We know, we know…color is in, right? It is! BUT, you still need a solid base sometimes to layer that color over. And gray is definitely the modern definition of a solid base!
Gray can be used in so many ways. It’s a soothing and calm color in places like hallways where you just need something to transition between spaces. It can also be the perfect color for a large furniture piece, such as a sectional, that would be too loud in a bolder color. You can always layer in the color to create a more interesting space.
A dark shade of gray on an accent wall creates a moody backdrop for more romantic colors in a recent master bedroom we completed. We used the same gray to coordinate on the barn door leading in to the master bathroom to make it stand out!
By taking gray even darker, you can create a masculine space like this “man loft.” The dark walls and dark gray pinstripe fabric on the pillows and club chairs make the space feel intimate and MANLY.
Using gray in hard materials is one of our favorite ways to incorporate this color because it is so classic and clean looking. And, because gray has so many different shades and undertones, it can go with most any color scheme.
Some grays are COOLER and have blue undertones. Some grays are WARMER and have brown or yellow undertones. A new term has even been created for a gray that is almost interchangeable - yet more modern - with beige. You got it, GREIGE!
Bottom line, always, always, always, test your grays if you are painting anything! Gray looks so different in certain lights and you want to make sure you are getting the right undertone for your space!
A cool gray looks sharp next to crisp colors such as black and white. This sweet spot is itching for a kid to plop down after school and read a book!
And a mix of cool and warm gray pebble tile paired with a gold shower head…yes please!
Gray on cabinets and built-in’s never gets old in our book! Kitchen or bar cabinets and built in bookcases or benches are definitely a spot where you have a wide range of grays to choose from that would make them look more modern.
A cooler gray on a set of basement bar cabinets….
Or a warmer gray with a taupe undertone on bookcases in a master bedroom nook? We think they are both gorgeous!
Another way we used gray in this bedroom was to paint the trim. A darker trim creates such a chic look but a lot of people are afraid to use a color to do that. Gray is the PERFECT choice since it really is the perfect neutral!
Here’s one more, mainly because we love this under the stairs wine room SO MUCH! Gray is a color that lets other colors and other parts of the design of a space SHINE!
Even though color is making a STRONG comeback, we can’t give up on our favorite neutral. Gray has a lot of life left in the design world!
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