French, warm or cool: we’re giving in to grey
If you can’t beat them join ’em, they say, so now is the time to give in to grey, all 50 (and counting) shades of it
Its popularity may have soared in the past few weeks thanks to a certain steamy blockbuster but in decorating circles grey is the new black and white – and has been for a while.
From stony, pewter and moody to blue, French and silver, grey hues are perfect for this time of year. Warmer than monochrome, but not too daring or bright, grey is neatly positioned as the elegant go-to neutral that gives depth to subtle colours while making bolder, brighter colours pop.
But it can be tricky. The key to decorating with grey, particularly on walls, is to get the temperature of the shade right for your room.
Cool greys – those with blue undertones – work best in sunny light-filled spaces where they can cool off a south-facing room. Lighter shades of cool greys are particularly restful.
To add warmth to your home, select greys with hints of orange and yellow. Dulux’s Shale White and slightly richer Mulberry Silk are both good warm options as is the popular French Grey from Little Greene.
Crown Paints’ collection features cooling shades like Arctic and Dream Boat.
In the bedroom, charcoal grey is a great choice because it is a subdued shade that is extremely calming. Its smoky qualities also evoke a feeling of glamour and sophistication especially when a minimal colour palette of grey and white is used for the accessories and bedding. But no matter what shade you opt for it is crucial to use a matt rather than a glossy paint or your walls will look like an industrial unit – and, believe me, not in a trendy way.
It’s also best to finish skirting edges and coving in creamy ivory whites not stark white.
Alternatively, you could choose subtle patterned grey wallpaper. It plays a starring role in Farrow & Ball’s latest collection. Inspired by French fashions of
the 19th and 20thcentury, patterns include paisley and feuille motifs in cool and deep greys against off-white backgrounds.
Farrow & Ball’s colour experts recommend teaming the wallpaper with its Purbeck Stone and Moles Breath paints.
Also among their key paint colours is Lamp Room Gray which F&B says ‘ creates a feeling of relaxed movement in a room’ when used as an accent on the floor or on furniture.
As for homewares and furnish- ing colour combinations, greys and yellows are a match made in interiors heaven. For a softer look team grey with earthy pastel greens and pinks or, for a real statement, grey contrasts wonderfully with a burst of neon.
Another of grey’s virtues is it is the perfect companion to copper – its sheen stops the paint looking too flat. As the popularity of this metal of the moment isn’t fading any time soon, it should be pretty easy to accessorise. This combo should whip any room into shape!