I love the colour grey. However, it tends to get a bad reputation for being a bit dull.
This is especially true here on the West Coast where our skies are grey for a good part of the year.
There’s no disputing that the colour grey is one of the “it” colours this season and the decor industry is celebrating by stocking their store shelves full of trendy grey tones. Furniture, pillows, duvets, you name it, it’s in grey.
A number of decorators are calling grey the new white. It’s an elegant neutral that tends to give depth to subtle colours while at the same time allowing bold colours to pop.
Lately, many homes are being decorated in grey tones with fantastic results. If you love grey and would like to incorporate this shade into your home, there are a couple of rules you may want to follow.
First, if you are planning to paint your walls grey, then use a soft, cream, ivory trim. The cream trim will not only complement the grey wall but will give it some depth.
Secondly, incorporate shiny surfaces, such as mirrors and chrome accessories. These will really pop in the grey environment.
Also remember to bring in many sources of light. Table and floor lamps, and wall sconces should be added to help create a nice warm atmosphere of both task and ambient lighting.
There are clever ways to complement these wonderful soothing grey tones by combining them with creams and pops of colour such as teal and coral. Grey tones co-ordinate beautifully with coral tones on furniture, such as sofas and occasional chairs.
A dark charcoal bed or grey sofa acts as a wonderful base for adding pops of colour such as pink cushions and teal throws. I love adding cream faux fur accessories to loveseats and occasional chairs along with pale pink pillows and shades of coral blue.
Many stores are carrying grey loveseats, sectionals and sofas at the moment in various shades of grey. You will see them accented with teal pillows and throws. Teal ottomans co-ordinate beautifully with grey occasional chairs.
Accent your sofa with a silver, mirrored side table and add cream toss cushions on each side.
Working with grey can produce beautiful results even when you live in Vancouver. Incorporate the beautiful shades of spring colour and add drama to your rooms.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. bludogstagingandredesign.com
