doorbell?

If it isn’t clear already, there are two main reasons to go video with your doorbell. First, to see and interact with who’s at your front door and to offer video surveillance of your home’s main point of entry. Second, it’s also great for rental owners, especially Airbnb operators, who aren’t always at the property.

Of course, these two also break down into more details, like being able to see potential guests at your door even when you’re at the bottom of the garden, thanks to that Wi-Fi connection and phone app. Or the ability to use that camera as a deterrent for would-be burglars that now recognise these doorbells as recording devices.

Some video doorbells even use facial recognition to intelligently alert you to a guest when you need to know. This helps avoid too many notifications. On that same subject, you can more easily silence your doorbell, making this ideal for those people with young children whose nap time almost inevitably coincides with the delivery man’s arrival.

How much should I spend on a video doorbell?

Video doorbell prices are pretty varied, with older models for under £100 and newer, more feature-packed units coming in at over £400. Usually, you can quite easily decide which works for you based on what you need. The problems arise when you need a particular feature that’s reserved only for the higher-end models.

Thankfully these have been around long enough now that competition is growing as such. Everyone is trying to cram in the best features at a lower price. That means you should now be able to get what you want without paying for the top end.

Of course, as is often the case, if you do want the best working video doorbell, you’ll need to pay more for it. Another advantage to paying more is that often these higher-end models look better too, enhancing your front door’s finish.

What other key questions do I need to ask?

Power can be an issue. If you’re going for a battery unit, make sure it’s made to last at least six months, or you’ll be annoyed at having to remember to charge the battery. Ease of battery access in these models can also be essential to help make life simpler. In the case of mains power units, be sure they work with your current doorbell wiring or at least come with the adapter to work using that setup.

How you want to view your callers is another factor. Some devices work with third-party video units, like Ring working with Amazon Echo Show, so you can see who’s at your door without even taking your phone out.

Other units also work with electronic door locks, although this is still in its infancy with mainly US-based products. But it’s something worth keeping in mind for the long term.

For many of the best features, like voice controls, or stored video, you’ll likely have to pay for a cloud subscription to the service provider. So considering that cost for the longer term is also worth keeping in mind.

Field of view could be a factor if the doorbell is going in a tight space. Essentially, the wider the field of view, the more you will see.

The post Best video doorbells – the best doorbell cameras to secure your home appeared first on Ideal Home.

Grey has become one of the most popular shades to welcome a modern upgrade from classic white, in all styles of kitchen. In the past, there may have been more of an all-or-nothing approach to colour in the kitchen. Today’s palette is more restrained, with grey kitchen ideas proving a major hit.

Tone is important, probably even more so within the grey family where warmer greys create a different feel from blue-based shades of slate, for example. When it comes to kitchen ideas in shades of grey, consider every surface, from walls to worktops and everything in between.

Grey kitchen ideas to inspire

When it comes to incorporating a grey colour palette within kitchen design the possibilities are endless. For subtle contrast, two different shades of the same calm colour tend to work better on cabinetry than three or four, which can look like a design mistake.

An island painted in a deeper or contrasting colour to that of the wall cabinets will make it a focal point in your grey kitchen.

Base cabinets in darker shades than wall cupboards enhance the design and prevent it looking top heavy. For stronger, contrasting kitchen colour schemes, think light and dark, or two bold greys of the same ‘weight’ and balance. Too much heavy colour can make a room feel smaller, so you may want to balance things with a neutral floor and walls.

For balance, clever kitchen lighting is all-important in a grey kitchen. Delivering the right level of brightness and warmth as and where you need it.

1. Create a contrast

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Grey and white is a classic combination that goes together naturally and a great choice if you want a timeless look that won’t date. The devil is in the detail with an understated look like this, with luxe surfaces and accent fittings that will keep a simple grey kitchen from looking too plain.

Start with worktops, opting for luxurious white marble or composite to add a feeling of spaciousness. Continue with glossy white tiled splash backs for a seamless, uninterrupted look. Floor tiles are a great way of bringing in pattern with a classic, all-over design adding a subtle hint without overpowering the room.

Finish off with luxurious fittings, from drawer pulls and handles to tap fitments to light pendants. Copper or brass will stand out and make more of a statement than standard stainless steel.

2. Can’t decide which grey? Try a two-tone kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC

If you’re having trouble choosing between the shades of grey, using one as an accent colour is the way to go. A two-tone kitchen cabinet colour scheme allows the use of bolder more confident shades without overwhelming the space.

Keep to the paler coloured cabinets for the majority of the kitchen, opting for grey (or the bolder colour choice) on a third or less of the total space, so that it isn’t too overpowering. Introducing a freestanding island or a single bank of wall cabinets are great devices when putting a two-tone kitchen colour scheme together.

3. Perk up plain grey with playful terrazzo

Image credit: Walls and Floors

Lively patterns help bring punch to a plain kitchen. One of the biggest tile trends right now, terrazzo is hardwearing, easy-clean and resistant to water, so the perfect choice for practical spaces like kitchens and utility rooms.

Try a tiled splash back in a muted mix of black, white and grey to tie in with kitchen cabinets. Extend tiling to take in the floor for a bolder look, or embrace colour with a bright colour-pop terrazzo in sunny primary shades or soft plaster pink tones to give your kitchen a hint of the Med.

4. Frame your work zone in an open plan kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC/Amanda Turner

Contrast is always good in a grey kitchen or otherwise the space can feel a bit flat and lifeless. Framing a bank of grey units with contrast units in a glossy black finish grabs the attention and gives the space focus. The longline island acts as a room divider with outward-facing sink and hob so cooks can still socialise while they work.

5. Add a purple island to make grey cabinets pop

Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Snook

Introducing a bold accent colour on a central island will give a plain grey kitchen new focus. Keep cabinetry style the same for a cohesive look, but choose a vibrant, contrast shade so that the island takes centre stage.

Keep worktops consistent throughout the kitchen to tie the colour palette together. And in an open-plan kitchen-diner, choose a table in a wood with a similar tone or grain, to echo the feeling of continuity.

6. Banish hard angles with a curvy kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC/ Robert Sanderson

Consider curves to bring life to a standard grey kitchen and break up hard edges and harsh angles. Give a compact kitchen a better sense of flow by opting for a central island with rounded corners and contoured profile so access around the kitchen is smooth and uninterrupted.

Combine several shades of grey to prevent a grey kitchen from feeling flat. Consider going a couple of shades lighter on top cabinets and choosing a pale, light-reflective work surface to add sparkle and bounce light around the space.

7. Add a lively pattern to perk up walls and floors

Image credit: Tile Giant

Too much grey can be overpowering in a tight space so soften the look of an all-grey kitchen by bringing in lighter elements and glossy surfaces. A tiled splash back in a lively pattern and contrast colour is one of the easiest ways of lifting a dark scheme.

A Victoriana-style porcelain tile takes on a modern twist teamed with classic grey units. Try a simple tiled splash back on its own to add an instant hit of pattern, or go all-out for pattern and continue the same design on floor tiles too.

8. Turn up the heat with timber

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

Turn to softer shades of grey to create a soothing colour scheme that feels less harsh than dark charcoal tones. Match walls and cabinets in the same stone grey shade throughout to create a calm and cohesive backdrop that will make a small kitchen feel bigger.

The most successful colour schemes need some form of contrast to make them work.
So introduce an accent material to keep an all-neutral kitchen from feeling too bland. Tactile woods, rich grains and washed timbers across flooring, furniture and fittings will all add extra warmth and colour.

9. Add modern country style

Image credit: Flooring Superstore

Dark cabinets top and bottom can feel a bit overpowering in a small kitchen or area that doesn’t have much natural light. Give a grey kitchen some breathing space by taking out a run of top cabinets and replacing them with a single row of open shelving.

Installing a simple panelled splashback above units will give a modern grey kitchen a relaxed, country vibe. Paint panelling in a soft, warm white finish to contrast dark grey cabinets and finish off with a length of narrow wooden shelving to complement timber worktops and flooring.

10. Go glam with luxe gold and grey

Image credit: Mereway

You don’t get much more glamorous than marbled kitchen cabinets shot through with accents of gold. While we’re used to seeing marble on work surfaces and splashbacks, glossy marble-front cabinets take grey kitchens to a whole new level of luxury.

Break up large expanses of cabinet by adding pockets of shelving for storage and display. And add colour balance by introducing a free-floating island in a contrast white marble finish. Gold trims and plinths add to the luxe effect.

11. Add personality with a grey-painted kitchen

Image credit: Colin Poole

If you’re looking to revamp your kitchen on a budget DIY painted kitchen cabinets is the way forward. Give your existing units a refresh with a lick of on-trend grey. It’s easier than you think, the hardest part is choosing the shade!

Grey is a chameleon of a colour that can lend itself well to all kinds of settings. For a subtle take on the look opt for a light grey hand-painted finish. But if you’re looking to completely transform your space try dark grey. A striking shade of grey will bring out the best in other colours, so team grey paintwork on kitchen cabinets with a freestanding island painted a characterful shade such as olive green or mustard yellow.

12. Put the focus on the floor

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jonathan Jones

In a smaller kitchen, opt for pale and mid-toned greys that won’t absorb the light as much as dark-toned greys tend to. Team easy-on-the-eye grey with a striking black and white checkered floor in a small kitchen. Bold flooring like this will grab the attention, so that cabinets recede into the background, making a small kitchen feel stacks bigger.

13. Blend contemporary designs

Image credit: Harvey Jones

Create a sophisticated grey kitchen by mixing contemporary design materials across cabinets, worktops and flooring, seen here in this grey and white kitchen. Combining different materials adds interest to the space, allowing the design to reflect the character of the rest of the house.

Streamlined matte grey cabinets welcome a throughly modern vibe in this white kitchen idea, while the natural wood worktop helps to ground the look, and stop it from feeling too stark. It’s all about balance.

Expert advice for mixing materials comes from Melissa Klink from Harvey Jones.

‘A wooden worktop adds warmth in a kitchen, but it is a soft material which can become scratched or scorched during wood preparation. Confine the use of wood to soft-use areas, such as breakfast bars for eating or entertaining. Use a harder surface which is easy to clean, such as  granite or quartz composite, for food prep areas.’

14. Frame grey units with brass detail

Image credit: Future PLC/ Matthew Williams

The devil, they say, is in the detail. But we find this subtle use of brass to edge these deep grey units positively heavenly. It’s a great way to bring extra glamour to existing cabinetry. Or to make new off-the-shelf furniture look a whole lot more expensive. Coordinating kitchen lighting ideas up the ante even further.

15. Unite an open-plan living area

Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby

Choose a warming shade of grey to make an open-plan kitchen and living area feel like a comforting haven. Use the same rich tone of grey throughout, from kitchen cabinetry to the paint colour on the walls of the living area to unite the spaces, making them feel like one.

Enhance the warmth by using natural wood worktops, flooring and accessories. Textured fabrics with a tactile quality will help to add depth and a sense of cosiness to the open-plan elements.

16. Team grey with light-coloured wood for Scandi-style

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

To emulate the effortlessly stylish ethos of Scandi design in your grey space, look to incorporate wood or wood effects. In this Scandi kitchen idea, on-trend grey base cabinets paired with open shelving showcases the natural material to perfection, creating an understated air of sophistication. Consider stripped-back wood for flooring, dining tables and worktops, as well as shelving.

‘Look to light coloured wood like beech or ash if your budget allows,’ suggests Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising for Magnet. ‘Avoid stained or varnished woods for countertops as the raw, natural, untreated looks is much more in keeping with Scandinavian style.’

17. Match your paint shades

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Create a uniformed look by matching the paint colour on the walls to the chosen grey shade on the cabinets. This helps to seamlessly blend one into the other, helping to create the illusion of a bigger space.

This is an especially useful technique if you’re looking for small galley kitchen ideas. With paint matching services, and many kitchen fitters even making their own paint range this look has never been easier to achieve.

18. Introduce a colour match for all work surfaces

Image credit: AluSplash

If you’re looking for a matching grey colour scheme, choose one tone to incorporate throughout all of the work surfaces. To keep the look unified choose the same finish for all surfaces, so if the paint finish is matte choose the same for the floor tiles and the splashback.

This new matte splashback features a coarse finish that forms the surface of the Smoked Ember panel, ideal for complementing natural finishes and enhancing a soothingly soft colour palette.

Keeping the walls painted white helps to highlight the grey choices on the furniture and flooring. Finish the look off perfectly with a statement butler sink and wicker accessories.

19. Work the pastel trend with a grey backdrop

Image credit: Dulux

Last on-trend in the early noughties, pastels have been reworked for 2021 with a new emphasis on sherbet oranges, violet whites, peaches and muted greens.

And the best backdrop to these mouthwatering array of colours? Grey – in this case Misty Mirror by Dulux, paired with Tranquil Dawn cabinets. A change of wall colour can transform every other element of a kitchen design.

20. Add interest with a feature wall

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

Add interest and character with a feature wall that mimics the grey colour scheme. Shaker-style units in an easy-going mushroom hue keep the look light and fresh. Original Victorian wooden flooring adds warmth, and a woodland-inspired feature wall for the dining area gives this space depth and detail.

Wallpaper can work well in a kitchen. Go for a dramatic design to create a feature wall. Although the pattern is bold, the colour is a subtle grey, which brings tranquility to a large, open-plan room like this.

Bright wallpaper is a great choice if you’re looking for ways to add colour to an all white kitchen, too.

21. Echo grey elements of stainless steel

Image credit: Future PLC/ Darren Chung

Enhance the natural tones of stainless steel. The brushed-chrome finish offers as close a colour match as you’ll get within the grey colour palette. Encase an industrial-style sink with tonal cabinetry to present a uniformed finish. Go one step further by adding matching taps and fittings, even industrial-style pendants to tie the cohesive scheme together.

22. Mix materials and finishes

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Sill

With an increasing trend for championing natural materials in our homes, designers are looking for more and more creative ways to incorporate wood into their kitchen designs.

This example is a perfect partnership of contemporary high-gloss cabinets alongside natural-look wood worktop and splashback. The contrast creates a harmonious blend of modern design with the warmth and grounding ethos of wood.

23. Brighten an outlook with a splash of yellow

Image credit: Future PLC/ Robert Sanderson

What brightens up a cloudy day? A little bit of sunshine, of course! The same can happen in a deep grey kitchen.

This yellow glass splashback beside the window is a smart colourful kitchen design idea, as it sits ready to attract the light and shine a warming glow onto the surrounding space. Yellow works brilliantly, thanks to its association with sunshine, but you could use any bright colour to create the same effect.

24. Balance the light with darker hues

Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Snook

Go for stylish and sophisticated with dark design choices. Feel emboldened to use brooding dark greys and walnut wood by getting the balance right with lighter tones.

Keeping the walls white will allow the light to fill the space more freely. Teaming a white tiled splashback and a light grey herringbone floor adds the perfect fashionable finishing touches that won’t date thanks to the muted colours.

25. Create the perfect grounding with concrete

Image credit: Future PLC/ James French

Draw on the natural grey tone of concrete to create a contemporary, authentic grey scheme. Start from the floor up, tailor your kitchen to create a vision in grey.

Polished concrete flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years with the rise of open-plan living. The look can be easily achieved now thanks to a luxury vinyl to save on the expense of having your flooring professionally tailored.

The beauty of vinyl over the real thing is the maintenance. Faux flooring measures are more durable and easier to clean than the real thing because the material is less porous and harder to mark. Which can’t be a bad thing in a busy kitchen?!

26. Embrace exposed brick for an industrial look

Image credit: Magnet, Tribeca kitchen in Graphite, starting from £3,136

The kitchen trend for industrial style remains hugely popular. Grey is the perfect shade to help achieve the look, because it’s not too far removed from industrial steel.

This contemporary look is characterised by raw materials like exposed brick, natural wood and metal paired with rich greys and urban-style accessories like prominent metal pendants and matte black bar stools. The mix of dark grey tones and textures creates a sophisticated industrial finish.

27. Say yes to Shaker units

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Want a kitchen that looks both sleek and stylish? Then bespoke Shaker units could be just what you’re looking for. And this design doesn’t have to be traditional, as this Shaker-style kitchen idea proves. While handleless is all the rage, we think these stylish copper handles add wow factor here. White metro tiles also help set off this striking look.

28. Add natural vibrancy to grey with accents of green

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

There’s no danger of this grey kitchen looking gloomy thanks to an injection of forest green. The splashback tiles are a smart green kitchen idea, especially when complemented by real-life greenery in the form of succulents and fresh herbs. Leather handles are a smart finishing touch that makes the off-the-shelf units look high-end.

29. Welcome warmth with wood furnishings

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Grey has a reputation for being a cool and clinical colour but by mixing in some wood, you can create a positively warm and cosy look. The trick is to find the right shade, and mix in the right tone of timber.

In this grey kitchen idea, almost purple-grey units have been teamed with a chunky pale oak worktop and knotted floorboards to harmonious effect. If you wanted something that works with a darker, charcoal grey, you could try a deeper walnut.

30. Layer tones of grey

Image credit: Tom Howley

Using various layers of grey shades to pick out individual elements of the room creates a cohesive feel in this modern kitchen idea. The walls and island are painted a dark, slate grey, the cabinetry is a softer shade, and darker flecks in the marble of the work surface and splashback prove an effortless transition between light and dark.

Keeping the rest of the scheme light keeps the room feeling airy despite the abundance of dark grey.

31. Smarten up compact kitchens with colour

 Image credit: Future PLC

In a smaller space, some might worry that grey will prove an oppressive choice, especially darker shades, but this well-ordered kitchen shows that doesn’t have to be the case.

Using the same dark shade on the lengthways run of cabinetry, sink area, upstand, kickplate, stool and lighting is a cohesive, eye-catching choice, and the pale shade of grey used throughout the rest of the scheme keeps the look airy.

32. Add grey shelving for a casually cohesive look

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

We love these smart grey kitchen units but using them on the walls, too, might have been a step too far. Instead, this simple grey kitchen shelving idea makes for more casual – even rustic – storage that doesn’t make the room seem too dark. Marble worktops, a Belfast sink and worktop-to-ceiling metro tiles in bright white further lighten the mood.

33. Choose French Grey for a rustic scheme

Image credit: Future PLC/ Philip Lauterbach

Grey is just about the most flexible colour for a kitchen. In charcoal, it can feel very modern, but opt for a French grey like in the small kitchen idea shown above and you’re immediately transported to the Gallic countryside. Even if you do live in Grimsby.

A soothing green-grey, French grey takes its name from the shade heavily featured in French design and wallpapers from the 19th century. It’s as popular now as it was then thanks to its unique soothing quality, which makes it perfectly suited to relaxed rustic kitchen-diners like this one.

If you’re going to introduce a few different colours in accessories, it’s best you keep to one single tone for the backdrop so make sure your splashback, cabinets and flooring all match. Otherwise the overall effect will be less stylish and more shambles.

34. Throw in pops of bright yellow

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Merewether

Add highlights to brighten up the grey in the form of an accent colour. Here, bold yellow Tolix-style stools along with matching flex cord on the lights and accessories inject energy and fun. Notice, too, how the interior door has been painted in a very dark grey to match the window frames for a more cohesive look.

35. Go white on the walls

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Deep grey base units make this kitchen feel very grown up. But to keep the scheme bright and airy, off-white units have been used above and the walls have been painted in a brighter white shade so that they blend in. We said earlier that a darker walnut timber works well with charcoal grey, and here’s the proof.

36. Tiny kitchen? Pick pale grey and add reflective surfaces

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Dark grey units may have been too much in this diddy kitchenette, but a soft grey works well. The cabinetry is complemented by stainless-steel accessories including a sink, appliances and kickboards, which also help to reflect light around the small space. It goes to show that grey doesn’t have to mean gloomy.

37. Add copper accents to warm a mid grey

Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Massey

Copper is very on trend right now and it makes the perfect foil for a pale grey space, bringing out the pinky hues and feminising what could be a very austere space. Use it for lighting, pans and, if your budget can stretch to one, a bronze or copper range cooker like this one from Mercury.

38. Trim with timber

Image credit: Future PLC/ Darren Chung

Temper all-grey units with a wood trim to give a clean, warm edge. Take it a step further by introducing matching wood wall cabinets. Give your scheme a cool, New York loft vibe with ever-popular metro tiles.

39. Go dark and dramatic

Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside

For true drama, go for a really dark shade of grey or even consider black kitchen ideas. This charcoal vignette gives the open plan area a sophisticated, sexy air, disappearing when not wanted, while still being no-nonsense, functional and capable of being put to hard work.

40. Incorporate a contrasting colour splashback

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Add a punchy accent colour by way of a statement splashback. This can be tiled or glass, depending on the look you’re after. In the high-gloss grey kitchen idea shown above, a fabulous fuchsia pink splashback adds a vibrant hit of colour. The chosen accent colour is accentuated further by stark white walls as a contrast.

41. Dare to pair pink walls as a backdrop to grey units

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

This pink kitchen idea isn’t a look for the faint hearted, but if you LOVE pink, it’s a winning combo. Rosy copper handles and utensils, together with wooden furniture, help blend the cool of the grey with the warmth of the candy-coloured walls.

 42. Team glossy grey with striking blue

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Finding an accent colour to go with a mid grey like this can be tricky but this teal works perfectly. An expanse of glass splashback mimics the glossy finish of the slab-style doors for a look that’s very clean, modern and practical.

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