For those who have become bored with the various shades of white and beige that have been the design industry standard for neutral palettes, the new trend toward grey has just gotten a little spicy. If you associate the color with a dreary rainy day, prepare to be surprised! It is now available in the shimmer of silver sequins, the dark smoke billowing out of a speeding locomotive, the cool fog of London alley, and the soft fur of a wolf cub.
There are two distinct undertones of grey available: cool and warm. Cool greys have blue undertones. These pair well with pure white trim, some natural stone, and brushed nickel. Warm greys have yellow or brown undertones and go well with natural woods, gold or brass, and classic brick colors. It is important to be aware of the undertones of any furniture pieces, accessories, lighting, or wall colors that are chosen as mixing the types of grey undertones can clash. However, once the undertone has been determined, different shades within that family can be successfully mixed and match throughout the entire home.
Painting the walls of a room in a light shade of grey can open the space up in much the same way using a white or other light can. A darker color can be used to create a dramatic effect for residents who enjoy a more theatrical flair. Many people want the intensity of a dark color on the walls but are afraid an entire room painted in such a way would feel oppressive. A great alternative for that situation is to use the darker color on an accent wall.
If you plan on painting the ceilings of a small room grey, choose a paint that is two to three shades lighter than the walls of the room to make the area feel more spacious. If the room feels too open and the desired effect is to create a cozier atmosphere, choose a color of grey that is several shades darker than the color on the walls.
Grey is a great choice for bedroom furniture. Increasingly, manufacturers are offering more options in various shades of gray. Bedroom sets, including the headboard and footboard, dresser, and nightstands can all be found in a variety of styles and shades. Alternatively, wood furniture can be in stained in natural wood tones and grey can be brought into any bedroom with bedding, drapes, and rugs.
Layering the shades of grey throughout the bedroom, along with the textures of the textiles used within, can create a tranquil oasis which makes an impressionable background to add a bold splash of color such as purple, cerulean, or red as an accent.
Sofas and chairs are available in more colors than ever, including a wide variety of greys. Traditionally upholstered pieces can be used in the place of any of the neutrals such as brown, black, white, or beige. Grey is one of the only colors that is available in both warm and cool undertones, which allows it to be introduced into almost any decor.
Another interesting way to introduce grey is with industrial or Steampunk style elements. Both of these rely heavily on the use of darker metals, weathered wood, concrete, and industrial fixtures. This is most easily incorporated in coffee tables and side tables in this space.
One way to make a big impact with the color grey in the kitchen is to refinish existing cabinets or install new ones in this color; doing so tends to make the space feel more modern and streamlined. Grey can also be implemented in the kitchen area by selecting stainless steel appliances.
In the dining room painted wood in grey tones is becoming increasingly available. However, the color is most frequently found in metal components of the dining room table and chairs. The options range from brushed nickel to pieces with more of an antique or industrial feel. It is also possible to bring the color in with table runners, linens, and decorative pieces in order to compliment more traditional furniture selections.
Using one of the many shades of grey as the foundation of one's color palette opens up a vast array of decorating options. Remember to pay careful attention to the undertones present in any items to ensure they match. Then, have fun layering the colors to add interesting visual depth to your decor. Need help selecting grey furniture for your home? Give us a call at 800-275-4647 or visit one of Monmouth County, New Jersey home furniture showrooms.
