Ian Wright Might Be Better Known for Football, but a Look Inside His Modern Home Reveals How His Sleek Gray Kitchen Cabinets – Once Considered Dated – Are Back in Style and Leading the Way for 2026 Design Trends

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends often return with newfound sophistication, and for 2026, gray cabinetry is enjoying a stylish resurgence. Decorating with gray first rose to prominence as one of the defining kitchen trends of the 2010s, hailed for its versatility, understated elegance, and ability to complement a minimalist aesthetic.

At the time, it became the go-to neutral for homeowners seeking a sleek, contemporary look; however, overuse in some spaces eventually led to it being dismissed by some as a 'safe' but sterile choice. Now, over a decade later, gray kitchens are making a confident comeback – this time with nuance, depth, and a more considered approach to texture, contrast, and mood.

Arsenal and England football legend Ian Wright’s home provides a striking example of this revival in action. His modern kitchen demonstrates how a neutral foundation can be elevated into a space that feels both soulful and contemporary. This sultry shade works with virtually every color palette, adding depth and sophistication to any room; the secret is to treat grey as a true neutral, layering darker and lighter tones, textures, and subtle patterns to make it feel rich and intentional.

The modern resurgence of gray focuses on versatility and mood. Darker shades make a wonderfully dramatic, enveloping statement, while lighter tones create serene, light-filled spaces. To avoid the look feeling dated, it is important to pair gray cabinetry with contrasting colors and pops of vibrancy.

As Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown Paints, explains, 'The paler the tone, the more it will reflect available light; the darker the tone, the more it will absorb.' A pale gray can make a room feel larger and more open, while a deep charcoal can foster intimacy and a sense of luxurious enclosure.

Unlike the monochromatic 'all-gray-everything' aesthetic that dominated some interiors in 2010, today’s kitchens embrace gray as a sophisticated backdrop for layers of texture and material richness. Think fluted glass, natural stone, warm timber accents, and carefully curated metallic touches. Whether you’re aiming for a spacious, light-filled kitchen or a moody, inward-leaning retreat, the 2026 approach is about confidence in layering and contrast. Gray is no longer just a neutral – it is a statement of versatility, refinement, and timeless style.

This revival serves as a reminder that design classics never truly go out of style; they simply await the right moment to be reinterpreted. Just as gray dominated the interiors of 2010, it now returns to the forefront of 2026 interiors with renewed sophistication and a richness that proves its enduring appeal.

Shop the Look

If you’re not quite ready to fully re-embrace grey cabinetry, I’ve curated a selection of décor pieces that introduce this enduring neutral in subtle, stylish ways – allowing you to tap into the trend without committing to a full remodel.