Style stories

Warm up a Grey Room: 6 easy steps using the latest trends.

Introduction: Warm Up a Grey Room

You’ve probably noticed that all the home magazines are filled with the latest trends. They are buzzing about warm, earthy tones inspired by nature. Think terracotta, caramel, deep ochre, and rich greens. They’re everywhere! However, what do you do if your home is filled with cool grey walls and furniture? After all, that was all the rage not so long ago, wasn’t it? How do you warm up a grey room?

1) Add natural wood elements

Don’t worry, we are here to help! You do not have to start over again from scratch. With a few tweaks here and there, you can effortlessly transform your space to feel more inviting and on trend.

We’ve got 6 ways you can warm up a grey room right here. They are simple yet effective and will create a whole new cosy, stylish vibe in your home.

One of the easiest ways to add warmth to a room is to use natural materials. Wicker, jute, and rattan are all on trend right now. The natural warm tones will help to soften things up. Try adding a statement piece, like a coffee table or a nest of tables. Or, alternatively, add smaller pieces, like trays, lighting, or baskets. These can add texture and depth to any space.

If you need some inspiration to shop, try places like Maison du Monde, Made, Dunelm and H&M and Nordic Nest for some beautiful, affordable options.

2) Warm-toned lighting

You’ll be amazed by how much lighting can affect a space. Let’s talk about light bulbs and how they can warm up a grey room! Cool-toned LEDs can make grey rooms feel even greyer. A simple swap to warm white bulbs (look for 2700K–3000K on the box) will have an immediate impact.

Natural light will, of course, affect the feel of a room. If it’s north-facing or doesn’t have much natural light, a room will feel naturally cooler. Consequently, a grey wall may feel even greyer. Therefore, try layering your lighting. Don’t just rely on overheads. A few table lamps and floor lamps will instantly create warm spots in the room.

3) Bring in the green plants!

Indoor plants never go out of fashion. In fact, there is an increasing trend, following the confines of COVID-19 lockdowns, to bring the outside into your home. Never underestimate the power of a houseplant! They provide a great solution to adding natural colour and form to a space. Additionally, they have mood-boosting benefits too!

If you don’t have lots of space, try grouping small succulents together. They have gorgeous subtle tones in them that complement grey perfectly. For a bolder look, try large-leaved plants like a Fiddle-Leaf Fig or a Snake Plant (Sansevieria).

Bonus tip: If you are not very good at keeping indoor plants alive, invest in top-quality faux plants. They just need an occasional wipe down to keep them looking fresh, whilst still providing the natural feel you were after.

4) Use highly textured finishes

Shiny, sleek materials can feel cold and a little industrial. To warm up a grey room, why not opt for textured finishes like wool and slubby linen to give a more relaxed look? Add layers, too, for texture. Consider using faux fur throws, textured rugs, and mismatched cushions to add an element of luxury, colour, and fun.

5) Colours to use with grey

There is a vast array of colours that work well with grey. Most yellows will warm up a grey room, and there’s a fantastic choice of shades, from soft ochre greys through to mustard and rich gold tones. Deep greens and grey make a perfect pairing, too, creating an earthy, organic tone in the room.

Alternatively, maybe you would like something a little more dramatic. At our Ferry Road project, we used a featured wallpaper and then picked out the colours from it to reflect in the furniture. As you will see from the image, the effect is modern, bold, and stylish, yet inviting.

6) Metal finishes

Many grey interiors pair themselves with chrome or silver. This creates a very sleek, polished look, and in some cases, the effect can even be quite industrial.

However, if you want to warm up a grey room, consider changing things up a little. We’d recommend changing to brass- not as bright as gold, but it offers a warm palette. Maybe add brass handles to cupboards, or introduce light fittings, picture frames or vases for an instant impact.

Conclusion: Warm up a Grey Room

So, there you have it! 6 easy ways to warm up a grey room without having to get the paintbrush out! We hope you now feel inspired and ready to make some changes.

If you would like more inspirational interior design ideas like these, please follow us on Instagram. We regularly post tips and project updates to inspire you.

And, of course, if you are planning a full renovation and in need of any help, let’s have a chat! Let’s bring your vision to life together! You can send a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.