If you think pastels should be confined to the nursery, and greys to a man cave or den, think again! These colours are making a big splash in all sorts of interesting places. And some of their most creative applications happen when they are used together.

Grey is the hot neutral these days and all shades of grey have appeal. But soft greys can be especially enticing. They look and feel luxurious. Mental associations with soft greys go to pearls, opals, orchids, and hydrangeas. These romantic images are relaxing. So making soft greys prominent players in a room, or home, helps to make it place of tranquillity.

Grey Interior 1

Credits to: www.madaboutthehouse.com

A more surprising addition to the neutral list is a soft, nude pink. You may think that pink is only useful on fingernails or in ladies’ spas. But once it became a staple colour in men’s wardrobes those stereotypes went out the window. In fact, pink and grey are a classic combination in clothing, home décor, and nature–think orchids, hydrangeas, Lenten roses. Adding some cream or white to a pink and grey room helps give it a clean, crisp feel.

Expanding the pink and grey combination to include other pastels opens up a beautiful world of décor options. Blues and greens create a calming atmosphere. Pair them with soft grey for low energy living spaces like studies, formal living rooms, spas, and bedrooms. Do you have a wine-tasting space or piano room? This colour-combination is perfect for setting an upscale tone.

Grey Interior 2

Credits to: http://rilane.com/

Using pastels with soft greys lightens and brightens a room. This combo’s universal appeal make it low risk and unlikely to offend the eye as stronger colours can do. And it’s versatile because it works across many styles: romantic, classic, mid-century, and contemporary, and for several room types, too.

Soft colours go well with the clean-cut of contemporary spaces. Soft greys and light lavenders add sophistication to adult bedrooms and give them a sleek look. Think orchids. Add some romance with a little rosy pink. Combine them with some cream for warmth.

Kitchens with stainless steel appliances are a perfect place to carry out this colour scheme, because the eye will see the appliances as grey. Pastel accents on the walls and other surfaces channel foods. Green brings thoughts of herbs and vegetables. Yellow reads as lemons, squash or sherbet. Blues and pinks can make visitors crave sweets and icing.

Grey Interior 4

Credits to: http://www.iseecubed.com/

Even the smallest bathroom can feel like a spa with soft grey walls and cabinetry. Add a basket to hold rolled cream-coloured towels, but hang pastel-coloured ones on a towel rack. Complete the look with a pastel rug.

If you have a flair for the dramatic, consider creating an almost monochromatic space of soft grey. Sprinkle accents of one pastel around the room for high drama. Using a pastel with grey tones, especially blue, softens the look.

Reversing this technique by using a pastel as the base colour creates a more whimsical tone. Grey accents such as pendant lights, pillows, and end tables make the pastels pop.

Grey Interior 3

Credits to: http://blog.jelanieshop.com/

Fabric choice helps determine atmosphere, too. Florals are classical and formal. Polka dots and stripes are funky and fun.

Decide what kind of atmosphere fits your lifestyle and implement the corresponding grey and pastel mixture to bring it to life.

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HC Team
Editorial Team

The Homes Canberra Editorial team are our crack team of bloggers sourcing all sorts of great tips and advice from the property market, interior style advice and building trends

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