Light grey is the decade’s trendiest neutral. It’s replaced beige because the wall color of choice. (I actually do not know if this is true in a statistical sense, but it certainly feels like it)
An authentic neutral grey is a combination of white and black, but we barely ever see an actual neutral gray. What we see are infinite shades of cool and warm grays. Warm grays have yellow or brown undertones. Grays have a blue undertone. The ubiquitous “greige” is a really warm grey that can look practically beige.
Cool or blue grays have a tendency to get a very crisp, almost icy appearance to them. They’re wonderful with vivid whites in formal rooms and with blues and beiges. You can treat them. Warm or yellow grays are complemented with creamy whites and warm colors like yellows, pinks and natural forests.
But, of course, there are no quick rues. A cool grey can be the ideal means to offset wood, and you are more than welcome to combine a warm grey with blues.
These illustrations reveal a variety of mash-ups that work and exemplify the beauty and versatility of the color.
Kate Riley – Centsational Girl
Light Gray on the Walls
Tranquility, in Benjamin Moore’s Affinity palette, puts off the white trim and wainscoting within this womanly and traditional room. Bright white and light grey often have a sort of relaxing and intimate look together.
Schwartz and Architecture
This trendy grey accent wall in a large, modern room functions because all of the wood warms up it.
gogo gulgun selcuk
This domed ceiling at a trendy light grey (with hand-painted embellishments) provides this elegant room a dreamy quality.
Aidan Design
This pinkish grey is at the greige family. Dove Tale by Farrow & Ball; it’s contemporary but welcoming and cozy too.
Mackle Construction
A very blue grey (Benjamin Moore’s Glass Slipper) helps bridge the gap between the traditional elements within this room along with the contemporary windows. The dollops of color unwind it and give it warmth.
Nic Darling
A very light cool grey is a soothing background for a simple, contemporary nursery.
Emily McCall
A light blue-gray on the walls along with a darker warm grey supporting the open shelving aid give this contemporary farmhouse dining room its own eclectic vibe.
Kendall Wilkinson Design
This silvery grey wall covering sure looks like Maya Romanoff’s Mother of Pearl collection.
Horchow
Decorating With Light Gray
Variations in grey. A light grey bookshelf and desk against a somewhat lighter grey on the walls. It all adds up to a sophisticated and soothing space.
Martha O’Hara Interiors
Gray leather upholstery is a nice change from the more usual white, black or brown. And it goes with anything. This chesterfield-style sofa could be in a room.
Crane & Canopy
Here’s the ethereal white and gray combo I was talking about earlier. Just like sleeping in a cloud.
Tim Cuppett Architects
This oversized tufted headboard give this space a regal and commanding presence, but the soft grey keeps it welcoming and reassuring.
AM Dolce Vita
Romance in grey and creamy white. The wall color is ICI-Dulux’s Silver Cloud.
Ligne Roset
Light Gray to Place Off Color
First, these textured plaster walls are just too gorgeous to be authentic. Second, grey sets off bright pops of color as well as bright white. Wow, now that is magenta.
CWB Architects
These bright turquoise seats are set off beautifully by these trendy blue-gray walls.
In a wonderfully eclectic room, tons of ethnic pattern and color are balanced with the bright grey walls and white trim.
Torbit Studio
2 shots of turquoise in this extremely subdued grey and white midcentury kitchen.
Tara Seawright Interior Design
Sunshine yellow and light grey are a match made in paradise. Just think sunshine and rain clouds.
Nerland Building & Restoration, Inc..
Light Gray in the Kitchen
Light grey sets off the texture in marble and goes well with stainless appliances. However, search for a warm colour to avert the laboratory look.
CliqStudios Cabinets
Light grey Shaker-style cabinets are a great way to modernize a traditional appearance.
This very warm greige on the upper cabinets provides this kitchen a cosy farmhouse appearance but remains crisp and contemporary.
Weathered Wood
Many forests weather to a beautiful silvery gray. These light grey wood floors are still an unexpected option to the typical brown.
Robert Young Architects
This weathered wood walls adds texture and a hit of nature to a stark white space.
Avenue B Development
Light Gray Exteriors
A mild grey Craftsman house with charcoal, white and red accents.
Siemasko + Verbridge
Light grey is the traditional color of Cape Cod–fashion homes.
Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC
Light grey on a colonial-style house.
DeForest Architects
This very warm Copley Gray has an earthiness that looks great with timber.
Sherwin-Williams
Light French Gray Paint
A true light grey. This will look much darker on the walls. As with any paint, be sure to test the color on the walls prior to buying.
Sherwin-Williams
Sea Salt SW6204 Paint
A cool silvery grey.
Sherwin-Williams
On the Rocks Paint
A warm grey with purple undertones.
Benjamin Moore
Antique Pearl Paint
Pink undertones.
Benjamin Moore
Calm Paint
A very light, almost white grey.
More: Selecting Gray: How to Pick the Ideal Paint