Grey is the new black, as well as the new white, beige, and brown—at least according to recent runway shows. Designers such as Armani and Balenciaga are showing lots of greys in their Fall/Winter 2009 collections. Grey offers the sleek sophistication synonymous with black and white, yet boasts a softness that can be absent in the two latter shades. Stealing the latest trends from the runway for your home is an easy and fun way to restyle your living space
First, before you decide what pieces you are replacing or transforming in your room of choice, figure out your color palette. Don’t be consumed by the old worry that grey translates into nothing more than dull and boring. Grey pairs surprisingly well with warm, bright colors, making it a fantastic backdrop for bringing new colors into your rooms.
Because grey usually has cool undertones, try to pair the elegant shade with warmer, brighter colors. Corals and yellows stand out particularly nicely against the coolness of a solid grey. Using cooler colors—blues, lilacs, sea greens—can match the grey quite well but, instead of bringing out the best in each shade, the grey will enhance the cooler, greyer tones in the other colors and you risk creating a more monotonous, colder living space.
If you do not want to bring such bright colors into your room, grey also pairs up well with beige. A warm beige pairs very well against a cool grey; it creates an interesting aesthetic without sacrificing the room’s calm palette or simplicity. And while silver is the usual choice to pair with grey, gold is also a great, yet unexpected accent color.
Perhaps the easiest way to incorporate a new color trend into a room is through accessories and accents. Grey throw pillows can be displayed on red couches and white-linen beds alike. Steel-colored curtains can bring a hint of grey into your room with out a major overhaul. Throw rugs and flooring work exceptionally well when trying to breathe new life into an older room. A rug with a grey woven pattern or border can help bring the room’s new grey accents together subtly. Wall art, lamps, and other accessories can also bring the color into your room without severely impacting your wallet.
For a stronger statement, invest in a new wall color or larger area rug, as well as bigger pieces of furniture. A grey couch and/or arm chairs are cozy yet sleek, a combination often sought after but rarely found. If you do invest in larger pieces in a sumptuous grey fabric, remember to incorporate some color as well to keep your room fresh and gorgeous.
Taking trends from the runway and implementing them in your home is a fun and creative way to update your interiors and an easy way to create a fashion-forward living space.