We’ve decorated our share of neutral spaces, and our design team are masters at the tricks and techniques it takes to make a neutral space interesting and inviting.
We shared some of those tips and tricks with you in a previous post.
But what we’ve never posted about specifically is pairing the two neutrals brown and gray in a room. And we’re frequently asked – “Can it even work? Do brown and gray really “go” together?”
Bath from Steiner Koppelman Builders Artisan Home Tour
The answer to that question is: Definitely!
Brown and gray are both neutrals, and they appear together way more than you may have noticed – nature, for example.
As with any color, browns and grays can vary from cooler tints to warmer shades, but generally brown is thought of as a warmer color, while gray is considered more cool.
And that’s one of the reasons they’re so great together.
Gray can provide a nice visual break and cool things down in a room with mostly brown furniture, while brown can add warmth to a room that’s dominated by gray.
SHOP: sectional | recliner | cocktail table | end table | accent table
When you’re going with a mostly brown and gray color scheme, using various tints and shades of the two colors will keep things interesting.
And accenting this color scheme with the stark contrast of white in trim, walls, accent walls (especially with texture like brick or shiplap), and accessories can add a fun freshness to the mix.
I especially love the contrast of woods in a warm brown stain contrasted against gray walls, and white trim that makes it pop.
It’s beautiful in the bedroom below, and also works great when you want to give a fresh look to a kitchen that has cabinets in a warm brown finish. (Been there, done that – love it.)
And since brown and gray are both neutrals, they make the perfect backdrop for showcasing your current favorite accent colors.
What’s your take on brown and gray, especially together?
For more color inspiration and design tips, browse our How to Decorate page!
Hi my name is Donna. I need help deciding what color to use with my dark brown sofa. A rug color and picture for a clay color wall and peppercorn drapes. Please help! Thank you!!
Hi Donna – Sorry for the late response on this! This comment was stalled in the approval process until today.
Since brown and gray are both neutrals your options are kind of limitless – what colors are you drawn to? (You’ve given us a post idea though, so stay tuned…)