Quick – what do you associate with the color gray? For us, we immediately think of pavement, storm clouds, and cold weather. Not exactly the most comforting or inviting things the world has to offer! But put gray within the home and it suddenly becomes timeless, practical, and solid. We love it!
We found that some homeowners are under the impression that gray will make their interiors cold, dreary, and dull. However, there are so many wonderful gray hues that can add warmth and dimension to a space. We find it especially effective as a wall color, serving as a calming backdrop for bright pops of color. Not convinced? Check out our favorite examples below!
This space is so calm and serene. The sunshine yellow provides great color contrast to the overall neutral space.
via Decor By Jennifer
Here’s a great example of how gray can bring warmth to a room!
via Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design
Our favorite gray rooms use texture and pattern to provide visual interest. Check out the rug, throw pillows, and curtains within this cottage living room.
via Refined LLC
A light shade of gray doesn’t steal the show yet enhances everything else! The blue-gray of these walls blends well with the eclectic furniture and decor.
via Cynthia Mason Interiors
Proof that gray walls and a navy couch is a winning combination. Again, we adore the mix of patterns found in this room’s accessories.
via Jenkins Baer
Wow – These chairs certainly make an impact. The barely-there gray is perfect for creating that seaside vibe.
via Armonia Decors
How do we describe this shade of gray? Let’s just say it’s muted grayish bluish green, shall we?
via Anat Shmariahu
This home workspace is so cozy and charming! We love this shade of gray together with the white furniture and vintage chair.
via Nicole Lanteri
Here’s another soft gray room that we can’t get enough of. If the walls were bright white, this room would be too one dimensional. The gray helps to highlight the molding as well as the faux fireplace.
via Dreamy Whites
Gray in the bathroom, you say? Yes! It can be done!
via Kasey Buick
Lastly, a lovely and unique take on exposed brick walls.
via Naciturus Design
5 comments
Amanda says:
Jul 26, 2012
I love how gray looks in a room! In fact, I just painted my bedroom with a color called ‘Elephant Skin’. It looks very urban with the brick wallpaper I have on the wall behind my bed. I like the examples you showed with bursts of yellow–I may need to try that in my room!
Xinyue says:
Jul 26, 2012
Well, may be dark grey or grey with the shades of green could indeed make the interior look a bit dreary and dull…But what about light grey? It is a great background color which goes so well with white or ivory or pink furniture. For me light grey and white is the best combination. And if the interior has white doors it is even better. I would totally go with the first picture interior.
Lily Richardson says:
Jul 30, 2012
I agree so much with what you wrote up there. Gray is neutral. Don’t get me wrong, I love neutral colors. They’re simple, elegant, and they blend in together just fine. What’s best about them is that they also mixed with other colors like the photos you have here. The non-neutral colors are given emphasis without giving that eyesore from having too much color in the design. It’s just perfect.
Mae says:
Aug 1, 2012
It never cross my mind that gray would look good on interior part of the house. I am not fond of this color not until I saw this post. Gray is good really. No not good, better. It is better. I am very fascinated on the effects of having gray walls.
Grace says:
Aug 16, 2012
I always thought that gray was dull and boring so I avoid it as much as possible. But these examples have changed my mind – at least when it comes to painting my apartment. They are all so lovely. My favorite would have to be the “grayish bluish green”.