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Are you the type of person who always sticks to neutrals—who can't seem to escape the siren song of the best white paint colors, best brown paint colors, and best greige paint colors? We don't blame you! These colors are classics for a reason, and they go with almost every color. Gray is versatile enough to stand on its own, and it comes in so many different shades that you can add depth to a space by simply layering on shades of this singular color ranging from charcoal to silver.
But we urge you to step outside of your comfort zone and set yourself up for some gray-ter expectations (sorry, we had to!), which is why you shouldn't shy away from pairing your well-loved neutral interiors with pops of bold colors, patterns, and textures. We know it can be difficult to leap before you look, so we've rounded up some of our favorite homes that will reassure you that gray paint, in particular, can be paired with tons of fun colors. From lime green to cobalt blue, you'll be so inspired to try out these color combos, you might just break out the paint brushes this weekend.
RELATED: All Our Paint Inspo in One Place
1
Gray & Dusty Pink
Bring muted colors into your bedroom, like this peach headboard, ochre armchair, and indigo mudcloth blanket to complement plain gray furniture. Mix in patterns of various style and scale like designer Heidi Caillier did here to level-up your design.
2
Gray & Teal
Want to paint your floors but over the typical black and white design? Take a note from designer Kate Marker and opt a creamy gray-and-white palette. A show-stopping, tufted teal banquette finished with long jute fringe complements the cozy breakfast nook.
3
Gray & Lime Green
We have to admit—this pairing is quite unexpected! But a pop of lime green against off-white walls and dark gray doors is sure to put a smile on your face as you walk downstairs every morning.
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4
Gray & Bright Red
A stained gray exterior allows this house to blend in with its wooded surroundings, while bold red trim gives it major wow factor. TIP: If you want a more natural look, opt for a semi-transparent stain that allows the wood grain to peek through over a solid finish.
5
Gray & Cobalt Blue
The beauty of gray is that even when it's used subtly—as in the case with these painted chairs—it still stands out, especially when paired with bright colors like this cobalt blue Oushak rug.
6
Gray & Bold Patterns
Here, an attic with a steeply slanted roof could have made for an awkward bedroom, but the white and gray accents and bold bird wallpaper come together for an airy, comfortable space that guests will never want to leave.
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7
Gray & Red, White, and Black
If you think "neutral" is only synonymous with "white," think again. A timeless gray is the perfect hue for kitchen cabinetry, and it's a lovely match for a bold palette like the one in this quilt-like floor tile.
8
Gray & Copper
Brighten up a subdued palette with touches of highly-collectible copper. The metallic finish adds a sophisticated layer of shine to this North Carolina cabin kitchen.
9
Gray & Soft Yellow
Is there a better sight on a gray day than when the clouds part and a glimmer of sunshine peeks through? Apply that aesthetic to a bedroom with gray upholstery and yellow bedding, and you'll start every day in the right frame of mind.
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10
Gray & White
Sure, white goes with everything, but there's something especially sophisticated about a nice gray paired with a crisp white as showcased in this serene guest room. Opt for Turkish towels to upgrade your house guests' experience and add a layer of texture.
11
Gray & Green
Pops of fresh, verdant plants and natural stone textures complement this delightfully neutral living room, while mismatched pillows in shades of gray add a layer of visual interest.
12
Gray & Natural Woods
No one can deny how great grays look next to a white shiplap, but the hue also shines when paired with natural-stained pieces like the rustic door, bench, and floor in this peaceful bedroom.
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13
Gray & Rusty Red
Gray millwork pops against white walls in this fun bunk room and sets the stage for red accents found in the coverlets, artwork, and blankets.
14
Gray & Icy Blue
Would the gray Swedish look good in any setting? Of course. But does it look even better when keeping time against a pretty blue wall and surrounded by blue accent pillows and rug? You bet.
15
Gray & Pink
Looking for an easy way to become the toast of the neighborhood? Up your curb appeal by taking on a gray exterior and adding a pink front door. Pair with happy green landscaping, and you're probably a lock for yard of the month.
Alison Allsopp
Alison Allsopp is the Style and Market Editor at Country Living.
Anna Logan
Senior Homes & Style Editor
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of interior design and color palettes, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the concepts discussed in the article. My passion for design extends beyond mere observation, as I actively engage in applying these principles to create aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article about using gray as a versatile backdrop for various color combinations in home decor:
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Neutrals and Classics: The article emphasizes the enduring appeal of neutrals, particularly white, brown, and greige, as classic choices for interior spaces. These timeless colors serve as a foundation for creative design expressions.
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Versatility of Gray: Gray is presented as a versatile color that can stand alone or be layered with different shades, ranging from charcoal to silver. Its adaptability allows for a broad spectrum of design possibilities.
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Bold Color Pairings: The key message encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones by incorporating bold colors, patterns, and textures into their homes. The article showcases examples where gray serves as a neutral canvas for vibrant hues like lime green, bright red, cobalt blue, and more.
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Color Combinations: The article provides specific color combinations and design ideas for pairing with gray, such as gray with dusty pink, teal, lime green, bright red, cobalt blue, and bold patterns. Each combination is accompanied by a brief explanation of how the colors complement each other.
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Use of Patterns and Textures: The importance of incorporating patterns and textures is highlighted to elevate the design. Examples include mixing patterns of various styles and scales, using bold wallpapers, and introducing textured elements like jute fringe.
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Exterior Design: The article extends its focus beyond interior spaces to exterior design, showcasing how stained gray exteriors with bold trim colors, like red, can create a visually striking effect.
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Incorporation of Natural Elements: Natural elements, such as indoor plants, natural woods, and stone textures, are suggested to add depth and visual interest to gray-dominated spaces. These elements break the monotony and contribute to a balanced design.
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Metallic Accents: The article recommends brightening up subdued palettes with touches of metallic accents, specifically highlighting the use of highly-collectible copper in a North Carolina cabin kitchen.
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Creating a Mood: The connection between color choices and mood is subtly explored, such as the suggestion to combine gray upholstery with yellow bedding to evoke a sunny and positive atmosphere.
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Curb Appeal: Exterior design is further emphasized with the suggestion of a gray exterior paired with a pink front door to enhance curb appeal. The incorporation of green landscaping is also recommended for a visually appealing outdoor space.
In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive guide to using gray as a foundational color in home design, showcasing its adaptability and potential for creating visually stunning and diverse living spaces.
