Good Questions: How's Gray as a Neutral?

Dear AT,

I live in a small studio apartment with a huge area rug designed like a colorful Matisse painting, which dominates my room. My bedding is charcoal gray and I've recently purchased CB2's "Standard Sofa" in the same charcoal shade.

I'm wondering if the gray works well as a neutral to match the abundance of color in the rug or it clashes or looks too dark. I didn't want to go with another white sofa because it got so filthy!

Thanks,
Wendy

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Dear Wendy,

We think charcoal is a perfect neutral, and that as time goes on (we're thinking about cleaning), it will make you much happier than white. And your red accent table works great with the rug and gray bedding. One idea to brighten up your studio: change your curtains to something lighter...and stick with charcoal for your bedding and sofa!

Any other thoughts??

Comments (2)

I love charcoal grey as a neutral! I think you will be happy with a charcoal sofa for a long time - you can easily change the appearance with pillows or throw blankets to get a different look at a whim and it will coordinate easily with many interiors.

posted by Erin T on 2007-01-25 13:04:11

For balance, you could always add a colorful throw blanket or solid bright colored throw blanket onto the sofa.

The idea is to pull the floor color up to eye level.

posted by Jamie on 2007-01-29 10:39:58