How to Add the Color Gray to Your Interior Décor

When it comes to interior decor, gray may seem like the opposite of color. And this is technically true. However, adding gray to your interior decor is a great way to highlight any color palette, from bold to subdued. It may not seem like much on its own, but mixed with other colors, it helps to create a put-together, sophisticated look.

Here are four ways to add gray to your interior decor.

1) Curl Up on a Gray Sofa

A dark or medium gray sofa is one of the best interior design investments you can make. It will work with bright colors and add depth to neutral palettes. For example, the Oyster Bay Ashton leather sofa by Lexington expresses breezy comfort that gives your space a casual chic feel. And because gray resists trends, it will stay classic through years of use and interior decor changes.

Go bold with high-contrast black and white geometric patterns and add pops of supersaturated color. Layer colors and prints together and let the connecting power of your gray sofa tie these colors to contrasting colors.

Or if you prefer a softer, subtler look, paint the walls a buttery yellow and add delicate prints to give the space a more relaxing feel. Layer up a mix of pillows to create a richly textured look.

2) Sink Your Toes into a Gray Area Rug

A soft, plush area rug makes a space more inviting. Add one in silvery gray, and it gives that same space an instant air of luxury. But depending on how you style it, a cool, textured area rug can do more than add interest.

Mixed with wood floors, a cool gray rug not only helps define the space, it also contrasts with the warm wood tones that bring out the best in both. Layer a gray rug over any wood tones anywhere from blonde to espresso. The rule of thumb is the light the floor the warmer the gray.

If your palette includes bold, bright colors, use a gray area rug to connect the colors without adding excess drama. Technically, gray is a mix of all colors, which is why it can be used to tie different colors together.

3) Paint the Walls Gray

Give your room an instant update by replacing a dated neutral-colored wall with a gray or greige. This color adds more richness and depth than a plain white.

While the white kitchen is a popular look, a totally white-on-white palette can be too stark for some. Soften the look by painting the walls a gentle, barely there gray. This will add depth without interfering with the neutral palette, creating a look that is eye-catching and approachable but not jarring.

Silver and gray go naturally together, and combining matte gray walls with shimmering silver metals adds instant depth. But don't stop there. Gray also plays well with warm metallics such as gold, copper, bronze, and brass. Try adding one of these metallics on sconces, pendant lights, and faucets for instant glam.

4) Break Out of the Molding Mold

White molding (yawn) is okay, but have you considered breaking out of that mold and trying gray? A gray shade on your trim or doors can give your home a stately, architectural appeal.

If you have a home with architectural details that you want to highlight, rather than using white or wood for crown molding or doors, try a gray. This will subtly underscore every architectural element.

If you have a wall with brick or stonework, try matching it up against a gray. In much the same way that gray brings out the best in wood tones, it can accentuate the warmth of stonework. It both highlights the wall as a feature and integrates it into the overall look of the space.

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