What Colors Go with Gray? These 12 Bold Combos Prove It’s Anything but Boring
Gray often gets a bad rap; it’s written off as the safe choice, or the color of soulless spaces with no personality (ahem, millennial gray). But here, we’re not talking about those flat, forgettable walls from every rental you’ve ever lived in. When used with intention, gray is a master of transformation. From the airy softness of dove to the moody allure of charcoal, it’s a neutral color that plays well with just about every hue. To prove our point, we dug into the Apartment Therapy house tour archives to spotlight 12 stunning spaces that prove gray still has plenty of soul.
1. Gray and Mustard Yellow
Energize a gray room by layering in rich mustard yellow and ochre accents. In this U.K. textile designer’s home, a foggy, misty gray sets the stage for vibrant wallpaper laced with warm yellow tones that breathe life into the space. Mustard curtains and bold graphic prints complete the look by adding the right punch to brighten the space.
2. Gray and Earth Tones
Deep charcoal gray paired with earth-toned accents like natural wood and old brick strikes a beautiful balance between cozy and refined. The combination in this 375-square-foot Manhattan apartment radiates a quiet serenity, which makes it a dreamy fit for the sun-drenched bedroom.
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3. Gray and Orange
This vibrant English cottage offers a playful nod to retro ’60s design. Soft, bluish-gray walls in the living room create a soothing backdrop for the cheerful bursts of citrus tones through the space. In the kitchen, bold yellow and orange wallpaper adds a nostalgic flair, while the sunny yellow archway leading into the main living area feels like a literal beam of joy.
4. Gray, Brown, Gold, and Cognac
Gray can be soft and understated or striking and bold, depending on how you use it. In this North Hollywood home, a gentle shade of gray (“Rarified Air” by Sherwin-Williams) on the walls sets the stage for a rich brown sofa, a gleaming gold disco ball, and cognac-toned wall hangings. The self-proclaimed homebody behind the space layered in bold accessories and standout pieces (don’t miss the coffee table!) on a modest budget to turn a once-basic builder-grade interior into a chic haven.
5. Gray and Camel
Pale concrete gray walls, a rich camel-colored sofa, and a rugged wood coffee table create a gentlemanly vibe, without veering into clichéd man-cave territory. The owner of this 2000s condo redo aimed for a space that channels the mood of a speakeasy, which resulted in a stylish reflection of his lifestyle.
6. Gray, Red, and Beige
New York City interior architect John Mochelle says, “Red is having a moment, but pairing it with gray can quickly feel stuck in the past if not handled with care.” That’s why this Brooklyn rental makeover stands out. The tenants breathed new life into their loft by painting their IKEA cabinets a deep, sophisticated gray and pairing them with vibrant cherry red furnishings. The result is a modern, eye-catching space that transforms neutral beige furnishings and blonde wood tones into something more dynamic and design-forward.
7. Gray and Green
Green walls and floors bring out this gray sofa’s cool, bluish undertones to give it an almost colorful quality that feels anything but neutral. In this bright and rustic renovated 1970s cabin, the combination of bright green and soft gray strikes a perfect balance between nature-inspired warmth and modern calm. The gray sofa becomes a grounding focal point in the cozy space when it’s paired with natural wood textures and large windows that flood the space with light.
8. Gray and Pink
While pink might not be the most obvious choice for many renters and homeowners, every shade, from blush to fuchsia, pairs beautifully with gray. This Chicago apartment got a much-needed glow-up, thanks to whimsical murals throughout the dwelling. In the bedroom, soft pink walls create a charming backdrop for black, white, and gray framed art, while an ostrich mural to the right echoes the same hues.
9. Gray, Black, and White
The thoughtful addition of lush greenery and metallic accents in copper and gold keeps these neutral tones from slipping into the snooze zone. A mix of bold and subtle patterns, from the wall art to the rug, adds a burst of visual interest to this small-but-mighty Michigan rental. And don’t miss the gray deck, which is all spruced up for Pride.
10. Gray, Orange, and Mint Green
Bold orange graphics energize the dark gray walls to add instant zing to what could have been a large, boxy white room. To the right, a mint green and charcoal custom mural adds even more appeal. But the true showstopper in this Chicago rental? A stunning plant installation that cascades overhead like living art.
11. Gray and Violet
Concrete floors, plus gray counter stools and floor pillows, lay a sleek, understated foundation to make the burst of colors in this vibrant New Jersey sanctuary all the more striking. Lush shades of violet, splashed across the sofa and end table, instantly dial down the seriousness of the gray elements and infuse the space with playful energy.
12. Gray and Blue
This Argentinian apartment has a distinctive eclectic vibe (think: lush plants, cherished family heirlooms, and bold blue seating, all grounded by sheer gray curtains that pull the whole look together). It’s a space that feels deeply personal and effortlessly stylish, where every corner tells a story.