Lewis Hamilton made gray furniture feel cool again for summer 2025 – his patio will make you rethink this familiar neutral

It's finally here: patio season has arrived, and with it, we have been looking for sources of inspiration for furniture and accessory upgrades.

Lewis Hamilton has provided us with some patio ideas thanks to an Instagram post showing off his set-up. The focal point? A gray outdoor sofa, which looks as elegant as it does comfortable.

While gray may be considered outdated or uninspiring to some, we believe it can serve as a fantastic, neutral base in an outdoor area, especially if styled well. Such is the case on Lewis Hamilton's patio, which, I admit, changed my perspective on this 'overdone' neutral. I didn't expect gray to look as modern as it does in his shot, but his outdoor furniture is indisputably contemporary and oh-so cool.

Shop the gray outdoor furniture edit

According to experts, decorating with gray is a fantastic choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces, in large part due to its versatility.

'Gray’s adaptability and understated charm make it an excellent choice for any design scheme,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Whether you’re aiming for modern minimalism, classic elegance, or cozy comfort, gray offers a timeless foundation that allows your personal style to shine through.'

A key aspect of styling gray furniture is pairing it with complementary colors. We can see that Lewis has opted for some cream throw pillows, which complement the dark sofa beautifully.

'For a crisp, clean look, pair gray with white,' Nina suggests. 'This combination is timeless and fresh, perfect for modern and minimalist aesthetics. White accents can include trim, furniture, and accessories, enhancing the clarity and brightness of the space.'

Alternatively, green is a great accent color in an outdoor space, whether your patio is urban or rural.

'Gray and green together bring a natural, organic feel to a space,' Nina says. 'Sage or olive green complements gray’s muted tones, creating a harmonious and refreshing environment. This pairing works well in living rooms, home offices, and any space where you want to incorporate nature-inspired tranquility.'

Finally, for those who are looking to create a bolder backyard setting, consider the tried and true pairing of gray and black.

'For a bold and dramatic statement, combine gray with black,' Nina says. 'This sophisticated duo adds depth and modernity, perfect for contemporary spaces. Use black accents sparingly to maintain balance and avoid overwhelming the room.'

Relaxing yet chic, gray is the perfect color to choose when furnishing a patio.