In recent years, gray has rapidly gone from one of the most underrated colors to fashionable and popular. It looks fresh and elegant, it becomes a perfect background or an independent accent. Finally, its versatility and diversity were appreciated in all its glory. In this article we will tell you why it is so good and how to use gray tones in the interior!
Features and influence of gray
For a long time, gray was undeservedly considered boring, dull and mediocre. He was preferred only by rare connoisseurs, although from time to time the fashion took its toll. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was he who was worn by restrained aristocrats, while more catchy shades were considered vulgar and vulgar.
Shades of gray are one of the most varied from pale whitish to sparkling metallic, dark graphite, charcoal, taupe gray-brown or gray-blue monsoon. Thanks to gray, the whole trendy ash palette appeared, like the popular dusty rose.
In ancient times, gray was closely associated with the god of time and maturity, Saturn. These are the garments traditionally worn by monks in different religious traditions. Gray was associated with justice, restraint and spirituality. Another common meaning is power, because it is not in vain that the concept of “gray eminence” exists in Europe.
In interiors, gray still helps to focus, calm down and put thoughts in order. Thanks to this effect, it was even believed in folk medicine that being in a gray environment relieves stress, inflammation, and helps fight infections.
Gray is the color of balance and pragmatism, therefore it is often used in the design of offices and offices. It helps to maintain a clear mind during any strong experiences, whether it is frustration or intense joy. In color therapy, it is believed to be beneficial for patients prone to panic attacks.
In design, gray is also very practical, because it can be easily combined with any light, dark or bright shades. In this he is not inferior to the classic duet of black and white. And he acquired a new life in modern interiors, like hi-tech, which gravitate towards metals, chrome, mirrors and gray gloss.
But in a cozy Scandinavian style, there was a use for gray. Here he creates a neutral and calm backdrop for bright details, accessories, expressive textiles and pleasant details.
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Color combinations
It is difficult to find a shade that would not be combined with gray, because this is a universal base. It not only resembles black and white, but directly mixes them in different proportions. Therefore, it is in harmony with any bright colors, from acidic neon to deep complex shades.
Gray with yellow
Gray with yellow is one of the brightest, juiciest and most sunny duets. Such interiors invigorate, instantly give a good mood and look warm even on the gloomiest and coldest day. If you love brightness and lightness, this is the option for you.
Gray with blue
The combination of gray with blue and light blue is the embodiment of freshness, lightness and airiness. In such a room it is as if it is easier to breathe even on the hottest summer day. Pay attention if you prefer calm, balanced and balanced interiors.
Gray with green
Cool gray with grassy green is a pure expression of modern eclectic fashion, in which natural and artificial materials are closely intertwined. Depending on the shades, this combination can be beaten in modern, futurism, and eco-style.
Gray with red
The combination of gray and red is quite bold, eccentric and even aggressive.This is an interesting solution for kitsch interiors, like pop art, where the whole concept is built on catchy contrasts. And if you want to tone down the effect a bit, go for a more neutral coral or dark burgundy.
Gray with purple
An unusual duet of gray with purple will suit the same unusual and creative people. The whimsical combination is believed to stimulate imagination and fantasy. It is also rare, so it looks original and creative.
Gray with brown
The balance between gray and brown is expertly found in modern interpretations of classic styles. This is the main basic combination for contemporary and neoclassical, because dark wood on a light gray background looks even more noble and expressive.
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Gray in interior design
It is difficult to think of which interior the gray color does not fit into, because it is equally good in the bathroom and in the bedroom, in the classics and in fusion. It is actively used by trendy eclectic styles as a neutral base. And in the design of apartments, gray is increasingly replacing traditional white and beige.
Gray in the living room
The living room is a room with a complex configuration and purpose, because usually several zones need to be combined in it at once. For example, a seating area, a workplace, a place for creativity, a dining area, a mini-library - at your discretion. In this case, gray becomes an ideal and calm background on which fantasy can roam.
A dark graphite accent wall will refresh a contemporary interior, chrome metal shelves with glass shelves are suitable for high-tech zoning. In classic styles, from restrained English to eccentric Art Nouveau, feel free to use handles, legs, decor and accessories in blackened silver.
Laminate of large planks imitating gray wood will visually expand the room. Cold light gray walls will make it cooler and fresher: blue-blue shades give about the same effect, but they are brighter and more capricious.
Gray in the kitchen
Light gray is a godsend for a small kitchen, where it can be used as a base for walls and floors. Gray wallpaper with a barely noticeable unobtrusive floral or geometric pattern looks good. For hot sunny kitchens, shades with splashes of blue are suitable, and for cool northern ones - yellow or beige.
Gray goes well with classic wood, regardless of the variety, and with fashionable plastic and acrylic designs. Therefore, it fits into both traditional cuisines and high-tech. And it is easier to care for such a finish, because it is less easily soiled.
In a large and spacious kitchen, boldly paint the surfaces with a dark charcoal gray. Black interiors are a trend in recent seasons, but dull black often looks too heavy and cumbersome in apartments. But gray is only a few tones lighter - it is already much easier to work with.
Gray in the bedroom
The real fashion trend is gray linens made from coarse linen or flowing silk. It is more practical and not as easily soiled as white, but it looks very unusual and original.
Dark gray dense curtains well block the sunlight so that nothing interferes with your rest. But they are not as gloomy as tightly black, and not as impenetrable as blackout.
A fluffy gray rug with a high pile by the bed immediately adds a few points to the bedroom on the scale of comfort. And against the background of a rough gray concrete wall, romantic little things play with new colors: a collection of photographs, candles, soft toys, garlands and lighting.
Gray in the bathroom
In the bathroom, functionality comes to the fore, and aesthetics recedes into second place. Stylish sophisticated shades of gray make it easy to combine the two.
The gray bathroom looks much fresher and more relevant than the boring sterile white ones. Use color accents for your mood: towels, jewelry, jars, coasters and other accessories.
Light gray furniture looks lighter and sleeker, while gray sinks and stone-look bathtubs are a real trend. Most plumbing accessories are traditionally available in chrome, silver or brushed steel shades. They go well with both classic white and trendy black fixtures.
Gray color in the hallway
Typical hallway problems in any apartment are lack of space and light. It may seem that gray is too gloomy and cold, so that it will aggravate the situation even more. In practice, it is enough to choose the right tone: very light or even warm, interspersed with other colors.
Gray is very good at gloss, namely glossy surfaces are used to increase space. Such a stretch ceiling can transform the hallway beyond recognition. And at the same time it will be harmoniously combined with a mirrored wall or cabinet door.
If you still want something warmer and more expressive, combine gray with beige, pale milky shades of yellow or light wood. Such a hallway will immediately become warm and cozy, and will greet guests thereby with the feeling of a home.
Gray color in the children's room
Children are especially sensitive to all external factors, including the color scheme around. Therefore, when you want to make the children's room brighter, it is important not to overdo it, otherwise there is a high risk of getting constant lack of sleep and irritation instead of cheerfulness and fun.
Feel free to use a calm, uniform gray background, and place accents on it with bright colors. It can be colorful curtains and bedspreads, a bright bean bag chair, carpets, colorful toys and a sports corner, even a painted accent wall.
Children grow up quickly, so the nursery will have to be constantly adapted to the changing needs of the beloved child. The gray color will greatly simplify the task, because it remains neutral and practical, regardless of the child's age. It will be enough to change those brightest details.
