COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY SERIES: GREY
Timeless and airy or moody and mysterious, this versatile colour is an enduring staple in British homes
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Grey paint puts a twist on neutral. From cooler shades with blue undertones to warm hues that near on beige, this colour family is a reliable staple that will continue to feature in contemporary interiors because of its versatility and anchoring qualities. Grey hues are perfect for calming down busy and bold schemes while also enhancing elegant and contemporary looks, making it a core foundation for any design scheme.
Greys transition beautifully with shifting light, so are a good choice for rooms used throughout the day such as living rooms or kitchens. Classic pale grey and silvery hues infuse any room with airy sophistication whereas darker, richer tones such as charcoal, slate or ash greys add great depth and atmosphere.
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Hand in Hand
Remaining a go-to, grey goes well with almost every other hue. Pair with jewel inspired tones such deep forest green or a rich navy for a glamourous and sophisticated classic scheme that is great for a kitchen or 'thought heavy' area such as a home office or library. For a softer approach, opt for pastel hues such as blush pink or sky blue. These hues, married with a lighter grey create an airy, minimalist feel, perfect for a room where tranquillity is desired such as a bedroom or bathroom.
Grey can be enlivened effortlessly with saturated colours like red or blue. The trick to choosing bolder colour combinations that will work together is to opt for colours with similar undertones, as these will work to complement each other. For instance, a grey with blue undertones pairs beautifully with a cooler tone such as Hale Navy HC-154.
Following this technique is a fool proof way to create unusual and eye-catching colour pairings without forming an accidental colour clash.
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A Monochromatic Moment
Consider pairing a combination of light and deep greys for a slick design element that doesn't overwhelm the room. These monochromatic schemes are smart and classic - the contrast offers a fantastic opportunity to highlight architectural features such as architraves, cornicing and staircases.
For something a little more on trend, consider painting the lower half of the walls in a darker hue and the top half in a lighter shade and vice versa. The final result is eye-catching and will make the space feel dynamic by virtue of the contrast, yet the two colours work harmoniously rather than clash. It also offers an interesting backdrop for your furniture, especially with sofas; framing them and allowing you to create an interesting interplay between paint and fabric.
Finish the scale with creams, ivories and whites to evoke a timeless, subdued tone.
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Grey on Grey
Embracing an all-encompassing grey paint scheme across the skirting, walls, ceiling and window frames not only adds a feeling of grandeur and luxury but is a fantastic way of creating a chic, minimalist base to a room. This can act as a versatile foundation for eclectic, colourful accessories and furniture to be added.
This works particularly well with southern facing light as it is typically more flattering with consistent natural light all day and opens the door for a wider range of greys in the space.
Grey wall paint in higher sheen levels such as semi-gloss or high gloss evokes a more luxurious vibe. Consider a high gloss silvery-grey paired with rich fabrics like velvet or silk for the ultimate high-end look.
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Beige is Back
Warmer greys, or brown-grey-commonly known as 'greige', offer an enveloping and welcoming atmosphere.
A room with northern light tends to reveal more of a paint colours' blue and green undertones, so many homeowners opt for a warmer grey in those spaces.
Due to its earthy undertones, it pairs beautifully with deep mustard or spicy red to create an energised space. Alternatively, pair with dark woods, tactile bouclé� textiles and sleek stone surfaces such as marble and quartz to add a calming influence on this effortless neutral.
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Inventing Illusion
Highlighting a key focal point such as a chimney breast by painting it in a different tonal colour is a clever way of visually framing a favourite artwork. Using a deep shade of grey such as Metropolis CC-546 as an anchor is especially effective when highlighting natural materials such as collections of terracotta, plaster and handmade ceramics.
Blending drama with simplicity, try creating your own headboard. Take inspiration from cool seascapes where huge grey clouds meet mudflats and windswept stretches of sand.
Contrast is key here - think land and sky, distant horizons and organic, sculptural details reminiscent of pebbles and pools. Natural, dried flowers and grasses in sun-bleached corn yellows sit alongside rough linens, woollen textures and folk elements such as hand- thrown, rustic pottery.
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Take it Outside
Grey is a popular choice for any type of home exterior, providing a transformative effect on your facade. It seamlessly complements most classic roof colours, as well as brick and stone. Consider a lighter shade on doors, trim or shutters if you are not ready to go entirely grey.
Trend-wise we have seen a move towards darker exteriors in more urban environments. Deep greys have become very popular and are often used on all exterior woodwork making the property stand out in a subtle way.
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