Gray is no longer the drab and dreary gray we grew to hate in the past. Gone are the stale, somber colors of battleship and prison gray, replaced by shades of gray that are timeless and sophisticated. Gray can be warm or cool, and it pairs well with almost any color you can choose for an accent. Lately, we've seen lots of examples of gray with orange, yellow, bright blue and even a fuchsia or pale pink. Gray works just about anywhere, in any room, and is the ultimate neutral tone for any color scheme. More

Ever since Farrow and Ball released their lavender color Calluna last year I have seen the contemporary side of lavender, especially when paired with the "it" color of 2012, grey. If you feel like taking on a modern pastel shade, lavender is a very versatile color. More

I was searching for the best gray paint and stumbled across this brilliant post on Emily Henderson's blog. She highlights her favorite gray hues by matching them with fabulous shots of Ryan Gosling in various gray outfits. Not only is the article awash in eye candy, but it actually directed me to the gray paint I ended up using in my basement (Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore).
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If you don't want to paint your living room white, but want to keep the space nice and bright, pale gray is a great alternative. It provides a nice neutral backdrop for your furniture and art, but still makes your trim pop. Light gray isn't simply a blend of black and white; it's actually quite complex. Depending on the time of day and amount of light shining in, gray can have a range of color showing through, from a pinch of pink, to a hint of blue. More

A dark, dramatic dining room sets the tone for entertaining or nestling in for a quiet dinner at home. Some purples (dark plum-like ones or dusty gray-ish ones) can be perfect for the dining room, whether it's filled with a loud and lively party or just two at the table. More

Yellow is the energy drink of paint colors, adding an artificial boost of light and zest. It tricks the mind into seeing sunshine instead of shadows, and feeling vitality over fatigue. It's perfect for kitchens. As the vital and active heart of homes, they should be bright, cheerful and stimulating. More

There's nothing like spray paint for giving old items instant color makeovers. Where I live in Chicago, ostensibly in an effort to curb graffiti, spray paint cannot be purchased in hardware stores. And, at the risk of sounding agoraphobic, I prefer shopping from the comfort of my own home anyway. Thanks to the magic of the internet, a world of spray paint options is just a click away. More

Need some drama in your home? Glamorize your bathroom with black walls and accents. We love the intimacy created by these black-painted walls in small bathrooms. More

Midnight shades of blue are a dramatic yet fitting option for the bedroom. Easily adapting to the surrounding décor, this hue looks decadent when paired with other jewel tones, preppy with the addition of crisp white and bright accents, or eclectic with a few unexpected touches. Check below the jump for some inspiration and swatch suggestions to help you find the perfect shade. More

It seems that gray has become the new neutral of choice. From soft, cool grays to darker, warmer ones, there's a gray to suit every taste. But for many, nothing beats a deep, rich charcoal. Tenebrous and moody with a cozy, elegant edge, charcoal is a reminder of the first hints of evening when the gloaming shadows come out to play. Bold enough to create a distinct backdrop, it's also neutral enough to let other colors come to the fore. More