Miami Herald (Sunday)

Try these shades of gray

- BY CATHY HOBBS

For a couple of years, gray was the “it” color gray on the runway, and the trend certainly extended to home decor. Gray remains a go-to color for those looking for a neutral color that blends well with other colors without feeling overly harsh.

Contrary to some opinions, gray doesn’t have to feel tired or drab. It can instead feel bold, modern and fresh. In fact, various shades of gray can even be blended in the same

space to help create a mood or complement a certain aesthetic. When considerin­g shades of gray, here are some tips to keep in mind.

DO:

Pair gray with pastel colors such as blue, pink, yellow and green. The combinatio­n can feel soft and soothing.

Consider blending multiple shades of gray in the same space.

Use gray to highlight architectu­ral features such as moldings, fireplaces and trims.

Use gray for some of the primary furniture pieces in a room such as sofas, area rugs and tables.

Use shades of gray in overly bright spaces, as the color can help add a sense of calm and tranquilit­y.

DON’T:

Blend too many shades of warm and cool grays in the same space. A more successful combinatio­n may be to have one shade dominate, using the other as an accent.

Forget the opportunit­y to use shades of gray as accent walls.

Overuse dark shades of gray in small spaces, as it may close in a space. Opt for lighter shades.

Overlook opportunit­ies to use gray in accents such as pillows, throws and artwork.

Use gray on surfaces such as ceilings, as you will instantly reduce the light in a space.

 ?? DESIGN RECIPES TNS ?? Pairing gray with pastel pink makes a room feel soft and soothing.
DESIGN RECIPES TNS Pairing gray with pastel pink makes a room feel soft and soothing.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States