Brickwork
Natural brickwork is an easily recognizable element of an industrial loft. To achieve a gray color, brick walls are either painted with the appropriate color, or they are initially made of gray bricks. Usually one accent wall, or even part of it, is decorated in this style, harmoniously combining with white or colored wallpaper, paint, and panels.
If the walls of the house are already plastered, but you really want to create an original interior, ordinary plaster or gypsum mixture and a stencil made of thick plastic “brickwork” come to the rescue. With the help of a trowel and level, a full-fledged illusion of masonry of the required sizes and shapes is created in a couple of days. After drying, the surface is primed and painted. You can also use wallpaper with a suitable pattern.
Gray and other colors: successful combinations
As already noted, the smoky and asphalt range is basic: shades from it are combined with all colors. With which of them will this palette make the most harmonious and effective pair?
In the interior of this bedroom, gray is combined with all possible colors.
1. Classic monochrome combination with white and/or black. A strict and restrained monochrome combination is ideal for interiors with a “masculine character” in the styles of minimalism, loft and brutalism. Color proportions are not so important here: regardless of which tone dominates, the design turns out balanced and calm. However, in a small space it is better to use as many light shades as possible, choosing white or light gray for the background, asphalt for furniture, and black for details.
Black details in a gray and white hallway add graphic accents
White was chosen for the walls of this small room, a gray sofa became the main accent, and black details gave the interior the features of a fashionable loft.
This small minimalist room is ideally suited to a discreet combination of white, graphite and black.
2. Beige-brown color scheme . The combination of smoky and pearl with light beige and milky is ideal for the Scandinavian style. If you are thinking about how to dilute the gray wallpaper in the interior, pay attention to the decoration and furniture made of light wood (pine, bleached oak) or rattan. Brown harmonizes better with darker tones (graphite, asphalt): this combination gives the room a vintage atmosphere, appropriate in classic, English and American interior styles.
Elegant interior in light gray-beige tones
This living room successfully combines gray and beige-brown of the same intensity.
A combination of gray, beige and natural wood shades in a modern interior
3. Blue-blue palette. The calming combination of cool gray with blue and cyan is a good solution for the bedroom: it perfectly relieves stress, relaxes and promotes good sleep. This color combination is also perfect for a cozy family living room: it will set you up for trusting and open communication. Bright tones of blue (ultramarine, indigo, azure) are a great way to add colorful details to a laconic interior in smoky tones: use them on one accent wall or a large piece of furniture (a sofa or armchair).
Against the background of a gray-blue wall, a graphite-colored sofa looks harmonious
Gray furniture makes the rich dark blue shade of the walls more expressive
Ultramarine details add originality to the laconic light gray interior
4. Green tones . Natural green tones and neutral gray look good in interiors of any style - from classic to minimalist. Saturated shades of green - bottle, emerald, olive - go better with dark graphite and charcoal, and lighter shades (for example, mint) - with pearl and smoky. A rich light green color in the interior is also best combined with light tones: such a combination looks fresh and adds a trendy “eco” touch to the design.
Emerald green accents dilute the restrained monochrome interior in gray tones
The soft olive shade perfectly complements the interior in warm gray tones.
Juicy light green color paired with light gray creates a modern eco-friendly design
5. Delicate pastel . Gray color in interior design can “mute” the naivety of soft pastel colors, making the room calmer and more austere. Add it to a room in powdery, lavender or peach tones and you will create a cozy and warm, yet rather understated atmosphere. The ideal balance of tenderness and severity makes this solution a good choice for a teenage girl’s bedroom, a business woman’s office or a large family home.
Powdery accents on a gray sofa give the living room a cozy and relaxing atmosphere
Peachy pink combined with light gray is ideal for a child's teenage girl.
Warm shades of beige and pink work well with gray in a family room in a home.
6. Red and wine shades . When combining bright red with light smoky, the color always comes to the fore, so it is better to complement it with furniture and decor of the simplest geometric shape. This color pair is a popular choice for design in a modern style, as well as hi-tech and minimalism. Dramatic burgundy and deep marsala are more versatile: they are suitable for both laconic modern styles and classics with accent quilted furniture and carved details.
A bright red carpet is the only accent of a minimalist light gray interior
The deep wine shade goes well with the warm gray color in this interior.
Small accents of deep red break up this monochrome interior in cool, dark gray tones.
7. Positive colors. Yellow and orange are bright and “cheerful” shades, which in large quantities can cause hyperactivity and insomnia. Gray color will help neutralize this property: if you choose it as the main color, then in combination with it the optimistic tones will become calmer and suitable even for the bedroom. Choose rich colors for small accents: they will add originality, but will not overload the interior.
Muted lime yellow is chosen to accentuate a niche in a light gray interior
In combination with calm gray, yellow color is appropriate even in the bedroom interior - as textiles and an accent wall behind the bed
Textiles in citrus shades are an excellent solution for creating a seasonal mood in the warm season: bed linen, towels, curtains will help quickly transform a discreet design in smoky tones.
Bright yellow textiles create a summer mood in a restrained gray bedroom interior
Dye
Decorating walls by painting them is very popular. The method has a number of advantages:
- it does not require much experience and knowledge; both a teenager and an elderly person can paint the prepared surface;
- no need to hire specialists, all operations are carried out on our own;
- you can choose the most environmentally friendly, safe for health, compositions - water-based emulsion, acrylic and silicone, latex and eco-paints;
- the consumer is not limited in the choice of colors. You can mix gray color of any saturation, adding the desired undertones;
- painted walls are very easy to renew, make cosmetic repairs to an area damaged by careless movement, the actions of children or pets;
- on a monochromatic background, decor of various types looks great: paintings and photos in frames, mirrors, wall clocks and original sconces, pots with climbing plants and shelves, mosaics and wall paintings;
- At any time, the walls can be repainted again using a different color.
The only negative is that painting requires a perfectly flat plaster surface. Any cracks, chips, bulges and even brush hairs on the painted surface will be very noticeable.
Gray furniture and decor
Slate and smoky colors are a practical and universal option for any interior items. Let's take a closer look at what color of wallpaper suits gray furniture best and what it will make a good pair with.
Stylish monochrome interior with walls and furniture in graphite tones
Cushioned furniture
A sofa in graphite or asphalt color is the most popular option for decorating a living room: this practical shade makes it easier to care for upholstered furniture. In addition, these tones are in harmony with all colors, which makes choosing pillows easier - you can easily change the design of your living room by simply changing decorative pillowcases. The most versatile will be models with fabric upholstery with a smooth texture. The background for such a sofa can be either neutral white and beige walls, or more expressive ones - for example, dark blue, emerald green, yellow and burgundy.
A laconic light gray sofa does not distract attention from the accent blue wall
A graphite gray sofa is an invariable attribute of a Scandinavian interior with white walls
A light gray sofa with fabric upholstery is a universal solution for any interior
Despite the basic shade, sofas made of leather or velvet will become the main accent of the entire room, even if you used gray paint or wallpaper in the interior of your room, as in the photo below.
Thanks to the velvet texture of the upholstery, the noble graphite shade of the sofa is revealed
An armchair, pouf or ottoman can be in the same dark color scheme, or lighter (for example, pearl) - usually they are not used as intensively as a sofa, so this solution will still be quite practical. Small pieces of upholstered furniture in these colors will help balance the bright design of the living room or bedroom, balancing the riot of colors on the walls and textiles.
Minimalist gray armchairs help balance out the vibrant interior of this living room.
A gray pouf that matches the color of the walls does not distract from the main accent of this room - a bright blue sofa
An ottoman in a calm light gray color harmonizes the bright color of the walls and the original upholstery of the furniture
Furniture for kitchen
A steel-colored kitchen is an absolutely universal solution for any style. For classic or Provence, choose a set with paneled facades, complementing it with a countertop made of natural stone or its imitation. In laconic modern styles, smooth, plain cabinets with hidden handles and a wooden tabletop (including painted) look better. Matte facades are more versatile, but glossy ones will help visually enlarge the space and make it lighter.
Kitchen in gray tones in Scandinavian style complemented by wooden details
A gray kitchen with paneled fronts and brass details is an excellent choice for the neoclassical style
A light gray set with smooth fronts is a universal option for a kitchen of any size
Gray chairs - classic dining or bar stools - are the best solution for Scandinavian-style kitchens, especially if you choose models with upholstery. They harmonize perfectly with natural wood furniture (for example, a dining table) and support the overall aesthetics of the “northern” style.
Dark gray chairs in the interior of a Scandinavian-style kitchen-dining room
Graphite gray chairs go well with natural wood furniture in the kitchen
Light gray bar stools support the laconic interior of this small kitchen
Storage furniture
Cabinets in smoky tones are a good solution for built-in storage systems: they allow you to hide bulky structures in the interior as much as possible and divert attention from them. The best answer to the question of what cabinet colors go with gray wallpaper or paint in a small room is a shade close to it.
The gray cabinets in this interior blend into the walls and make the room feel lighter and more spacious.
A light gray cabinet that spans the entire height of the room does not look bulky in a small room
Graphite cabinets match the shade of the walls and visually dissolve in space
As for small pieces of furniture for storage (pedestals, chests of drawers), they are perfect for a bedroom or nursery: bright models can distract and interfere with a comfortable sleep, while neutral gray ones will not be noticeable. They will perfectly complement a room in white, beige, blue or powder pink.
A gray chest of drawers is a great alternative to a bulky closet in a small bedroom
A light gray chest of drawers complements the interior of this nursery in soothing colors
The gray-blue bedside table matches the color of the textiles in this bedroom
Tile
Reliable and durable material is used for cladding walls and floors in areas of intensive use and high humidity. This is the kitchen, hallway and corridor, bathroom, toilet, boiler room. If you install water or electric heated floors before laying floor tiles, comfort for your feet and the whole body is ensured.
As a rule, walls are covered with tiles to half, 2/3 or the entire height, depending on tastes and practical needs. This coating is very difficult to scratch or break; it is not afraid of water and caustic household chemicals.
For gray interiors, monochrome glossy models are often chosen, from soft, pearly gray shades to rich dark tones. Gloss opens up space and makes the room look more luxurious. Especially when the tiles reflect the lights and shine of chromed metal, brass, polished copper or bronze. However, an option with classic plain or gilded vignettes, mosaics, friezes or full-fledged designs is quite possible.
Shades of gray: the best options for design
Below are some current tips from interior designers on working with this range.
The interior is made entirely in gray tones and is complemented only by shades of living greenery
1. To visually enlarge a small space and fill it with light, choose the lightest colors with a glossy finish close to white.
Light gray color, close to white, makes this small kitchen lighter and more spacious
2. Dark colors are more suitable for large spaces or accent items, and a pronounced texture (velvet, wool, fur, textured plaster) helps to adjust the geometry of the space and hide unevenness.
The velor texture of the upholstery emphasizes the depth of the gray shade and makes the sofa an accent
3. Shades with yellowish and brownish undertones (for example, stone, clay, taupe) add warmth and coziness to small, dark rooms: this is an excellent choice for the bedroom, small living room and bathroom.
Light gray with brown undertones creates a warm atmosphere in this small nursery
4. Cool tones with a pronounced blue undertone (graphite, smoky, steel) should be chosen for spacious and well-lit rooms: due to the effect of natural shadow, these shades emphasize the volume and depth of space.
Cool gray in the interior of a large bedroom emphasizes its size and ceiling height
5. To create a trendy monochrome design in gray tones, pay special attention to the gradation of colors by saturation: the most appropriate would be a transition from a light shade on the walls to a darker and deeper one for furniture and decor.
In this monochrome gray interior, light shades are chosen for the walls and floors, and darker shades are chosen for the armchairs and decor.
In a monochrome interior, it is better to combine shades of the same temperature (either all cold or all warm): this way, any bright accents will look harmonious with the overall background, forming a holistic image of the room.
This living room features various warm shades of gray.
6. Greenish shades (gray-olive, muted khaki) have the most pronounced calming properties: this is the best choice for the bedroom and nursery.
A calming, muted shade of gray-green perfect for the bedroom
7. Pinkish and lilac-gray tones combine restraint and conciseness with softness and tenderness - an excellent solution for common spaces in a large family home (kitchen, living room, main bathroom).
A pleasant gray-lilac shade was chosen to decorate the walls of this kitchen-dining room.
8. The basic graphite and steel range can look ultra-fashionable: if you want to create the most trendy interior, pay attention to the combination of the two main shades of 2021 according to the Pantone Color Institute - background Ultimate Gray and rich yellow Illuminating.
The combination of the main colors of 2021 in the interior - Ultimate Gray and Illuminating yellow
Decorative plaster
For the final finishing of the walls, special decorative plaster is used. It smoothes the surface perfectly and does not absorb foreign odors, so it can be used even in the kitchen. The surface is resistant to physical impact and abrasion. In addition, repairing a small section of the wall does not present any difficulties: it is enough to cover up a scratch or chip with the same composition.
The original, patterned and textured surface of Venetian plaster creates a magnificent illusion of natural marble or other gray stone. It is usually used when decorating premises in such interior trends as minimalism, hi-tech, art deco. But, it is quite possible to plaster part of the wall, framing it with chic stucco, or organically combine classic wallpaper and a decorative mixture.
Gray walls in different rooms
When thinking about painting walls with gray paint, you should also consider the purpose of the room:
- in the kitchen, walls of this shade can be perfectly combined with a variety of kitchen appliances and metal surfaces. You can add coziness to the room by introducing a bright color contrast, preferably warm and rich shades of yellow, red or orange;
- in the bedroom, gray walls need to be diluted with more delicate and pastel shades of blue, pink, and purple. You can decorate the walls with an abundance of textiles, airy white tulle, and white furniture;
- a living room with walls in this design needs an abundance of color contrasts. It is worth paying attention to bright upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets. This will create a cozy room for meetings with guests and family evenings;
- The hallway is a very good place to give the walls this tone. You can create a minimalist interior or dilute the grayness with natural shades of brown, beige or green;
- a bathroom with gray walls is a bold solution for loft or high-tech interiors. An abundance of plumbing fixtures, earthenware, tiles and grayish tones can create the impression of a cold and chilly space, not very conducive to water procedures. The interior should be drawn out by introducing elements made of wood, artificial or living plants and, if possible, providing natural daylight in the room.
Gray walls are a popular interior solution that allows you to create interesting design projects in various styles. This color should be used carefully, assessing the level of illumination in the room and diluting it with other tones to add coziness and warmth.
Furniture color
The color of the furniture can be of different saturation; all bright shades of red, green, orange and turquoise are suitable.
Cool blue and blue are best used as the color of poufs and small chairs. A gray sofa and bed will fit into a gray interior, complemented by bright pillows.
In the photo there is a gray sofa in a modern living room interior with dark gray curtains and walls, the gloss of the painting and daylight fill the room with freshness.
It is better to choose the same shade of chest of drawers, wardrobe and shelves. White, mint, light gray, black, wenge will suit the interior.
Rich palette of shades
This classic color is considered very elegant and timeless, just like black and white.
It is considered the cool equivalent of warm beige tones and is typically associated with fog, mystery and a rainy day. A gray interior should not be sad and gloomy; if necessary, it is worth diluting the monochromatic colors of the walls, selecting additives in bright colors that will give the interior character.
There are many shades of gray that differ in tone between white and black. As a rule, we highlight several main shades:
- platinum,
- silver,
- steel,
- Marengo,
- graphite.
All shades are neutral and achromatic - pure, without the addition of colored pigments. Therefore, some of them are difficult to identify.
Equally attractive are warm and cool gray shades, or tones mixed with a certain color, such as yellow and brown (khaki) or blue. However, when choosing wall paint, you should be extremely careful so that the end result does not disappoint. Suitable prototype paint samples to be tested in a specific room should clear up your doubts.
Ceiling color
Light ceiling
It is used more often than others, decorated with moldings, modeling, white plaster, paint, and suspended ceilings are used for finishing.
The photo shows a modern interior with a white, flat ceiling that echoes the white wood panels, which makes the dining room bright despite the dark floor and black table.
Dark color
Suitable for a spacious room and high ceilings, as dark will make it visually lower.
Bright
It can be created in a monochromatic or gray-white interior using wallpaper, panels, paint, or a stretch ceiling.
To match the walls
The ceiling will be a continuation of the walls and can be decorated with stucco.
