5 ways to use grey in your decor

You may have noticed that gray has become one of the leading neutral colors in the world of interior design. While beige and white are always excellent choices, decorating with gray offers design options that wouldn't be possible with other neutral colors. The key to a good color match lies in tone coordination. Warm shades of grey work well with other warm colors, such as taupe, blush pink, butter yellow and burnt orange. On the other hand, you can combine cool gray with other cool tones such as navy blue, sage green and white. Whether you opt for cool or warm gray, or warm greige (a trendy hybrid of gray and beige), read on for tips on how to make the most of your chic color palette.

What colors go with gray?

Incorporate gray into your room's color palette with these design tips from a pro.

Familiarize yourself with the vast range of greys

If the first image of grey that comes to mind is cold and industrial, then you're in for a surprise. The wide variety of shades means there's a gray for every interior. It may take a little trial and error to discover the shade that best suits your space.

Consider greige

This easy-to-use gray contains a hint of beige or brown, making it warmer than the average gray hue. If you're worried that gray is too cool for your space, grège could be the answer.

Learn the basics

If you can recognize the color temperature of the gray you're considering, choosing a complementary color palette will be that much easier. Temperature or undertone incompatibility is almost always the culprit when colors don't look "right" together.

Consider charcoal gray as an alternative to black or dark blue

Charcoal gray can be the perfect dark color accent without being too deep or intense. It also looks great in upholstered furniture or rugs.

Use it as an accent

If you don't feel like painting an entire room, try integrating gray into your décor's existing color palette through accessories. A beautiful grey blanket or a stylish grey coffee table could be just what your room needs to feel fresh and new.

Have fun with gray

It's been years since gray was considered bland or conservative. Even if you want a room full of energy and personality, gray can be a great option. Add color with lots of pattern and unique accents to add an extra dose of whimsy.

Don'ts when decorating with gray

As with all colors, there are a few rules to keep in mind when using gray in your interior design, whether as an accent or as the star of the show.

Remember that gray is neutral

There are some color schemes that contain gray and beige together, but it's probably best to base your palette on one or the other.

Don't be afraid experiment

If you're inspired by a complex combination, give it a try! Just because you're starting "safely" with gray doesn't mean you have to stick to an entirely neutral palette.

Don't overlook the gray that's already in a room

Gray doesn't have to appear in your palette as paint: it can also be found on the outside of a fireplace, as carpeting or on countertops. When adding grey to a room, be sure to take into account any other greys that may already be there.

Don't forget textures

Just as gray goes well with many different hues, it can also be successfully paired with different textures. Wood, marble and even concrete can all be excellent textural complements in a gray color palette.