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Choosing Color: Give Me More Gray Days
Layer On the Grays for a Sophisticated Look in Any Room
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern... More »
I can't get enough of gray. Whatever shade, warm or cool, whatever mood I am in. Gray is still one of the hottest go-to shade for designers. As a background neutral, it goes with any color. As the dominant color, it's a great choice for layering shade upon shade upon shade. The opposite of depressing, as its name implies, it is urban and compelling. Let me show you why:
by Amoroso Design
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Tone-on-tone grays in the dining room are sophisticated. The weathered wood credenza takes on a gray hue, and silver metallics in the sputnik light, display objects, and even painted chairs provide a monotone sparkle. Gray paint and wallpaper on the walls all work together for a uniform designer look.
by Kevin Derrick
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In the bedroom, soothing dark gray walls and bedding keep it simple and provide a cocoon-like space to relax and shut out the bright lights and loud noises of the world — at least temporarily.
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by Nic Darling
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| Don't be afraid to paint a nursery gray. Not every child's room has to be a kaleidoscope of bright colors. A simple decal and a small colorful banner are all you need for touches of color. The rest of the space can be kept simple and plain so as not to overwhelm a baby's developing senses. |
Gray walls grow up with the child and transition nicely to a teen room.
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| Gray painted walls are a wonderful backdrop for a collection of black and white photos set up in a gallery wall. The white matting and white floor base create a dramatic contrast. |
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Another gray wall, this time in the living room, is a sophisticated backdrop for enlarged black-and-white family photos. The white sofa with white curtains keep the space casual and on the lighter side.
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The newest direction in traditional kitchens is to retain the revered traditional sillouettes and cabinet hardware, but mix things up a bit by painting cabinets gray (instead of the expected white) and using brass (instead of the expected brushed nickel). Don't you love this twist?
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Gray used in bathrooms with white wainscoting and white ceramic plumbing fixtures feels crisp and classy. It complements the natural grays in the floor tile as well as the silvery tones of the fanciful mirror and lighting.
by Imagine Living
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Is it gray? Is it blue? A blue-gray is a nice way to get the best of both worlds. It looks amazing with rich wood or brown leather furniture. A unique idea is to paint your walls and the floor the same blue-gray.
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Gray and yellow are a winning pair. Gray's subtleness allows yellow to shine in all its cheerful glory. The crazier the combination of bright and colorful patterns in your upholstery or home accessories, the more welcome a gray background becomes as a way to counterbalance all the visual activity with cool simplicity.
Browse: More ways to play with gray
Browse: More ways to play with gray
Ideabook published on May 21, 2011.
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http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/07/decorating-ideas-paint-colors.html
I need to repaint my living room and I love what you've done with gray in these photos. My livingroom has an exposed brick wall (mostly red, brown) and not much natural light, i only have 2 windows in here and they're facing the courtyard of my building. Is there a light/bright gray that you can recommend that would brighten my space? I have cool colors in the room already with blue accent pillows and my couch is dove gray from west elm.
I just painted my bedroom what a thought was a neutral beige-y gray (yes, I did use a paint sample for a week or so to test the color on the walls) but actually looks lavender. Ugh.
Thanks :)