'Designers are saying gray is dead – I say long live gray-green': how to use the new gray

Gray-green is having a moment. And no wonder: post-pandemic, cooler neutrals such as gray and white are being replaced by warmer, more inviting neutrals.

Recently, we asked what color is replacing gray? And while many of us are happy with the answer (beige), others of us love decorating with gray, and are finding it hard to move on.

Enter: gray-green, a warmer, muddier tone than traditional, cooler grays, and one that's the perfect middle ground. ‘An amalgamation of gray, green and bluey brown, this shade has a moody, sophisticated feel and adds great depth to interiors. It is perfect for hallways and drawing rooms, and would work well as a background color for artwork,’ says Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca's Paints.

We asked design experts how to use it.

How to use gray-green at home

'Designers are saying gray is dead – I say long live gray-green,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 'Color trends come and go, but this warmer tone has real longevity, thanks to its neutral nature.

'Use it as a moody but inviting backdrop for natural materials, such as wood, as in the space above, or as a more sophisticated alternative to decorating with green. It's one of the most versatile room color ideas I've seen for a while.'

1. Create a calming backdrop to colorful accessories

A beautiful example of green living room and gray living room ideas combined, the gray-green on the walls of this space provides the perfect, calming backdrop for the color and pattern used across the upholstery, accessories and lighting.

‘We chose this color for the walls as we wanted to embrace a sense of calm in this first-floor drawing room overlooking the Thames. I also like that its gray-green hue gives the room a timeless, elegant feel,’ says interior designer, Kate Guinness.

You can choose accent colors for gray to comfortably coordinate with gray-green.

2. Pair with black and white for a sophisticated look

‘Combining muted green with black and white decor works well. Muted green is one of those colors that very much needs to stand alone because it inevitably comes off worse when placed next to very strong hues, which will dull its subtlety,’ says Irene Gunter, founder, Gunter & Co.

In this modern bathroom, the gray-green tiles establish a wonderfully relaxing feel, with the space highlighting an elegant, contemporary take on green bathroom ideas.