The many shades of grey
From walls to floors and furniture, this neutral colour is still bang on trend.
Grey as a canvas draws no attention to itself, allowing your décor to take the spotlight, and its versatility allows for timeless interiors, making it easy to change up décor items from one season to the next. Sonica Bucksteg ( above) from Dulux shares her top six tips on how to decorate with grey:
Fifty shades of grey
1 When selecting a grey, decide whether you want a warm or a cool shade; this will depend on the mood you want to create, as well as the undertones of the rest of your décor elements. A warm grey such as Dulux Dusted Moss 2 or 3 will complement washed wood, muted pastel cashmeres and linens for a French country-style interior, whereas Night Jewels 3 or 4 will work better with black leather, bold art, chrome and sleek high-gloss furnishings for a modern look – think Manhattan apartment. 2 Using grey with other shades of grey and similar neutrals can create a monotonous environment; add patterns and texture for interest. 3 Increasing the contrast of your greys will produce a bold dynamic effect, while decreasing the contrast will result in a softer, less dramatic look. As an example, combining a dark grey such as Night Jewels 2 with mostly light to white décor will produce a striking paper and ink effect, whereas a lighter grey such as Night Jewels 4 combined with the same light-coloured décor will create a much softer aesthetic. 4 Grey mimics the ‘colour’ of shadows, so be sure to use it in a room with sufficient natural light. If the space is dark, provide a variety of artificial lighting, such as downlights or wall sconces. You can also consider standing lamps or table lamps – but not in a bathroom! 5 Add warmer elements for balance; natural materials such as wood or tanned leather will cosy up the space. 6 Select an appropriate finish. In most cases, it’s better to opt for a flat matt finish such as Dulux Rich Matt, as painting grey in a gloss or high-sheen product can result in an industrial metallic effect.