I’m working on several projects where we’ve done just that. For instance:

One interior had Sherwin Williams Antique White everywhere (which is a very yellow white): on the cabinets, mouldings, doors, and a travertine-like tile in the kitchen, breakfast room, and in every bathroom. Overall, the entire house had quite a yellowed look.

The client wanted to go grey, so we did, but we did not paint all the Antique White enamel. We just painted the walls and ceilings, making the paint job much easier and cost effective.

Really, it’s quite remarkable. Going darker makes the Antique White look even lighter and more white.

Why? Because color is very relative. It is highly influenced by it’s surroundings. And a cool, dark color next to that yellowish tone of Antique White provides such a nice contrast that it looks amazing. Rich. Dramatic. Cool...

And no longer yellow ;-)

Update: Check out some of the latest 2015 design trends where the grays are making it to the cabinets!