41 Exquisite Gray Rooms from the AD Archives

Forget white and beige. When it comes to neutrals, gray has been the hot shade for the past several years and its popularity has yet to wane. Once associated with sadness and dreariness, the color has gained in popularity among top designers, who appreciate its versatility and sophistication. With more depth than white, the shade serves as a sophisticated backdrop to any space. It’s no wonder that celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres, Adam Levine, Brooke Shields and director Tate Taylor all showcase gray in their homes.

From near-black to pale silvers, there’s a shade of gray to fit any space. “To find the best shade, you need to consider which direction your room faces, what time of day you will be in there, the prevailing weather (even the hemisphere makes a difference), and last of all (in fact, let’s be honest, least of all) the actual shade you like,” says Kate Watson-Smyth, who wrote the book on decorating with gray. The cool color works in any space from the kitchen to the bedroom and compliments any style of furniture, artwork, and accessories. Gray even works in children’s rooms, creating a space that they won’t outgrow. The hue looks beautiful paired with classic white trim and ceilings, or it can be applied from top-to-bottom to bring a sense of coziness. High-gloss finishes add a sense of luxury and give the space a soft glow by reflecting light.

From a tranquil country bathroom to an art-filled modern living area, these spaces from the AD archives showcase stylish and easy ways to use gray in your home. We’ve gathered spaces that use paint to dazzling effect, as well as some rooms that take the look a step further with marble, fabric or rugged concrete. As these rooms prove, a chic new look is just a few coats of paint away.