The enduring appeal of grey
Of all the neutrals, grey is one that instantly brings gravitas
GREY harmonises well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore. She says there are three approaches to take when using grey as a base. ‘Tonal greys are perfect for anyone looking to add an accent colour, as a complementary grey with a matching warm or cool undertone can be chosen for a harmonious look.’ Alternatively, she suggests layering a grey paint with a green undertone: this is a fool-proof choice, as green greys sit at the centre of the colour wheel and flatter both warm and cool colours. Finally, to make more of a statement, go for corals and pink peach tones. ‘They create a rich, warm welcoming feel with undertones of red, orange and pink. It works beautifully as an accent to a grey scheme or as a statement wall colour,’ she adds.
Pure grey is made from black and white. However, most greys will have a hue and this provides a good signal as to where to go next, says Betsy Smith of Graphenstone Paints. ‘The key to bringing cohesion to spaces is to keep to the same undertone for walls, ceilings and floor. Identify hints of colours in flooring; walnut, for example, has a red tinge and oak more yellow. Jute is quite pinky while seagrass is greener, cork is orange and natural stones have a whole spectrum of hues.
Use these clues to inform colour combinations.’
Katie Glaister, co-founder of K&H Design, time and again turns to Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back as a favourite grey. The shades of green in it link with the outdoors meaning it forms the perfect backdrop in rooms that are either garden facing or filled with plants – such as orangeries, boot rooms or kitchens. She recommends combining it with indoor greenery. ‘It allows the foliage to sing,’ she says.
Grey is a popular colour for hallways, too. But when working with the cooler end of the spectrum of bluegreys and stone colours you do need to contrast with warmer, creamier tones, advises Emily Todhunter, co-director of Todhunter Earle Interiors. ‘If you put all cool colours together, however subtle, it will look dead.
Set them against something with a touch of cream and it looks prettier. The beauty of a neutral hallway is that you can add colour through cushions or lampshades, but having said that, don’t be intimidated by a cool palette, be brave and embrace its simplicity.’
Tom Cox, co-founder of HÁM Interiors, says they often turn to natural colours such as grey to paint expansive areas like entrance halls, stairs and passageways. ‘White can be too stark but choosing a subtle shade sets the scheme’s light and mood,’ he says. ‘To enliven a neutral scheme, we like to punctuate it with hits of colour, as it adds so much personality.’ Claire Sa, director of De Rosee Sa, agrees. ‘There are greys and there are greys,’ she says. ‘Where possible, go for warmer greys and juxtapose with warmer materials and highlights. There is perhaps a movement away from greys, but I think there are occasions where a grey, that has green or blue undertones, can work as the ideal neutral base.’
Grey tones can make a lovely palette for a bedroom as they exude a sense of calm, believes Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon. ‘Grey shouldn’t be considered boring or cold; there are ways to make it feel warm and a focal point, either in wallcoverings or within fabrics and finishings. While in previous years cool greys alongside silver and high gloss tones were fashionable, we are using deeper, darker greys or even near-blacks in some of our bedrooms. These richer tones envelop you as you enter the room and add cosiness. To avoid the room feeling sombre, it’s important to pair grey with pops of colour and texture in accessories such as pillows or throws or artwork.’
“GREY SHOULDN’T BE CONSIDERED BORING OR COLD; THERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE IT FEEL WARM AND A
FOCAL POINT, EITHER IN WALLCOVERINGS OR WITHIN FABRICS AND FINISHINGS”
CHARU GANDHI, founder and director, Elicyon