Grey - 9 reasons why it's an interior trend that's here to stay

Super chic and totally modern, grey is the tonal shade of the moment.  Grey interiors are now chic staples in any discerning home with the colour a key element across numerous looks and styles. Whether it's the up-to-date choice for neutral wall colour, or used for painted furniture or accessories, grey is the on-trend yet timeless colour for any space.  At The Wooden Furniture Store, here's why we think it's time to decorate you home with grey.

First, a little bit of history...

National Gallery - Giovanni Bellini 1430-1516 Portrait of Doge Leonardo Loredan

Grey was originally the colour of undyed wool and so not really considered a colour.  In art during the Renaissance, grey was used as a the perfect background colour to emphasize gold and skin tones and was used to highlight the faces and costumes of the sitters in the paintings.

It's a unique colour

Image from dulux.co.uk

Grey is almost like a colorless color.  Technically, it is the halfway point between white and black, which makes it like a total neutral to pair perfectly with almost every other colour or colour palette and it's a nice third option to the often over-used neutrals of off-white and beige.  Grey is one of the most versatile colours in the spectrum, its shades frequently offer subtle notes of other shades which gives each grey its own unique feel.  Grey can create a warm scheme as easily as a cool one, it can channel edgy modern and charming country, be calm and soothing or vivid, lively and energetic.  Each shade of grey is capable of creating a different look, feel and style of room.

And a great statement shade

Image from madaboutthehouse.com

With such a wide spectrum of shades and tones grey works well on its own, or rather it works well by simply mixing different shades together.  Dark and light tones will give contrast and depth to a room.  There’s something almost regal about this deep grey living room.  Grey can also be used as a statement shade in any room with the darkest versions such as charcoal or anthracite, an eye-catching wall colour wherever placed.

It makes bright colours pop

Image from houseandgarden.co.uk

Grey as a backdrop allows the other colours and elements in a room to shine.  Grey goes with everything and everything looks good against it, so it's the perfect contrast to host vibrant colours from burnt orange and red, to yellows, teal blues and emerald greens.  A bright pink coffee table or orange designer chair can turn your grey living room scheme into something extraordinary.

It's perfect paired with pastels

Image from thedebrief.co.uk

Team pastels with grey for an understated and chic design statement.  Pale colours give stark neutrals a warm uplift so match them up for a elegant and sophisticated look to emphasize the brightness of a space.  Just a whisper of grey mixed with a dusky pink can make a room really sing, it adds warmth and interest to a parred down palette.

It looks great with Scandi style

Image from makeahome.nl

The popularity of grey as a neutral is linked with the rise of another huge interior trend of the moment - Scandi style.  In Scandinavian interiors, the emphasis is on magnifying natural light to combat the long, dark winters, using a repetitive colour palette of whites, beige, cool blues and soft grey.  Choose a grey with cooler bluer tones which work best with whites and pale woods as this end of the spectrum gives a room a more modern aesthetic.

Grey works with wood

Image from hannahbullivant.com

The versatility of both grey and wood makes them perfect partners.  Warm, dark woods such as walnut ( another interior trend for 2020) and mahogany warming the often cool hue.  Paler varieties such as oak giving a crisp, bright feel when paired with grey.

Grey painted furniture takes centre stage

Grey painted furniture is a wonderful way to bring a little extra light and interest into a room.  Our new Signature Grey Painted furniture range has a cool, sophisticated aesthetic.  Each piece is hand painted in a soft grey colour with six layers of paint and the top has a striking contrasting limed top.  This sideboard oozes modern, country elegance and would create a striking feature in any dining room.

It adds texture to a space

Image from housetohome.co.uk

For the winter months, a grey interior trend and layered, textured, furnishings go hand in hand.  Look for sheepskins, faux fur throws and chunky knits in a selection of complementing shades to give a sumptuous and cosy feel.  It cocoons you and turns the room into a space you really want to hunker down into.

It works well with a statement piece

Image from hisforhomeblog.com

Grey interior works well as an “invisible” neutral foundation for a space.  It makes an excellent colour choice for high-ticket or statement pieces in a space.  Think sofas, cabinetry, concrete, or even a bath.  Anything set against grey looks more beautiful, more grand, it feels intriguing and sophisticated and glamorous.

Grey furniture is liveable, grey is lux, grey is versatile. Occasionally, we hear the question - is grey still fashionable? We love it but what do you think?