Hi! When selecting a paint color, I always recommend purchasing an inspiration piece that you like the color or colors in, placing in in the room, and seeing how you like it. Here are a few ideas for you:

http://deciture.com/watson-storage-boxes-set-of-2/

http://deciture.com/unique-ceramic-bottle-with-thin-mouth-and-circular-embedded-design-body-in-gray-small/

http://deciture.com/elegant-and-decorative-cone-shaped-ceramic-vase-cut-design-small-in-grey/

http://deciture.com/garden-flower-wall-decor/

Hope this helps you!

Grey would be a beautiful color! Still neutral, very current, and extremely sophisticated! Benjamin Moore Light Pewter is a nice one, as well as Revere Pewter. I would stick to a lighter grey so it doesn't feel to dark in there. But your instinct is right- go grey!

This might help you decide. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/decorating-101-how-to-choose-your-colors-stsetivw-vs~28100106

Pale grey would be fine if you get good sunlight in the space. If not you may wish to reconsider. Pale yellow (butter) is a good color, pale grey with a hint of blue is good when faced with small spaces that receive very little light. The RIGHT white is never boring, BM 925 is my favorite white, an oldie but a good choice.

Don't be afraid to "pop" this room with color. The woodwork can be a great accent for color that charges up all the elements in the space. Regardless of whether you use a rich or softer color, If light is an issue and darkness prevails, you need to use accent lighting to pick up on the richness of a nice color. I see some accents in the room in the rich red tones, so play off of that with gold, green or blue-green.