Grey is a popular colour among homeowners and designers alike. But why is that? There are a few reasons actually. For starters, grey can come in different shades, ranging from off-white to medium tones and even dark charcoal tones. This versatility allows it to be used in a variety of different decors and styles. Additionally, grey paint colours can be either cool or warm (greige), subtle or bold. They generally go well with most countertops, furniture, and art pieces. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these reasons below.
What Colour is Grey?
Grey is a fascinating and elusive colour, appearing in many different forms in nature. Whether in the ashes of a bonfire, rocks along a shoreline, or the clouds hanging ominously above us, grey is seen everywhere in our world. Though it may appear drab or dreary, grey actually exists somewhere between black and white. It is created by combining varying proportions of these pure colours, to create a neutral hue that has its own unique charm. Whether you are inspired by grey ashes or grey clouds, even the most seemingly mundane objects take on a sense of mystery when viewed through the lens of this intriguing colour. So no matter what you might think about grey, it’s proven that this mysterious colour is here to stay.
Shades of Grey
As we mentioned before, one of the things that makes grey paint colours so popular is the fact that they come in an endless variety of shades. This gives homeowners a lot of options to choose from, depending on their personal style and taste. For example, if you are going for a more subdued and sophisticated look, then you might opt for an off-white shade of grey. On the other hand, if you want something with more personality, then a darker tone might be more up your alley.
Whether you’re going for a modern look or something a bit more traditional, there is a shade that works perfectly with your goals. In addition, because of this versatility, grey shades can be used in a wide variety of spaces, from bedrooms, to kitchens, to bathrooms. No matter what your preference is, there is definitely a shade of grey out there that’s perfect for you.
Why Do Interior Designers Like Greys?
Interior designers and colour consultants are drawn to grey tones for a number of reasons. Firstly, these hues are often associated with peaceful and positive environments, creating an overall vibe of calm and contentment. This feeling is especially important in homes and apartments, where homeowners and residents want to feel at ease with designing their living spaces. Furthermore, grey is a versatile colour that works beautifully in modern decor. Whether used in sleek, high tech design elements, such as sleek cabinets, or industrial light fixtures, grey accommodates contemporary design. And by not being the primary colour of any space, it can be paired with bright pops of colour or bold patterns for dramatic visual contrast, resulting in truly stunning interior spaces. So whether you’re designing a commercial office or your own living room at home, a grey backdrop is the way to go.
Grey is Timeless
Grey paint colours also happen to be incredibly timeless. They’ve been popular for decades, even centuries (just think of all the beautiful stone castles in Europe), and they show no signs of falling out of fashion any time soon. That means that if you paint your home in a grey colour scheme today, chances are good that it will still look stylish 10 or 20 years down the road. This is helpful when you sell your home, and it is never out of style when interior decor trends change.
Grey Can Be Cool or Warm
Another reason why greys are so popular is because they can be either cool or warm. Cool greys have bluish undertones whereas warm greys have yellowish or reddish undertones. This again comes down to personal preference, as some people prefer one over the other. That being said, most experts recommend using cool greys in rooms with little natural light as they can help make the space feel brighter and more open. Conversely, warm greys work well in rooms with plenty of natural light as they can help tone down the brightness. See our blog about how lighting affects colour choice in a home.
Greys Can Be Subtle or Bold
In addition to being either cool or warm, greys can also be either subtle or bold, depending on how light or dark they are. Lighter shades such as off-whites tend to be more subtle whereas darker tones shades such as charcoal are bold. Again, it really comes down to what you’re going for in terms of overall look and feel.
Grey Works Well With Most Things in Home Interior
Sylvia O’Brien of Colour Theory said: “It’s not a black and white world. Colour is all around us and we love it! It affects our moods, it lifts our spirit, it conveys our personalities. Most people are drawn to colour”. If you are someone who likes to switch things up with new colourful art, furnishings and flooring, grey is your backdrop colour. It is popular because there is always a grey that works with everything, no matter what the colour. Are you contemplating granite countertops, new furniture, even colourful art? Choose your grey paint first and every other element colour will fall into place.
How to Use Grey?
Now that we know that grey works beautifully with most things, let’s take a look at how we can use this versatile colour in our homes. The images below are some exam ples of rooms that have been transformed with just a few coats of grey paint.
- In the Living Room: For a cosy and inviting living room, start by painting the walls a light grey and pairing it with dark hardwood floors and furniture. To add a pop of colour, choose artwork or decor accents in shades of yellow or blue. A medium to darker grey on the walls works great with creamy or white sofas and area rugs.
- In the Kitchen: If you want to inject some personality into your kitchen without going too bold, paint the walls grey and add an accent wall in a fun pattern or brighter colour. You can also achieve this look by adding colour on countertops, backsplash tiles, or appliances.
- In the Bedroom: One of the best ways to create a calm and relaxing oasis in the bedroom, is by painting the walls a light grey and adding some greenery with plants and flowers. For an added touch of luxury and warmth, choose bedding and curtains in shades of ivory or white.
- In the Office: Since the goal of the office is to promote productivity, it makes sense to stick with colours that are known to boost concentration and focus. Light grey walls paired with pops of brighter colours such as green or pink will keep you feeling motivated throughout the day.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why grey paint colours are so popular among homeowners and designers alike. From their ability to morph into different shades, to their versatility in terms of decorating styles, it’s easy to see why greys continue to be some of the most sought after colours year after year. So, whether you’re planning on repainting your entire home or simply updating up a few rooms, consider grey every time.
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