Grays and blacks have a reputation as colors associated with all things dark and gloomy. That may be so but there definitely are exceptions especially when it comes to home decorating. Shades of gray and black can create spaces that are elegant, sophisticated, and even cozy. These hues are especially versatile as well, able to suit different rooms in the home and interior design styles. Here are some examples to take inspiration from:

Note: If you take a liking to any of the wall colors in the rooms below, know that they’re available as Boysen paints (check with your nearest Boysen Mix and Match station)! You’ll be able to find the paint names in the caption or comments section of each post.

Living Room

We’re starting with something straightforward and simple. Check out the wall above in a shade of black and how well it goes with furnishings in lighter hues—such as creams, whites, and light wood. This creates stunning contrast and balance. Lots of light streaming from the window together with the high ceilings help uplift the room as well to give it an airy feel despite the dark colored wall.

If you’re yet to feel comfortable with colors that are too dark (totally understandable!), try a lighter shade of gray. Replace it with your usual white and you have a wall color with more depth and visual interest. Instead of being the focal point of the room, the light gray wall blends in with the space which is furnished and decorated with other neutral colors in a similar level of saturation.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Be bold even with gray. Pairing gray with a bright pop of color, like a lemon yellow, can create a striking look. See how it’s done in this modern kitchen. In the Philippines, #TeamPuti and Scandinavian interiors, which make use of a lot of neutral and muted tones, are popular. Stand out with your clever use of darker and richer shades for your home.

For those who do gravitate towards the maaliwalas look, this peg may be what you’re looking for. This dining area also pairs gray walls with furniture in light tones and wooden finishes. The result is a space that looks and feels maaliwalas. Greenery also breathes life into the room.

Bedroom

A darker gray can work as a backdrop for the standout colors in an eclectic style bedroom. It’s able to suit a range of hues so you can add all your favorite colors to the room. (Just make sure to stick with a color palette to avoid things getting too crazy—you still want cohesiveness.) The eclectic style is all about letting your creative side run wild. Play with patterns and accent colors just like the space above.

You don’t have to stick with just gray on your walls. Here’s an idea for an instantly interesting space: paint one wall different from the rest. And, if you’re having trouble figuring out which hue works best, reach for gray. As mentioned, it’s versatile enough to go with most colors. You just have to check that the shade of gray you get complements your other wall color. See how the light teal and gray together create a tranquil bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

Bathroom

Brave enough for black? Create drama in a room by using black as a color motif. The black bathtub echoes the black walls while the white sinks provide contrast. Lots of texture is utilized as well with a rug and natural wood finishes. It’s best to attempt this particular style choice in a room that gets a lot of natural light. This prevents the space from being too overbearing. As in the bathroom above, plants also bring a pleasant warmth to the space without diminishing the room’s luxurious and elegant look.

Work Area

Set up a home office that works for you. Keep things looking professional without being too uptight with gray. It’s more of a creative choice compared to plain white without it being too casual or distracting. If you’re looking to revamp your work-from-home area, gray may just be that perfect middle ground you’re looking for.

Ready to redecorate? The wall colors you see above are available as Boysen paints! For questions or inquiries about Boysen products, our technical team will be happy to assist you. Send an email to ask@myboysen.com or call (02) 8363-9738 local 413 to 418 during office hours for a one-on-one consultation.

Author

Jill is a writer on a continuous journey to learn about paint and share them with you, the reader. She has an interest in the technical side of things but also thoroughly enjoys playing with colors. She likes calm greens, quiet blues, and mellow yellows best.

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