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What colour compliments grey


Colors that go with grey – 9 best pairings

(Image credit: Sasha Adler Design. Photo credit Douglas Friedman)

When it comes to colors that go with grey, you are spoilt for choice. That's because grey is not only the "it" neutral, but also synonymous with style, sophistication, and glamor, and is especially effective when used with other tones. 

The versatility of this shade is such that it makes for a great companion for most tones. From sunny Mediterranean shades, and cooler tones, to even classic crisp neutrals... all work wonders when paired together.

We spoke to several designers to understand the different shades and rules as directed by color theory for finding the perfect match for grey. Take a look at these suggestions and apply them to your home!

What colors go with grey?

'Grey is an ideal colour as it compliments many interior styles and trends,' says Richard Ticehurst, brand expert at Crosswater . 'It is also enormously versatile when it comes to partnering with other colours. Depending on its underlying tones and depth of colour, grey can be partnered with almost any other hue.

'As versatile as grey is, it is important to consider undertones when pairing it with another shade' says Richard. 'Cool greys are best paired with cooler colour schemes, such as blue, green, and light purple, while warm greys better complement reds, oranges, and yellows.  For fans of the monochrome look, incorporate different shades of grey, alongside white and black, to create depth and visual interest.'

 

Journalist

Hebe is an experienced homes writer and editor. She has written hundreds of articles helping readers make the best home design choices, and spends her days interviewing interiors industry experts to bring the latest ideas to her readers. For this piece she spoke to top designers to understand what colors would go best with grey. 

1. Grey and yellow

(Image credit: Bryan O'Sullivan. Photo credit Helen Cathcart)

One of the most uplifting colors that go with yellow is grey. That's because both colors are versatile, and can make as bold or as subtle a statement as you like. Think deep grey with warm yellow, or a light grey with a muted or mango yellow. Both combinations will look eye-catching yet so different.

A grey and yellow combination works particularly well with a modern and contemporary style. You can decide on the quantity of both hues while creating your color scheme. If your base color is grey and you don't want to make a big commitment to accent color, bring yellow in through small accessories.

Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball

This dark lead grey with blue undertones is the perfect color to create a moody interior, and looks fantastic in social spaces such as the living room or dining. The color has a cocooning feeling, perfect for creating a cozy decor.

2. Grey and black

(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Photo credit Leslie Brown)

When it comes to decorating with neutrals, two colors that you probably wouldn't think about are grey and black. Yes, we usually think of light tones are neutrals but both grey and black, monotones and deep hues with gravitas too can individually lift a scheme when paired with other lighter colors.

And when paired together, they beautifully offset each other and create a deep, moody interior.

'Just because grey and black are very similar does not mean they can't be used together,' says Lindye Galloway, founder of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop . 

'Utilizing dark grey with black can create a gorgeous and bold monochrome space. We added different patterns and textures in the shade range to help keep a room visually interesting,' says Lindye. 'We also accented the room with some additional pops of beige in the painting, pillows, and curtains to create more dimension against the dark background without detracting from the bold impact.' 

3. Grey and white

(Image credit: Brad Ramsey Interiors. Photo credit Paige Rumore Photography)

You can pair a barely-there grey with a crisp white for a bright and airy space or contrast white with deep, moody charcoal.  In this grey and white living room to touch of grey in the checkerboard flooring helps to add depth to almost all white space.

'Depending on your styling, the look can either be relaxed and dreamy or quite tailored, but it does always tend to strike a modern Scandi note,' says Sarah Spiteri, Editorial Director of Livingetc. 'The key is to vary the proportions of grey and white; a 50/50 split will feel quite cold. The texture is a vital additional ingredient - chunky weaves, rough timber, and marble all work well.' recommends.

As simple as this paring is though, not all white shades are going to work with any grey shade. The undertones need to work together, so warmer whites are likely to work best with warmer greys, and, cool-toned greys with purer whites.

Just be sure to test out your pairings in your home to ensure they work together in the lighting of your space. 

Grey 15 from Lick

This grey has a lilac undertone and has just the right amount of moodiness and modernity to it.  

4. Grey and pink

(Image credit: Victory Colours)

'Blush pink is the ideal shade for just slightly warming up grey tones without actually adding too much warmth to a space or being too saccharine,' says Sarah. 'A muted, dusky pink will make a room more inviting. For this effect, blush is the right choice as it is more subtle than other pink tones and less daring than red.' 

'Soft, naturalistic greys look beautiful with a neutral pink.' says color expert Annie Sloan. 'I often use French Linen with Antoinette (my earthy-neutral pink), because French Linen is a complex grey that allows the pink to grow and breathe and warm up. It’ll bring out the earthiness and the warmth of the pink.'

And this is why pink and grey living rooms are so soothing – the tones feel welcoming and restful.

5. Grey and earthy reds

(Image credit: Jon Day)

A great color that goes with red is grey, and while it may sound a bit intense, it can work if you pick the right tones. For a bold look pair deep charcoal walls with a pop of vivid red in the form of a statement sofa or armchair. And if you want a more subtle look tone down that red and choose an earthy, terracotta tone and pair it with a lighter cloud-like grey. 

'If I’m using a cool-toned grey I like to use pops of a hot color,' says Annie. 'It’s a very effective way to make a room vastly more lively and rewarding to look at, and you only need small amounts of your accent color. I also love a blue-grey with terracotta as these colors contrast beautifully to give a delicious, juicy, contrast. In the past I’ve painted a wall in grey, then used terracotta tones to accentuate panels on the wall.'

'These spice-inspired colors are a big story at the moment and I love the way that they work with grey,' says Sarah. 'Use the hotter, brighter colors in moderation as more of an accent. This combination is also worth remembering if you have an exposed red brick wall inside.'

When pairing grey with any red tones, be sure that the grey you choose has a reddish undertone too.

6. Grey and sage greens 

(Image credit: Billy Bolton)

Sage green has been growing in popularity for months; you see more sage green kitchens and feature walls than you do navy blue nowadays. And it works so well with grey because they have those same calming, grounding, soft tones and in fact when paired with grey this muted green almost becomes neutral too. Perfect if you want to introduce the second color to a grey room but not lose the overall serene, neutral scheme. 

Pair the palest of greys with a cool, light green for a contemporary combination that works particularly well in kitchens. Then ground all those light, airy colors by adding just a hint of black or dark wood. 

'For a sophisticated and fresh color combination consider introducing a palette of soft pastels to a grey interior scheme.' suggests Jane Nicholson, co-founder of House of Dome. 'This doesn’t have to be limited to just a  few colors; the delicate nature of muted shades allows you to be a little more experimental. Choose soft furnishing in mixed tones of grey with warm pinks and sage greens.'

7. Grey and navy blue

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

If you are looking for a color that effortlessly works with any grey shade, navy blue is it. Pair it with a soft, light grey to warm up the space, or create some drama with deep almost black grey.

In this blue living room, a muted mustard yellow has been introduced, which perfectly tones down all the cooler tones going on in here. Accessories like rugs and prints, and accent furniture such as coffee tables are perfect for introducing a pop of extra color.

8. Grey and orange

(Image credit: James Merrell)

A pop of vibrant orange is sure to bring freshness into an all-grey scheme. There are plenty of orange tones that the perfect to pair with grey, so you can go bold or as subtle as you like. 

Burnt oranges paired with a mid-grey for example could be the perfect rustic bedroom color scheme whereas a charcoal grey and bright tangerine hue will be more modern and striking. Whatever look you go for, introduce a clean white into an orange and grey color palette to up that contrast and make the orange stand out.

9. Grey and more grey  

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

When choosing color combinations for your home, if a monochromic color scheme is more your vibe, pair grey with grey. Perhaps that sounds a bit...dull but laying grey on grey can create just as interesting a space as pairing grey with any other color. The key is contrast, contrast, and texture. 

You don't want your grey shades to be too close in color and you want to have some varying tones going on too as that will add interest. So pick greys from across the color spectrum, even if you want a room to be light grey overall, add in some middle-ground greys and some dark tones too.

'Whether you are striking a dramatic note or going for a lighter scheme, combining different tones of grey can work very well,' says Sarah. 'Pale shades will create a more relaxed look, while darker, richer hues will have an impact and can enhance the cocooning feel of a compact room. '

The risk with pairing grey with grey is that it can look a bit flat. Avoid this by adding plenty of textures and mixing in some natural materials too like rattan and wood. Accessorize with different materials and finishes too.  

Sarah recommends to 'bring in brass or bronze alongside linen, velvet, or chunky knit. Another trick is to add in warm metallics and subtle shimmers on fabrics, cushions, or rugs to introduce a flattering luminosity to a space.'

Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.

What Colors Go With Gray? Try These 11 Combinations

by Zoë Roscoe

updated Sep 18, 2022

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As versatile as it is timeless, the color gray is a rarity on the spectrum. Its ability to double as a neutral and work as a natural complement to a variety of hues makes it a decorative staple that can withstand a revolving door of trends. Pair it with white, pink, or soft blue, and it inspires a calming essence. Team it up with vibrant reds and yellows, and you’ll instantly feel its energizing effects. 

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Regardless of what you do with gray, you can count on the fact that it will fit in with just about any decorative style or space. To get you started, we compiled a shortlist of the colors that can take this dynamic shade to new heights.

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1. Gray with Brown

Not only does this Australia bedroom give total beach vibes, but it proves that gray and brown are, in fact, a perfectly acceptable color combination. We love the way the homeowner coordinated the curtains and the light fixtures to pick up the brown in the bedspread. 

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2. Gray with Pink

This expansive California living room is anything but childish, despite its pink accents. The combination looks upscale and elegant, proving that pink is definitely one of the colors that go with gray. 

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3. Gray with Black

Gray and black is one of those color combinations that makes you say, Oooh la la! And this beautiful living room by @homedecorgasm is no exception. We love the pops of orange that fit perfectly into this color pairing. 

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4. Gray with Dark Green

Ready to graduate from white? Sub in a soft gray for stark white for a refreshing take on a neutral color palette. Here, a whisper light gray on the fireplace and mantel offers a grounding detail to forest green walls.

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5. Gray with Orange

It’s rare that we have the opportunity to bring in a piece as vibrant as this orange lounge chair and actually make it work. But gray walls change all of that. Take notes from this eclectic home in Madrid, where the gray backdrop anchors the brighter elements of the room—from the seat to the green toned table, bust, and art work.

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6. Gray with Gray

A monochromatic color scheme may be one of the easiest palettes to decorate with, but to execute it properly, you need to mix different shades and textures to create balance. Varying touches of gray, plus a slight hint of lilac, give this serene bedroom a cool and clean finish.

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7. Gray with Royal Blue

In this luxe-meets-modern living room, soft, neutral walls complement the bold, electric royal blue armchairs, allowing the pieces to take center stage. Bamboo window treatments and a jute rug, layered with a textured Moroccan one, complement the scene without overpowering it.  

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8. Gray with Yellow

The cheerful combo of gray and yellow is sophisticated while still feeling playful. Here, a handful of splashes of zingy canary yellow prevent the otherwise neutral sofa, rug, and table from looking too quiet.

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9. Gray with Red 

Incorporating red in a room inspires a bit of passion and energy. Pair this hue with shades of gray, and it results in a high-contrast look that exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Take a cue from this farmhouse-chic living room and fill your space with a combo of crimson, ruby, and oxblood reds. Gray will certainly help cool off all of those warm tones, which creates a nice balance.

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10. Gray with White

If a classic decor scheme is what you’re going for, consider this duo your secret weapon. Against the somewhat stark quality of white, a soothing shade of gray inspires a clean, airy look. Mix things up by adding in pops of color with art and potted plants.

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11. Gray with Green and Lavender

Brighten up dark gray walls by infusing your space with a playful dash of lavender and pink. In this subtly glam living room, an abundant bunch of textured throw pillows in light shades—think velvet, faux fur, and linen—create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Gray color | LOOKCOLOR

Gray color in culture, its meaning and symbolism. What are the shades of this color. Features of its use in the interior and clothing. Combinations with gray.

Gray value

Dullness, dampness, fog, ashes - a feeling of timelessness or a long dragging present. In Russia, most of the territory has a temperate climate. It is characterized by a long gray season. In addition, the leaden sky of winter and rainy gloomy summer complete the picture. Such conditions contribute to color starvation, and it calls for depression, apathy, etc. As a result, a cloudy color is rejected. "Grey mouse", "gray man" in Russia have a negative meaning.

Contents

Gray is the golden mean between black and white. It symbolizes routine, satiety, constancy. In Europe, a "gray man" is understood as an ordinary person, an inhabitant. Their bulk, the whole economy rests on them and politicians have tried for them, thus - this is the color of stability and prosperity.
The rejection of this color in Russia has led to maximalism, a tendency to go to extremes. No wonder we practically do not have a middle class.
On the other hand, the gray color is affectionate for animals: a hare, a gray hare, a gray dove, a gray goat. In this case, this everyday life, which pleases, to which they are accustomed. But this gray everyday life is subject to man. Let us recall the gray wolf or the sivka-burka, which Ivan Tsarevich used as a means of transportation.
Abstraction, the removal of personal individuality is also a property of this tone. Such necessary qualities for the conduct of public affairs. The absence of personal interest is a mandatory item for a fair trial, the disposal of state property, and simply, the honest conduct of business. Thanks to this, gray has firmly entered men's fashion, first of officials, and then of the masses, and has become practically a uniform along with black.
"Eminence Gray" - a person who seriously influences events, but does not declare his identity. "Stay in the shadows" - to be unnoticed.
In religions, gray most often means fasting and repentance. Recognition that everything material will become ashes and only the spiritual will remain, and this is also the color of wandering monks.
In politics, gray is practically not used, as it needs bright leaders and public activities.

Shades of gray

Shades of gray can be distinguished by lightness: from almost white to thick, dark; and undertone, which can differ significantly. It is worth noting that this tone refers to a neutral color. Consider groups of shades:
Plain, cool pure medium light shades: white-gray, light gray, steel;
Neutral, Medium : Platinum, Silver, Medium Grey;
Grey-beige , warm tones: taupe, old wood, mouse;
Shades with green undertones : greenish gray, gray olive, khaki;
Lilac undertone : lilac grey, taupe, anthracite;
With blue undertones : dove gray, slate, marengo;
Dark colors : dark grey, wet asphalt, black grey.

The use of gray in the interior

1 Gray color goes well with all shades. And it will not just fit, but will make each color juicier, richer. Gray does not draw attention to itself, so it will be riveted to another shade that is paired with it.

2 The color looks great as a background to bright interior elements. If you want to emphasize the shape, then black, white and gray are the best medium for this. If you want to use bright colors, but whatever they do not strain you, but please, then this shade removes excess aggressiveness and adds comfort.

3 This tone is very practical. It is not easily soiled, does not fade, dust is not visible on it, so it will be functional in quickly polluted premises: in workshops, offices, shopping centers.

4 Simultaneous contrast can be harmful. If, for example, you don't want the former to have a green tint when combining gray and red (green is the complementary color to red), then you should choose a shade of gray with a red undertone.

5 Do not use this color in outdoor areas, children's rooms. Gray is a passive color. Children, on the contrary, strive for brighter tones, such as red, orange. This color for them will be a real torture.

Use of gray in clothing

2 Gray suits everyone. It will suit any tone, you just have to worry about style. Everyone has this color in their wardrobe, and some men have more than half. When buying a thing in cloudy tones, there is always something to wear it with.

2 This is the color of elegance. He rejects everything superfluous, like a golden mean. The emphasis shifts to the cut of the garment and its wearer. If you want to conquer with your restraint, perfection and diligence, then this color is for you.

3 Gray is more of a casual, business color. It is boring for a holiday, besides, everyone wants to be noticed, which the tone does not contribute to, unless you emphasize beautiful body shapes to them.

Gray color combination

Gray color combinations have simultaneous contrast. Any shade next to it takes on a reflection of an additional tone (two additional lights in total give white - gray, and when mixing colors - gray-brown). Thus, the tone confirms its universality and impersonality.

Gray shades often fade into the background, becoming a frame or tamer of exuberant, bright and saturated tones. The combination of gray with their own kind: gray-violet, gray-blue and other colors similar to it in lightness, saturation give a “sluggish” combination that does not spoil, but does not decorate.

When creating color combinations with this tone, it is worth remembering that in any such combination there is a simultaneous contrast, which you can always neutralize by adding a drop of the combined shade to the main tone.

Color combination: gray and pink. Combinations with pale pink shades are interesting: apple, orange-pink, salmon tone creates sensual compositions. In this form, pink finds the "support" or "foundation" of its instability and presents itself as quiet and peaceful.
Our tone is also combined with bright tones of pink, making them not only particularly saturated, but also easy to perceive. They also include dark shades of pink, such as lingonberry.

Gray matches red more positively than red matches black, but there are still some echoes. Combinations of light gray tones with bright shades of red will be more joyful: scarlet, light red, alizarin. Combinations with darker ones: carmine or burgundy shades - have a dramatic character. White will help to add light to this combination, and if black is also attached to it, then the combination will become balanced-contrast.

The combination of gray and orange - as in the case of pink, finds support in our shade. Orange is ennobled and its solar "energy" is no longer so pressing on the psyche.
Combinations of gray and bright shades of orange are most often used: orange, tangerine, carrot, but also softer tones, like powder color, flesh, jaco's last breath, create stable combinations.
Combinations with darker shades of orange, such as red, are also possible.

Gray and yellow color combination even surpassed the previous combination in popularity. At the same time, lighter shades of the main tone and not very bright shades of yellow are usually used. So for this combination, pink-yellow, sandy, pale yellow are suitable. The darker the gray, the more relevant bright shades of yellow and gold options, like yellow gold, dark gold.

How to combine gray with warm green? Green shades are already quite calm, so they are rarely combined with gray. But when it comes to this combination, choose juicy, saturated, if possible bright shades of green, such as charteuse, pistachio, bright green, the color of a toad in love. You can also use dark shades of green, such as needles.

Combination of gray and cool green , as in the previous version, it is worth choosing the most expressive tones: neon green, turquoise, mint. The main color in this combination makes the shades of green even colder, which creates a rather interesting effect.
This color can also be combined with dark shades of cool green, such as patina and dark needles. In this case, the combinations will be very stiff, they are suitable for a business woman.

Color combination: gray and blue. Serious blue paired with this tone, increases its authority and it will be taken for granted. Even if the shade of blue is a positive aquamarine, then the main tone will become silver, framing, protecting and adding value, like a finished product. Turquoise and topaz will behave the same way. Darker shades of blue combine to create a solid masculine look, full of elegance, progressiveness and authority.

The combination of gray and purple - with restrained splendor. Most often, the color is combined with purple, which has a pink undertone. These are lilac shades: blue-violet, violet, thistle. These combinations are just as romantic and stable as with pale pink. Of the bright combinations, one can name a combination with purple. The cloudy tone is also elegantly combined with dark shades of purple: for example, eggplant.

Gray and brown combination. This is not a very typical combination, since brown, in a sense, is not only “related” to our color, but can easily flow into it. Next to our tone, brown rarely stands out, but takes on a vintage twist, which in some cases is very appropriate. Consider combinations with light light blond, light ocher, red-brown, tea color and dark chocolate.

Combination of gray and neutrals such as gray and beige. This combination is of the same order as the previous one, but unlike the brown tones, the neutral range has a wide selection in very light shades, for example: cream, milky, papyrus, etc. This combination of neutral tending to white is included in frames of classic achromatic contrast, the apogee of which will be a combination of black and white. But it is very useful for people with a low contrast in appearance.
The tone can also be combined with dark shades in this range, for example, with dark khaki and black-gray.

VIEW SIMILAR COMBINATIONS (click on color)

Light gray and matching

Light gray is a soft neutral shade. The combination with it - contrasting and light - look favorably in clothes and interior.

Light gray belongs to the classic shades of gray, and has all the properties inherent in it, and yet, the rays of a lighter and more youthful pull towards a positive assessment of this shade. Any light colors are associated with increased illumination, and this, in turn, is a feast of life, fertility and the absence of fear, and therefore the attitude towards them is appropriate. Gray is the middle between “light and dark”, and light gray is closer to light. Its relatives are metallic and stone tones, and the relation to the material passes to the concept of color (or, perhaps, the opposite is true: color determines properties?) reliability, protection, labor, routine work, etc. All this is the basis of stability, which gives confidence in oneself, one's kind and further prosperity.

Shades of Light Grey, Pantone

Light gray color matches

- with golden-copper color (2) creating a contrasting combination of warm and cold, dark and light and, of course, simultaneous contrast. Although golden copper and a soft shade of orange, against a light gray background, it looks rich and attractive.

- with olive color (3) - a combination of two calm and life-affirming shades gives a relaxing range, close to the natural colors of nature. And yet, the lively green hue looks lively and playful next to the main one.

Complete the main combination with shades such as orange, white and black.

Combination of light gray with other colors

Light gray is a neutral shade, so all other shades, combined with it, come to the fore. It emphasizes their saturation, gives a light or temperature contrast, but unlike white-gray, it does not create a pastel range, so the shades that are combined with this color are almost always different in lightness.

Combination of light gray and pink. This shade goes well with both warm and cool tones of pink. It increases the expressiveness of the pink color, provided that the shade is lighter or darker than the base color. So try pairing light pink with shades like royal pink, sunset pink, magenta, fuchsia, orchid.

Combination of light gray with red. Red on a light gray background always looks better than on a darker one, due to the contrast in lightness, when a brighter or darker shade of red practically lights up against a gray background. Consider such combinations of light gray and scarlet, garnet, burgundy, port wine and maroon.

Combination of light gray and orange. Due to the fact that the main shade is light, we can afford complex shades of orange, so that we can focus on their versatility and beauty. In this regard, coral-orange shades, fiery, red-orange, red, copper are suitable: bright and with moderate saturation.

Light gray and yellow combination. This is a light and fresh combination, where it is desirable to select yellow lighter than the main shade, which will create the illusion of sun glare. From the point of view of yellow, light gray "cools" this tone, bringing the composition to a neutral perception (not annoying the psyche). Shades suitable for light gray: champagne, pale yellow, banana, yellow-orange, curry color.

Combination of light gray with warm green. It can be called affectionate, as its deep natural roots provide the basis: like stone and grass, trees and rain clouds, city and parks. Warm shades of greens greatly enliven gray. Try to combine with a light gray color to apply shades such as pistachio, light green, herbal, olive, marsh.

Combination of light gray with cool green. While warm shades of green combined with light gray enhance their vitality, dusty cold tones will look like a shade of green, giving the combination sophistication and sophistication. To do this, try putting together a light gray color and the color of wormwood, gray-green, light gray-green, emerald or malachite.

Light gray and blue combination. Shades of blue deepen the cool feeling of light gray. Light blue tones give a certain crystallinity to the composition, dark ones - severity, and bright ones - an unexpected contrast, as if a storm was approaching a serene bright sea. Try stacking a light gray tone with blue-white, aquamarine, topaz, royal blue,
indigo.

Light gray and purple combination. If you take soft shades of purple, you can achieve some kind of retro art deco composition, which is popular in fashionable interiors, for example. In this case, purple shades bring notes of sophistication and unusualness to the gray tone, which has nothing to do with this color. Try to combine such shades of purple as blue-violet, lavender, gray-violet, charoite, grape.

Light gray and brown combination.

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