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What is a good accent color for gray


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.

20 Colors That Go With Gray

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Keep it neutral—or not.

By Emma Bazilian and Hadley Mendelsohn

Christian Harder

There's a right shade of gray for any room, from the palest silver to dark charcoal. Designers love the chameleon-like hue for its ability to lean warm, cool, or simply strike the perfect balance between the two. The best grays also change with the light throughout the day, adding depth and visual interest to your interior. Gray's neutral character also makes it the ideal partner for other colors. Whether you're looking to create a serene tone-on-tone environment or find a piece of furniture that'll really stand out, here are some of our favorite colors to pair with gray.

Francesco Lagnese

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Light Green

Philip Smith was in search of a table when “a friend of mine’s mother passed," he says, adding, "I adored her, and when my friend went through her things she said, ‘there’s a table here with your name on it! I was nearly in tears.” The gray-blue patina looks beautiful next to the chrome chairs and green-gray wall paint.

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

2 of 20

Bright Orange

Atelier ND transformed a stair landing into a special reading nook with vintage Ligne Roset chair (it was the only thing that would fit under the sloped ceiling!) and then color-blocked with electric orange and complementary gray-green paint color.

Bjorn Wallander

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Black and Greige

Light griege, black accents, and brass fixtures create a beautiful, polished mood in this living room designed by Ray Attanasio.

Frank Frances Studio

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Marigold

We're loving the pops of jewel tones in this living room designed by Courtney McLeod. Bold shades of marigold and magenta are softened by the warm gray walls.

Paul Raeside

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Sapphire

The gray, swirling clouds in Anne Hepfer's dining room—papered in a Cole & Son Fornasetti print—feel anything but bleak with the addition of punchy blues.

Christian Harder

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Light Pink and Brass

Gold and coral tones warm up the charcoal sofa and light gray painted walls in this living room designed by Alison Victoria.

Patrick Cline

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Orchid

With its vibrant purple rug and charcoal gray cabinets, this Nicole Fuller-designed office makes work feel like play.

KARYN R. MILLET

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Fern Green

Verdant, leafy green and trelliswork makes this pale gray office designed by Joe Lucas feel like an enchanted garden.

Bjorn Wallander

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Hot Pink and Orange

A dose of muted pewter grounds the bold pink and orange textiles in Molster's bedroom.

Paul Raeside

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Sky Blue

Pale-blue bedding and silk-wrapped walls make this bedroom designed by Michael Maher an utterly serene escape.

Paul Raeside

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Russet

Walls and ceiling in Benjamin Moore's Nightfall—an almost-black shade of charcoal—provide a moody backdrop for the russet red sofa in Andrew Flesher's 300-year-old Westchester colonial.

David A. Land

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Gold

In House Beautiful's 2019 Whole Home, design whiz Vern Yip showed how deep shades of golden yellow and brass can add glamour to layers of gray.

Björn Wallander

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Rose

Designer Janie Molster's Richmond, VA, home has a base of soft gray. The antique settee is covered in Schu­macher’s Gains­borough pink velvet. The armchair is Lee Industries, and the chandelier is antique.

Gieves Anderson

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Neutrals

David Frazier divided the main living room into two distinct zones, one for lounging and visiting, and one for dining and working. The large pendant light and antique pieces personalize the more generic bones of the building, and a super-light shade of gray paint makes for a more interesting impression than plain white.

Grey Crawford

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Taupe

Jeff Andrews used a spectrum of warm grays and taupes to keep his living room feeling cozy, not cold.

Victoria Pearson

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White

A neutral-toned bedroom by Frances Merrill of Reath Designs captures Ojai, California’s laid-back vibe. “This couple made it clear that they wanted a very calm bedroom,” she says. “It’s quiet, but with a focus on texture. It really does feel like such an escape.”

Thomas Loof

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Brass

Sheets of unlacquered brass warm up this Brooklyn kitchen designed by Asa Barak and Garrow Kedigian.

Thomas Loof

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Cerulean

Midcentury furniture with custom cerulean upholstery energize a quiet gray study designed by Wesley Moon.

TK

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Navy

The quiet gray palette of a San Francisco row house “allows for strong punches of color,” explains Benjamin Dhong, who used navy-and-white nautical accents in this bedroom.

Stephen Kent Johnson

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Brown

Boston designer Nina Farmer used rich tones of brown and sepia to warm up the Phlip Jeffries silk-and-abaca-clad bedroom of this historic Boston house.

Discover the Best Colors to Pair With Red at Home

Emma Bazilian Senior Features Editor Emma Bazilian is a writer and editor covering interior design, market trends and culture.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Warm gray color in the interior: combinations, shades, photos, tips

Choosing the right shade of gray for the interior is not so easy: in most stores you can find dozens, if not hundreds of options. At the same time, the color is very popular with designers and is now actively used in the interior

Photo: Shutterstock

Let's figure out together with experts what are the pros and cons of warm gray in the interior, how it affects the perception and how to combine it with other shades . nine0003

The experts in this story:

adv.rbc.ru

Warm gray in the interior

Gray is one of the most popular colors in interior design (Photo: Davide Cantelli/Unsplash)

Gray is one of the most popular interior design colors after white and beige. It is suitable for most apartments and rooms of various functional purposes. But it is important to consider that gray can be both cold and warm. The second option for residential spaces is more suitable. nine0003

Warm gray makes a seemingly neutral color soft, calm and pleasing to the eye, creating an atmosphere of stability, reliability and calmness. In addition, the color fits well with the modern trend for the use of natural materials. Gray is one of the natural shades (the color of stone, concrete), which will be relevant for both living space and office interiors. This color is well complemented by bright accents to visually make the room more interesting.

How color temperature affects interiors and people

What are the shades of gray

The variety of gray palette allows you to create interesting combinations, color transitions and moods (Photo: Shutterstock)

The variety of grays allows for interesting combinations, color transitions and moods. When mixing gray and beige, a warm gray is formed. In English, it is called greige, "greydzh" (from the words gray - "gray" and beige - "beige"). nine0003

Here are some of the most popular shades of grey:

Warm gray and other colours: successful combinations

Lena Korshunova , architect, interior designer:

— Gray goes well with all colors, but there are outdated trends. For example, now, due to the large number of repetitions of the design technique, it is no longer relevant to combine the warm gray color of the walls with white baseboards and white doors in the rooms. Or combine gray concrete-look tiles in the bathroom with wood-look tiles. Roughly plastered gray walls with black metal pieces of furniture are also out of fashion and give way to more modern solutions. But, of course, if you really like some design technique, feel free to put it into practice. nine0003

Gray color will be appropriate in most interior styles - from classic and minimalism to creative loft. Hue can serve as a base color, but you should not make it the only one. In this case, you get a boring and dull, literally "gray" space. But the gray color is good as a background for other accents - from pastel to bright and saturated.

Basic gray in the interior goes well with:

1. White

There may be several gray tones in the room in combination with white (Photo: Shutterstock)

Versatile, neutral white, usually used as the base color. But if a warm gray shade has taken on this role, you can dilute it with white details without restrictions. It is interesting to play not on contrast, but on smooth transitions of shades of the same color, so the room may contain several gray tones in combination with white. The latter is almost always present in most modern apartments: owners often choose white window frames and a ceiling.

2. Blue

Light shades of the sky combined with gray walls make the room visually more spacious and airy (Photo: Vinicius "amnx" Amano/Unsplash)

Light sky colors combined with gray walls make the room visually spacious and airy. They bring a feeling of coolness, so they are ideal for warm apartments with east and south windows, from which the sun can add color temperature. Gray and blue is a popular combination for living rooms and children's rooms (mostly for boys), while more saturated colors are suitable for the office. nine0003

3. Violet

The combination of violet and gray will appeal to creative people and lovers of non-standard solutions (Photo: Max Vakhtbovych/Pexels)

A noble duet of gray and purple can be chosen for a bedroom or hallway. Lavender hues, including Very Perry (Color of the Year 2022), are enhanced by pairing with warm grey. This is an inspiring duet of shades that will appeal to creative people and lovers of non-standard solutions. nine0003

4. Pink

Gray and pink complement each other perfectly, creating an elegant transition from restraint to romance (Photo: Shutterstock)

Gray and pink complement each other perfectly, creating an elegant transition from understatement to romance. This combination is often used by stylists, and interior designers consider it one of the most suitable for girls' rooms and cozy bedrooms. nine0003

5. Yellow

Yellow and gray - one of the most successful color combinations (Photo: Сottonbro/Pexels)

In 2021, the Pantone Color Institute chose two main shades at once: flawless gray and illuminating (to put it simply, gray and yellow). From the point of view of an interior designer, this is one of the most successful color combinations. Bright yellow sets the accents, filling the room with light. Gray - muffles and neutralizes the excessive activity of the solar hue, creating harmony. It turns out an optimistic, but not flashy design that is suitable for a spacious living room or kitchen. nine0003

6. Green

Green shades look good with gray - dark, muted, ashy (Photo: Max Vakhtbovych/Pexels)

A calm, gentle and relaxing duet is the basis of many eco-style interiors. Green shades look good with gray - dark, muted, ashy. They are often chosen for country houses, but in a city apartment this combination would be appropriate. Especially if you complement it with furniture and accessories with natural textures of stone and wood. nine0003

7. Beige

Use a combination of gray and nude to create a neutral background, but complete with accent details (Photo: Mark West/Unsplash)

Warm gray plus shades of ivory, eggshell or almond are also good combinations. In such a duet, the colors reinforce each other, the solution is suitable for a room of any functionality and area. The combination of gray and nude works well for creating a neutral background, but it should be complemented with accent details. nine0003

Lena Korshunova , architect, interior designer:

- Glossy gray and matte gray - different colors due to different degrees of reflection. And there are different degrees of dullness. There are also different textures - from absolutely smooth to very voluminous. So even within a warm gray there can be a huge amount of variation. Therefore, with a different type of surface, the same additional color can either perfectly match or not be combined at all. Decide what you need - contrast or harmony. If there is contrast, feel free to choose bright colors. When you don’t need to highlight anything, give preference to any color that you like, but in a pastel shade. nine0003

Warm gray color in the interior of the apartment

Depending on the chosen tone and its combination with other elements, you can create an interesting design (Photo: Shutterstock)

Depending on the chosen tone and its combination with other elements, you can create interesting designs - from discreet and concise to bright and original. Warm gray is versatile. nine0003

Lena Korshunova , interior designer:

— Gray color will suit any room. Not only walls can be gray, but also the ceiling or floor. You should not get carried away with this color if little sunlight enters the room and the windows are facing north - in winter the room will look dull.

I can give you universal advice for any room: do not tint the paint according to the RAL or NCS color fan yourself. Take the finished palette. For example, Farrow and ball or Little Greene. All successful warm gray colors for living are already found for you by professionals. You just have to figure out which one you like better. nine0003

How to complement the warm gray color in the interior

If gray is chosen as the main color for walls or floors, you should take care of "diluting" the base with additional shades. This can be done in several ways by adding:

Textile

The easiest and most inexpensive option is to vary the bright accents with bedding, curtains, tablecloths, blankets, bedspreads, carpets and pillows. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The easiest and most inexpensive option is to vary the bright accents with bedding, curtains, tablecloths, blankets, bedspreads, carpets and pillows. Most lightweight textiles can be replaced at any time, so it is convenient to evaluate combinations of warm gray and other shades on it. Suitable as pastel milky shades, and, for example, bright green and red, relevant during the winter holidays.

Furniture

Cabinets, tables, sofas and armchairs in most colors look great against a gray background (Photo: Max Vakhtbovych/Pexels)

Cabinets, tables, sofas and armchairs in most colors look great against a gray background. Combinations are selected depending on personal preferences. Someone will like the shades of gray wenge and Pasadena pine, someone will be able to fit the built-in wardrobes of ash shimo color into a completely gray room. The rule remains the same: if gray prevails, dilute it with other details.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper with lush tropical leaves will draw attention to itself and make the room brighter (Photo: Shutterstock)

They are available in different shades of grey, with or without graphics. If there is too much gray in the interior, you can use a popular design life hack: highlight the accent wall with wallpaper in rich colors with an interesting pattern. It can be juicy tropical leaves or an abstract print that will draw attention to itself and make the room brighter.

Accessories

Paintings, posters, figurines and other additions to the decor can be either gray or bright on a neutral background. Accent walls decorated with decorative concrete-like plaster, massive vases and flower pots in gray shades are now popular. It is important to strike a balance in the harmonious combination of shades so that the room does not look like one gray spot with a bright stroke of paint in the middle of the room. nine0003

Expert comment

Daria Skorobogatova , Head of the educational project Tikkurila Academy in Russia:

— A gray color is called warm if it contains shades of a warm chromatic range: orange, red, yellow. For example, in grayscale X487 Mortar, h587 Pumice, K497 Atlas there is a yellow tone.

In achromatic colors there is a very fine line where the hue comes from gray/white/black. For example, when the color becomes not gray with a yellowish tint, but beige, or not gray with a pinkish tint, but dusty pink. nine0003

Tikkurila has 94 shades of grey. For the convenience of choosing the right option, there is a separate collection of Tikkurila Deco Gray. The whole range is combined into three categories: 72 opaque, 15 translucent and seven gray colors.

I recommend to choose the color according to the paper catalog or paint. The color in gadgets is a luminous screen, while the color on a real painted surface is reflected and realistic. On the screen, it always depends on the specific device and can vary greatly: the lighter the shade, the stronger the color distortion (this is especially noticeable with white shades). The perception of hue on a real object depends on the lighting and color environment. At the same time, the color itself from the paper catalog or color remains unchanged. For a more accurate assessment, Tikkurila color studios have special color tables where you can see the shades under different lighting conditions. If you have a color catalog (fan or map), then you can choose a color by attaching it to a wall or other object for painting. nine0003

For self-painting on the walls, it is desirable to have the skill or at least practice in places that will then not be visible. For example, inside a built-in wardrobe or behind furniture. For beginners, it is best to start with deep matt paints such as Tikkurila Euro Matt 3. Newly filled walls should be pre-primed with Tikkurila Euro Primer diluted 1:3 with water with a long pile roller. Previously painted walls, if they are in good condition, can be immediately covered with new paint. You will need a roller with a long thick pile for water-based paints and an extension handle to it, a bath, an artificial bristle brush and a small roller for painting corners. nine0003

For each paint, the approximate consumption indicated on the label is based on one coat of coating on a relatively smooth and slightly absorbent surface. In this case, the actual consumption may vary up or down. It depends:

For a room of 10 sq. m with one window, about 2 liters of paint is enough, provided that the surface is properly prepared and applied in two layers. At the same time, we always recommend taking paint with a small margin, so the volume of 2.7 liters is the most popular for painting walls. nine0003

90 interior ideas (photos)

Gray color in modern interior design is gaining great popularity. It is characteristic of the design of many styles that are increasingly appearing in our homes. Gray can play a major role in the interior, being used as a finish for vertical and horizontal surfaces, or it can become an inconspicuous addition that emphasizes the brightness of furniture and decor. An important point is the correct selection of companion colors that can compensate for the dullness of the ashen palette and emphasize its merits. nine0003

Gray highlights

Seeming to be completely ordinary, the gray color is actually very multifaceted. It is based on white and black, but there are still many impurities of blue, green, yellow and other shades that dramatically expand the range of the palette. The most popular shades are steel, tin, the color of wet asphalt, anthracite, etc. The ash palette can create a different mood of the situation - bring business notes or a warm atmosphere of a home. Color is used in interiors in different ways. Wall decoration in gray tones, whether it be textured wallpaper or painting, is a frequent solution to modern design. This technique is especially good in the styles of minimalism, hi-tech and loft, where walls made of gray brick or decorated “under concrete” become a highlight. nine0003

Furniture in ash tones looks reserved and elegant, and not only soft armchairs and sofas, but also wooden objects. In addition, if you apply a layer of gray paint, you can create an aging effect with your own hands, which is relevant in many directions. An expressive element of the decor can be a combination of different tones of gray in an unusual form.

An interesting fact is that a ceiling painted in dark gray will appear visually higher and more spacious, as if dissolving into the height. Decorative elements can be represented by patterned pillows, curtains, rugs, stylish figurines, vases, etc.

Combinations with other colors

There are many options for combining gray with other colors. It harmonizes perfectly with almost all iridescent tones, emphasizing their expressiveness and softening aggressiveness.

White with gray

A snow-white addition to gray can significantly “cheer up” the atmosphere, make it more spacious, suitable for visual perception. Here you need to take into account that white refers to cold tones, therefore, if the room faces north and has poor lighting, it is better to use such tones as milky, cream, light beige. Do not interfere in the interior and colored inclusions in the form of decorative elements. nine0003

Black with gray

Since gray is intermediate between black and white palette, combinations of these colors can be called the most successful. Such interiors are full of conciseness and grace. If other colors are present, ash and gray will help to remove aggression and brightness. Black shades of the interior always look respectable, emphasizing the wealth of the owner. Gray - act as the main colors, against which black accent elements of furniture and decorations stand out noticeably. It is noteworthy that, due to the unity of the palette, these colors can smoothly flow into one another without creating sharp transitions. nine0003

Red with gray

The brightest pair is obtained in alliance with the scarlet palette, where the ash palette plays the role of a color that calms the aggression of red. It is allowed to use various shades, even the darkest, such as coal. At the same time, red is present in the interior in a minimal amount, creating accents: a red carpet and pillows in the bedroom, soft armchairs in the living room, wall decor, etc. Since the duo of red and gray can visually compress the space, white is often added to it to “defuse” environment. nine0003

Blue with gray

Combining shades of gray and blue (blue), you can create any style of interior with hints of vintage and classic elegance. In order for the interior to acquire a more strict, cool look and, at the same time, comfortable, it is necessary to choose rich colors. This design is typical for living rooms and matrimonial bedrooms, where peace and order will reign. Often, such interiors are filled with patterns and ornaments that bring a fun variety.

nine0094 Green with gray

You can rarely find a combination of gray and green in the interior, although it looks quite cozy and unobtrusive, regardless of what shades are present. The ash décor remains the backdrop that accentuates the green elements. A good way to add more warmth to the atmosphere is to add yellow tones, for example, using the soft light of lighting fixtures.

Yellow with gray

Sunny yellow and orange palette is great to complement the gray as accents. It can be soft furniture, lighting fixtures, textiles. One of the walls, filled with yellow paint, can visually expand the space. Such techniques will contribute to the creation of some eye-pleasing chaotic environment, which, at the same time, looks quite harmonious and diverse. It is not recommended to completely fill the walls with yellow or orange paint, as the interior will cause irritation over time. nine0003

Gray interior

Each room in the apartment has its own functional load and, accordingly, requires an individual approach to design. Somewhere multi-colored motifs are acceptable, and somewhere - a discreet design. Next, we will look at the best ideas on how to “settle” gray in a particular interior.

Living room

In guest rooms, gray, in most cases, is used as a base - it is poured into the walls, ceiling or used as an ash-colored floor. Having designed the box in this way, you can begin to introduce brighter colors, as if displaying your preferences in home improvement on canvas. Prominent blue, red, yellow details that can be found in furniture and textiles will look worthy against such a background in the living room. Various patterns and ornaments will look spectacular here, emphasizing the lightness and originality of the design. If you decorate the floor surface under a light tree, and leave the ceilings in white, you can significantly expand the room visually. nine0003

Bedroom

It is believed that the gray palette has a calming effect on the mental state of a person, and therefore it will be a competent decision in the room for relaxation. The color is especially suitable for active people who often find it difficult to relax and fall asleep after a busy day. Good companions here will be yellow, blue and green colors, as well as pastel shades that will bring peace and harmony. So that the interior does not turn out to be deserted and boring, you can diversify it with patterned wallpapers, original wall panels or a photo gallery. White furniture and textiles will make the room more airy and bright. nine0003

Children's room

Gray will look great in the interior of a child's room in combination with contrasting colors and patterned surfaces. Moreover, the color is equally worthy for both girls' chambers and boyish dwellings. The purchase of bright furniture, curtains, colorful toys will decorate the interior, make it more expressive.

Kitchen

For a quickly soiled kitchen space, gray can be the best solution. It does not attract attention and becomes an excellent backdrop for the bright facades of the kitchen set. The flow of the white surface of the ceiling into the silvery wall decor looks great, which is combined with warm floor tiles in graphite shades. This technique contributes to the visual increase in space and is a good basis for placing a white kitchen set. The design of the kitchen apron with gray mosaic tiles looks great. Colored utensils, green living flowerpots and other decorative elements will help to complement the decor. nine0003

Hallway

The gray finish of the hallway walls suits space conscious enthusiasts.

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