“If I see everything in grey, and in grey all the colors which I experience and which I would like to reproduce, then why should I use any other color? I’ve tried doing so, for it was never my intention to paint only with grey. But in course of my work I have eliminated one color after another, and what has remained is grey, grey, grey”– Alberto Giacomettii, Swiss artist

Kansas City, MO:

If you’ve browsed through Instagram, Pinterest or any other interior design related platforms lately, one color that may have demanded your attention more than all the others is grey. Over the last few years, grey has become a favorite color of many interior designers. And, although grey has been prevalent on the architecture scene, it has now moved to interior design. Clearly, grey is here to stay. Keep reading and uncover the mysteries of this color.

Grey obviously comes as a result of mixing together two colors- black and white. Today, we know this outcome as archetype grey. In some color theories, neither black, nor white are considered colors, but as absence or presence of light. According to this concept, grey isn’t considered to be a hue. Though, contrary to this belief, other theories do classify it as a color and tend to define its hidden meaning.

Grey Color Psychology

Grey color psychology is a study of hues, as a determinant of human behavior. According to the study, people’s reaction towards the color of a grey stormy sky can be divided into two groups. On one hand, it is perceived as unresponsive, unattached, dull, conventional, monotonous, depressing and inert. It is thought to be reserved, quiet and conservative. On the other hand, it is a symbol of elegance, intellect, modesty, conformism, and maturity. It represents a formal, exquisite and timeless hue, which evokes the feeling of strength and steadiness.

Grey Interior Paint – So Much More

But grey is so much more than just a mixture of black and white. The human eye can distinguish about 500 shades of grey. Charcoal, slate, ashen, mousy, dove, powder gray and pearl are just some. Depending on its undertone, grey can be warm (by adding pinkish, reddish and brownish undertones), or cold (by adding blue undertones, for example). Light grey is identified as relaxing, soothing and enlightening, whereas dark grey is seen as serious, solemn and inflexible. Light grey shades are mainly feminine in nature, while dark grey shades are masculine. The closer grey comes to black, the more dramatic its appeal is. On the contrary, the closer grey gets to silver and white, the more luminous and vivid it becomes.

Grey is a Neutral Color

Another interesting fact about the color grey is that it belongs to a group of neutral colors. In the language of interior designers, neutral basically means without color. Together with white, beige, blue, ivory and brown, this “colorless” color has the potential to tone down stronger and brighter colors, as well as to accentuate softer ones, making it a fantastic background color. Grey is considered to be a color of architecture and commerce. Apple is a great example of a brand that cleverly uses the color grey in its branding. By using the color grey, Apple achieves a clean and neutral aspect that is recognizable to customers.

Grey Interior Paint Color Flexibility

Whether you are a Scandinavian interior design fan or mid-century modern interior is more appealing to you, or better yet, if you fancy art decor inspired spaces, grey is the color to work with. When decorating or designing an interior space with any neutral, there are two major approaches you may follow. Firstly, add different shades, undertones, materials, and textures of the same hue. Essentially, just keep adding layers of grey and you can’t go wrong.

Add Bold Accents to Grey Interior Paint Colors

If this clean, minimalistic and perhaps too neutral of approach is a little bit too much for you, then try adding a feature color that pops. Walls, furniture and flooring can serve as a great base to build upon. If you’d like to introduce some vibrancy to your home, add details in mustard or yellow. They create a great contrast to your charcoal sofa. If you would like to achieve a more sophisticated and luxurious look, try adding metallic colors i.e. bronze, gold or silver. All will present nicely against a neutral background. 

Grey Interiors with Natural Wood

Natural or stained wood elements will look amazing in combination with your grey walls, giving life and warmth to your room and creating the feeling of coziness. For more gentle and feminine interiors, try adding pinks/blush, or celestial colors. Any pastel color will work exceptionally well with a neutral background. Be bold and willing to let go and experiment.

Grey interior paint is a basic yet versatile color, full of meaning and possibilities to play with. If you are opting to paint your interior with this  clean, modern, calming, bold but elegant interior, start decorating with this amazing color – grey.

We want you to love your new interior, so, Decker Service Professionals offers a free interior paint color consultation with every interior coating project you order.