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How to move away from a grey colour scheme without a full redecoration

  • colour palettes
  • design
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Ed Hawes
How to move away from a grey colour scheme without a full redecoration

Grey has always been a go-to in interiors. It’s timeless. It’s versatile. And it’s a great alternative to all-white. But sometimes a grey room can lean towards being too monochromatic or lack warmth. If you’re thinking about changing your all-grey colour scheme, here’s how you can switch things up (without a complete overhaul).

Add a pop of colour with accessories

Instead of repainting walls, or replacing large furniture, try expanding your palette with small accessories that pack a mighty punch. 

What’s great about grey, is that it’s the perfect canvas for other colours. Grey sits right in the middle of the colour spectrum, lacking a dominant hue of its own. This neutrality means it doesn't compete with vibrant tones, allowing any accent colour placed against it to stand out with greater intensity.

Add bright cushions to liven up a grey sofa, or a vibrant area rug that catches the eye and anchors your space. You could place a lamp in bold shade on your side table, or hang artwork that brings more colour and warmth to your room. Even smaller accents like decorative vases, candles and trays can make a huge difference. And when you want to switch up your palette again, you can transform your room with new accessories. 

Soften the grey with biophilic design

Biophilic design is about bringing the outside in. It’s inspired by nature—incorporating tones and textures that mirror those we find outside. 

In a biophilic space, grey can represent stone. Introduce some organic colours to your room, like browns, neutrals and dark greens and add some natural elements like wood, marble and linen. 

Want to know more about how you can recreate this look in your home? Read our trend report on biophilic design

Change one big thing

Sometimes, a single statement piece is all you need to redefine your space. Instead of overhauling the entire room, focus on changing one significant element—be it a colourful new sofa, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or even a new carpet. This bold change acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and setting a new tone for the room. By focusing on one standout feature, you can easily move your room away from that all-grey palette. 

4 grey colour palettes for your home

Whether you’re adding colour with accessories, or changing your sofa—try these 4 grey colour palettes. 

Charcoal grey and burgundy

A chic and understated take on the pop of red trend. Charcoal grey acts as a strong foundation for the star of the show—deep, rich burgundy. Soften the palette with mist grey and creamy ivory, creating a palette that’s oh-so sophisticated. 

Cool grey and warm neutrals

Cool grey provides a sleek, modern base, while soft tones like taupe and light beige can add a touch of warmth to your space. They have similar saturation, but the warmth is dialled up or down. The result? A room that feels gentle and balanced. 

Dove grey and blue

Soft, neutral, dove grey creates a clean and calming backdrop, while dusky blue introduces subtle depth. Whether features on walls, armchairs or accessories, these colours—when paired together—bring a touch of vintage charm to any room. 

Grey and poppy brights

As we mentioned above, grey makes other colours stand out—so you may as well make a statement. Right now, we’re loving the contrast between olive green and cobalt blue. And when brought together on a grey backdrop, they create space that’s fresh, bold and modern. 

Even if you feel like you fell victim to the “Millenial Grey” trend a few years ago, you should actually thank your past self. Grey’s a neutral after all—you can easily transform your space, without calling in the reno team or listing all your furniture for sale. You have a blank canvas to work with, so have fun!

Refresh your grey space. Add colour, swap textures, and transform your home, no overhaul needed. Shop accessories and statement pieces now.

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