Cheerful Greys

I think it’s the thunderstorm’s fault. Grey has received a bad rap for such a long time, starting with Mother Nature’s paintbrush. Think: storm clouds, gloomy caves, even snow after a week or two. Fortunately for all of us, grey can sometimes be the perfect touch in completing a space and letting the cheeriness shine through. Like in the following:

Grey floor

The light grey walls in this space, including a subway tile focal wall in the same hue, are both calming and rejuvenating. An almost monochromatic pale grey-and-white color palette makes the details stand out, such as the floral print of the curtains, the glass and chrome nightstands, and the crisp bedding. And who couldn’t feel cheery in this serene space after gazing at that vista from the windows?

Grey floor

The country charm of this kitchen makes family and guests alike feel welcome, and the focal point is its beautifully distressed grey island. If the island had been built to match the wood cabinetry, the space would have likely felt dark and somewhat oppressive. The grey here is well chosen for contrasting warmth and, despite the sleek stainless steel appliances and “invisible” front paneled fridge, makes the kitchen seem as though it’s fed hungry mouths forever.

Grey floor

What better room in a home to provide cheeriness than a nursery? This grey is the perfect background to a sophisticated nursery space…particularly when paired with black and yellow here. The color allows the more modern and unique accents (I’m looking at you, pouf and latticed pendant) to shine, and that grey and cream animal print rug definitely makes me happy.

Grey floor

Exposed beams accentuated by a dark contrasting shade (often stained wood) can look phenomenal in a space when done correctly; the beams’ darkness can also make the ceiling seem uncomfortably low and heavy. Fortunately, the grey of these ceiling beams strikes a lovely balance, providing a sleek contemporary look (complementing the steel elements of the kitchen) while staying within the warm, lighter color palette of the open space.

Grey floor

As if this enormous closet wasn’t enough to make you cheery, the painted grey harlequin diamond floor will surely persuade you. Adding a graphic punch to the space, the pale grey obediently stays within the color constraints of the room, er, closet, while also bringing an unexpected sense of personality and fun.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.