Interior Design
How to Work With Multi-Faceted Light Grey
This versatile neutral can be cool or warm, formal or casual, and feminine or masculine
Light grey is this decade’s trendiest neutral. It has replaced beige as the wall colour of choice. (I actually don’t know if this is true in a statistical sense, but it sure feels like it.)
A true neutral grey is a mixture of black and white, but we hardly ever see a true neutral grey. What we see are infinite shades of warm and cool greys. Warm greys have yellow or brown undertones. Cool greys have a blue undertone. The ubiquitous “greige” is a very warm grey that can look almost beige.
Cool or blue greys tend to have a very crisp, almost icy look to them. They are wonderful with bright whites in formal rooms and with blues and beiges. You can treat them almost like a light blue. Warm or yellow greys are complemented by creamy whites and warm colours like yellows, pinks and natural woods.
But, of course, there are no fast rues. A cool grey can be the perfect way to offset wood, and you are more than welcome to mix a warm grey with blues.
These examples show a variety of mash-ups that work and illustrate the beauty and versatility of the colour.
A true neutral grey is a mixture of black and white, but we hardly ever see a true neutral grey. What we see are infinite shades of warm and cool greys. Warm greys have yellow or brown undertones. Cool greys have a blue undertone. The ubiquitous “greige” is a very warm grey that can look almost beige.
Cool or blue greys tend to have a very crisp, almost icy look to them. They are wonderful with bright whites in formal rooms and with blues and beiges. You can treat them almost like a light blue. Warm or yellow greys are complemented by creamy whites and warm colours like yellows, pinks and natural woods.
But, of course, there are no fast rues. A cool grey can be the perfect way to offset wood, and you are more than welcome to mix a warm grey with blues.
These examples show a variety of mash-ups that work and illustrate the beauty and versatility of the colour.
This cool grey accent wall in a big, modern room works because all the wood warms it up.
This domed ceiling in a cool light grey (with hand-painted embellishments) gives this elegant room a dreamy quality.
This pinkish grey is in the greige family. Dove Tale by Farrow & Ball; it’s modern but welcoming and cosy too.
8 Paint Colours to Try if You’ve Got Greige Fatigue
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A very blue grey helps bridge the gap between the traditional elements in this room and the modern windows. The dollops of colour relax it and give it warmth.
A very pale cool grey is a soothing background for a simple, modern nursery.
A pale blue-grey on the walls and a darker warm grey behind the open shelving help give this modern farmhouse dining room its eclectic vibe.
This silvery grey wall covering sure looks like Maya Romanoff‘s Mother of Pearl collection.
Decorating With Light Grey
Variations in grey. A light grey bookshelf and desk against a slightly lighter grey on the walls. It all adds up to a sophisticated and soothing space.
Variations in grey. A light grey bookshelf and desk against a slightly lighter grey on the walls. It all adds up to a sophisticated and soothing space.
Grey leather upholstery is such a nice change from the more usual black, white or brown. And it goes with anything. This chesterfield-style sofa would be at home in a traditional, modern or eclectic room.
Here’s the ethereal grey and white combo I was talking about earlier. Just like sleeping in a cloud.
This oversize tufted headboard give this room a regal and commanding presence, but the soft grey keeps it welcoming and comforting.
Light Grey to Set Off Colour
First, these textured plaster walls are just too gorgeous to be true. Second, grey sets off bright pops of colour as well as bright white. Wow, now that’s magenta.
16 colours that go with grey
First, these textured plaster walls are just too gorgeous to be true. Second, grey sets off bright pops of colour as well as bright white. Wow, now that’s magenta.
16 colours that go with grey
These bright turquoise chairs are set off beautifully by these cool blue-grey walls.
In a wonderfully eclectic room, lots of ethnic pattern and colour are balanced by the crisp grey walls and white trim.
Sunshine yellow and light grey are a match made in heaven. Just think sunshine and rain clouds.
Light Grey in the Kitchen
Light grey sets off the texture in marble and goes well with stainless appliances. But look for a warm shade to avoid the laboratory look.
Light grey sets off the texture in marble and goes well with stainless appliances. But look for a warm shade to avoid the laboratory look.
Light grey Shaker-style cabinets are a great way to modernise a traditional look.
This very warm greige on the upper cabinets gives this kitchen a cosy farmhouse look but is still crisp and modern.
This weathered wood wall adds texture and a hit of nature to a stark white space.
TELL US
How do you feel about light grey? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
TELL US
How do you feel about light grey? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Tranquility, in Benjamin Moore’s Affinity palette, sets off the white trim and wainscoting in this feminine and traditional room. Bright white and light grey often have a sort of ethereal and romantic look together.