Colour Focus - Greys

All too often, when we think of greys in decor we think drab, boring and uninviting. However, grey fabrics have a lot to offer modern and traditional homes. It's all about knowing how to use them correctly. Although it's important to remember that not all greys are born equal, there are a few steadfast rules which you can follow when picking out fabrics for your grey curtains. 

What Colours Go With Grey?

If you solely use greys in your decor, you run the risk of creating a bland, uninviting space. Grey tones are at their best when they are used in conjunction with other colours. What is interesting though, is that greys are quite complex,  there are warm shades of grey, cooler shades, more neutral shades. It all depends on your space and the end result you're searching for. So, before considering complementing colours, you must first understand which tone of grey you're working with, once you know that - it makes it a whole lot easier to pick colours which work well with your shade of grey. 

Grey is quite a versatile colour meaning that most (but not all) colours will play nice with greys. As a rule of thumb, jewel tones are a great match for grey. More accurately, grey notes are a great match for jewel tones. this is because the more neutral grey is perfect to offset, the rich deep colours of jewel tones, especially if the jewel tone in question comes from a deep, velvet fabric. 

If you're aiming for a subtle warm feel, it's worth considering colours which don't contrast as much with your shade of grey and adds a sense of light to your space. Think natural tones and light, airy yellows and blush pinks. 

A colour wheel is a useful tool when it comes to deciding your supporting  cast of colours. 

Think About A Statement Wall

Statement walls are somewhat of a design staple, they've stood the test of time and are as popular as ever. In the same vein as complementing colours, a statement wall is ideal to enhancing the greys in your decor, be that grey soft furnishings or a colour that runs through your space. Damask wallpapers are great for use as a statement wall, they can not only be used to introduce colours into your decor, but also texture and - importantly - a pattern. A wallpaper with an intricate pattern on it draws the eye before allowing the rest of the room to reveal itself, this is perfect for a well thought out decor project.

Conversely, if you have a busy space, a calming statement wall is the perfect opportunity to give the eye a break. Granted, this sounds counterproductive, but not all statement walls need to be loud and patterned. They can offer up subtle breaks in a pattern, introduction of a new colour and some relief from a decor with a lot going on. If this is the direction you're going in, consider modestly patterned or plain wallpapers. 

Combine Greys With a Pattern

If you have a busy pattern which threatens to overtake your space. Tone it down with shades of grey, specifically with muted greys. Big, bold patterns have been an interior design flavour for a few years now. Combining an elaborate pattern with muted greys, still allows you the luxury of having a head-turning pattern without it overwhelming your decor. This works equally as good for grey soft furnishings or grey wall coverings. 

Conversely, if you're looking to bring attention to a subtle pattern, contrast greys with a lighter colour to really make that pattern pop. This is ideal for a curtain with a subtle pattern on it as in the above image. 

So, next time you think decorating with grey is a little uninspired think again, think outside the box!