Mixing grey with white, black and beige definitely warms up a space. Leaving grey on it's own can feel a bit too moody and bring in a solemn vibe. In this image above, you can see how a beige woven basket warms things up along with the patina on the magnetic pin-board above the desk.
Anything teal, yellow, coral, green or burnt orange will brighten and warm things up a lot. Could be lamps, pillows, small decor items, throws, rugs, and so on. Also, white curtains. They help a lot to combat the gloomy cast of grey walls. You can find some at thrift stores that aren't expensive.
'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.
In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.
Cooler grays pair well with blues, purples, and teals, while warmer grays (think mushroom and putty) pair better with reds, oranges, and other warm shades.
Beige: The Neutral Backbone of Any Room
This versatile neutral never goes out of style because it effortlessly complements any space while adding warmth and balance. Its ability to blend into different décor styles has made it a go-to for creating cozy, welcoming rooms.
"We're moving away from gray and neutrals with cool undertones as a trend toward warm neutrals, like modern beiges and taupes, to warm up the design of our spaces." With the current design trend moving away from cool neutrals and towards warmer tones, Banbury says Khaki is a color to embrace in 2025.
Instead, “recent and prospective homebuyers are willing to offer more money for a home painted in dark, moody colors,” Pendleton said. In fact, dark gray is associated with higher offer prices than white in every room of the home that Zillow studied: the kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.
If your living room walls are charcoal grey, lighten the mood with contrasting hues and textures through different design elements. Try adding a leather couch, furniture with natural wood tones, a colorful or bright white accent wall, patterned pillows or a chic boho rug.
Everything from blush pink to vibrant yellow works well when layering tones in a grey space. Complementary colours with warm undertones are a low-key choice, but you're free to use more daring contrasts if you wish. It might also be worth reaching for your paintbrush again.
Blending grey hair with highlights and lowlights is also another great technique to achieve a multi-dimensional colour with depth and contrast – this helps to enhance rather than conceal grey hair.
Business Insider asked color experts which hues are on their way out in 2025. Black may seem sophisticated, but it's not a great choice for long-term livability. More people will phase out colors like olive green and mustard yellow in favor of softer hues.
The best cabinet colors that work well with gray walls include white, brown, espresso, dark gray, charcoal, navy blue, and black.
One of the most prominent colours stepping in to replace grey is beige. This versatile shade is celebrated for its ability to brighten spaces while evoking a sense of calm and timelessness. Unlike grey, beige offers a warmer, more organic feel, making it a perfect backdrop for a variety of design elements.
Red is difficult because many hues simply aren't made for wall space. The rich raspberry red that looks great in nail polish and lipstick will be overpowering in a room. If you get too much brown in your red, it will be dull and lifeless. Covering red paint with a new color can also be a nightmare!
Blonde and mid-tone browns are classic choices that never go out of style. Bleached or super dark stains tend to wave with trends and can make a kitchen appear very dated when not in style. Avoid stains with a heavy undertone like red, orange, or grey as these will also wane with kitchen trends.
Background tones like these earthy grays, easy going beiges and fresh-canvas whites will set the stage for any and all decor you bring home and partner beautifully with feature walls. So feel free to work them into any color palette — these hard-working neutral paint colors play very well with others.
Warm wood decorative accents and furnishings complement multiple shades of gray, especially lighter shades. The soft and warm colors of wood furnishings bring out the warm undertones of the gray walls to create an overall look that's inviting.
Rich, warm hues such as beige, taupe, khaki, olive, moss and rust not only create a natural-looking palette, but elevate grey without feeling out of place. Consider accenting a lighter grey wall with neutral paint colours such as our Military Operation paint.