Can you mix warm and cool greys?
Mixing warm and cool greys in interior design can create interesting and beautiful color combinations, but it requires some knowledge of color theory and interior design principles to do it successfully. In this article, we’ll look at what warm and cool greys are, the basics of mixing them, and some tips and examples for how to blend them in your home.
What are warm and cool greys?
Greys are neutral colors, meaning they are neither warm nor cool. However, some greys have subtle warm or cool undertones based on how they are created.
Warm greys get their warmth from having a hint of red, orange, or yellow mixed in. They often look tan, beige, or have a brownish cast. Examples of warm greys include greige, mushroom, oatmeal, and khaki.
Cool greys have subtle blue, green, or purple undertones mixed in, which gives them a cooler, icy appearance. Some examples of cool greys are slate, charcoal, cadet grey, and silver.
In interior design, warm greys are often used to create cozy, inviting spaces, while cool greys can create more sleek, modern, or serene spaces. However, both types of greys are neutral backdrops that add subtle interest without being overwhelming.
Basic principles for mixing warm and cool greys
When mixing warm and cool greys in a room, follow these basic principles:
– Use warm greys for larger surfaces and accents. Cool greys look best in smaller doses.
– Limit the number of different greys. Stick to 1-3 for most spaces so it doesn’t get too busy.
– Layer the tones. Lighter warm greys pair well with darker cool greys and vice versa.
– Add in small hits of color. Greens, blues, and reds complement both types nicely.
– Repeat colors throughout the space for cohesion. If you have a blue accent, include some blue-toned greys.
– Ensure proper lighting. Warm lighting brings out the warmth in greys, while cool lighting emphasizes the coolness.
Tips for mixing warm and cool greys
Here are some more specific tips for successfully blending warm and cool greys in your home’s decor:
– In living rooms, use warm greys on the walls and carpet and cool greys in tile, stone surfaces, or sectionals/chairs. Add pops of green or blue accessories.
– For bathrooms, pair warm grey vanities and tiles with cool grey walls. Accent with white, brown, or navy blue.
– In bedrooms, use warm grey linens and rugs against cooler grey walls or headboards. Accent with wood tones.
– For kitchens, opt for warm grey lower cabinets and cool grey uppers. Include a mix of finishes like wood, marble, metal for variety.
– In home offices or libraries, try bookcases in warm wood grey tones and walls in cool ethereal greys. Accessorize with leather and bronze.
Examples of mixing warm and cool greys
| Room | Warm Greys | Cool Greys | Accents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Walls, sofa | Rug, pillows | Green plants |
| Bedroom | Comforter, curtains | Headboard, bench | Wood nightstands |
| Kitchen | Lower cabinets | Upper cabinets, stools | Marble counters |
Here are some specific real-world examples of interiors mixing warm and cool greys successfully:
This living room features warm medium grey walls and a sofa paired with cool grey chairs and patterned throw pillows. The green foliage prints and plants add nice pops of color.
In this bedroom, the bedding and curtains use a warm oatmeal grey while the upholstered headboard introduces a darker charcoal grey. Wood nightstands coordinate nicely.
This kitchen keeps things simple with warm grey-beige lower cabinets, and cooler grey-blue uppers. White marble counters contrast nicely. The wood stools tie in warmth.
As you can see, the warm and cool grey color scheme creates a cohesive but layered look. By following the basic principles, even opposites like warm and cool tones can work in harmony.
Choosing your warm and cool greys
When selecting specific warm and cool grey paint colors or materials for your home, look at undertones to ensure the shades complement each other. Here are some great warm and cool grey options to consider:
Warm greys:
– Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
– Behr Silver Drop
– Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
-Valspar Rock Candy
Cool greys:
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
– Behr Blueprint
– Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
– Valspar Kettle
Of course, you aren’t limited to just paint. Look for warm and cool greys in area rugs, tile, furniture upholstery, stone surfaces, and more. Always view samples in person before committing to ensure you like the undertones.
Consider the lighting
Proper lighting is key to making sure your warm and cool greys look their best. Here are some lighting tips:
– For accentuating warmth, use incandescent bulbs, hanging pendant lights, table lamps, or wall sconces.
– Cool LED lights, recessed lighting, or natural light from windows will emphasize the cooler undertones.
– Use dimmers to adjust lights for day and night. Softer lighting emphasizes the warm undertones more.
– Layer lighting for flexibility. Overhead, task, and accent lighting allows you to create different moods.
Take into account how the sun moves through the space and test your lighting options at all times of day. Adjust window treatments if needed to control natural light. The right lighting will showcase how your warm and cool greys balance each other beautifully.
Conclusion
Mixing warm and cool greys may seem counterintuitive, but the trick lies in doing it purposefully and in the right proportions. Choose warm greys for larger areas like walls and soft furnishings. Then use cool greys to contrast in pillows, tiles, furniture pieces. Add in wood tones and pops of color like green, blue or red according to your preference. Pay attention to lighting and make sure to repeat colors throughout for cohesion. With the right balance of warm and cool greys, you can create the perfect tailored neutral palette for your home.
