Until recently, the color grey was misunderstood. It was often associated with gloomy skies and melancholy moods. But, greys encompass a delectable, nuanced palette, from soft opalescent to inky slates. It’s timeless and includes the hot color trend of today’s interiors, charcoal grey. Charcoal grey is a versatile shade to use in conventional or casual interior applications, and can be seamlessly incorporated into any section of your décor. Here’s how it’s done:

Walls

Far from cold and harsh, charcoal grey walls are welcoming and streamlined. Charcoal’s understated drama provides the perfect background for many colors and patterns. Bright colors such as tangerine and chartreuse pop like fireworks against charcoal grey. It also offsets jewel tones and deep shades such as plums. Paint only one wall charcoal for impact and focus; when painting all four walls, incorporate a lighter shade on other architectural elements. In the bathroom, develop depth by combining charcoal tiles with white grouting, and vice versa. If you’re thinking of adopting charcoal grey wallpaper, stay on trend by choosing one embossed with big, bold lines.

Furniture

  • Beds — Charcoal comforters and blankets in warm textures of sumptuous velvet, satin or faux fur can make a dramatic statement. Satin, glossy synthetics or Egyptian cotton will subdue charcoal pillowcases and sheets.
  • Sofas — A charcoal grey sofa is a building block around which other elements of your design can evolve. Charcoal grey furniture is an enduring investment — if the surrounding décor changes, it will always fit in.
  • Coffee Tables – Once again, charcoal grey nimbly dances with the entire spectrum. Apply the color to a coffee table as an accent or anchor. Try a charcoal tabletop with contrasting legs, or the opposite. A charcoal glass tabletop creates a smoky, mysterious effect. Go elegant and modern with a high-gloss charcoal finish or traditional with an understated matte finish.

Flooring

Flooring is a major interior element. Charcoal flooring creates a clean, refined look adaptable to all decorating styles. Because of charcoal grey’s presence in the natural world — thunderheads, rocks, elephants, it readily lends itself to earthy materials like granite and slate. Grey carpeting can be stunning and great for high traffic areas.

Wood

Charcoal grey wood is equally on-trend for exteriors as it is for interiors. Indoors, think charcoal shelving, adorned with lighter wood accessories such as driftwood, or decorative charcoal grey wooden bowls atop a dove grey kitchen counter. Outside, wooden charcoal exteriors thrive, as long as contrasting trim, doors or masonry offsets their intensity.

Fabric

Grey doesn’t mean drab. Charcoal couture by Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, and Gabriela Hearst exploded in New York and Paris Fashion Week runways. Charcoal grey is trending to counteract saccharine pastel patterns and to contrast and anchor with bolder colors. Soft, flowing draperies that gently puddle on the floor intriguingly contrast with the boldness of charcoal grey coloring.

Conclusion

Charcoal grey is a cool neutral that’s a hot trend. It’s been remarkably popular for many years, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. This year’s charcoal wall, furniture, flooring and fabric trends prove that the grey area is the best place to be.