Of all the neutrals, a gray color scheme is one that instantly brings gravitas, so it is no surprise to see that Kourtney Kardashian has used this divisive shade in her lounge to great effect.
Despite our love-hate relationship with a gray color palette, we can't help but be enamored whenever we see a gray room done so well. Designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, who is no stranger to using color, it was a surprise to see a predominantly single-color scheme. But this visually pleasing living-cum-cinema room is far from dull.
In a conversation with Architectural Digest, Kourtney admitted that she doesn't use bold colors too often: 'I’m very afraid of color,' Kourtney confesses. 'But when you have kids, you can’t be so stringent. Martyn was able to introduce bright pops in a way I can handle.'
It's the additional splashes of blue and orange – two contrasting colors from the opposite ends of the color wheel – that add a joie de vivre to the space.
Decorating with gray not be might be your first choice when designing a living room or media room, but don't dismiss this outdated neutral so easily, say designers.
Gray tones can make a lovely palette for a family room or lounge as they exude a sense of calm, believes Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon.
‘Gray shouldn’t be considered boring or cold; there are ways to make it feel warm and a focal point, either in wallcoverings or within fabrics and finishings. While in previous years cool grays alongside silver and high gloss tones were fashionable, we are using deeper, darker greys or even near-blacks in some of our rooms.These richer tones envelop you as you enter the room and add coziness.'
To avoid the room feeling sombre, it’s important to pair gray with pops of color and texture in accessories such as pillows or throws or artwork,' just as Martyn Lawrence-Bullard has done in Kourtney's lounge.
An example of a dark gray living room
Gray harmonizes well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore. She says there are three approaches to take when using gray as a base.
‘Tonal greys are perfect for anyone looking to add an accent color, as a complementary grey with a matching warm or cool undertone can be chosen for a harmonious look.’
Alternatively, she suggests layering a gray paint with a green undertone: this is a fool-proof choice, as green greys sit at the center of the color wheel and flatter both warm and cool colors.
Finally, to make more of a statement, go for corals and pink peach tones. ‘They create a rich, warm welcoming feel with undertones of red, orange, and pink. It works beautifully as an accent to a grey scheme or as a statement wall color,’ she adds.
Shop Kourtney Kardashian's look
Timeless, elegant and calming – there is a lot to love about gray. Shop our edit of the best gray room buys for your home, as chosen by our editors.
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