Move over beige—gray is now the color of choice for walls and cabinetry. “It’s just really versatile,” says Villanova interior designer Lisa Furey. “It’s more modern than beige, and it’s a color that appeals to both men and women.”
Furey redid her own kitchen in gray, and she recently completed a contemporary condominium in Haverford where the owner wanted to experiment with its various shades. The kitchen’s dove-gray cabinets complement the use of similar cabinetry in a darker gray finish in the adjacent home office.
And gray can also be used in a more traditional home. “I recently finished a dining room with charcoal-gray paint on the walls and bright-white trim,” she says, adding that airy, gray drapes and a glass chandelier with polished-nickel accents keep the space from looking too stark. “There’s no reason a room with gray walls should ever look cold. There are many things you can do—like adding leather, grass cloth, wood and marble to warm it up.”
A light dove-gray brings a crisp, airy feel to a space, whereas a charcoal shade feels more cozy and sultry. The color also mixes well with navy, green-apple, lavender, yellow and fuchsia accents. Even neutrals like ivory and chocolate-brown can work. No matter how you use it, gray’s got staying power. “There’s no room where it doesn’t belong,” says Furey.
Visit lisafureyinteriors.com.
