While browsing the web on Saturday night I came across this Living Room in the 2011 HGTV Green Home. Oh. My. Gawd. I’ve been battling the gray trend, but recently gave in when I painted my guest room, and now this…
It’s been a while since I’ve written a Hues You Can Use post [sorry about that] and figured I’d better get it together.
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray works so well in this room because of the abundance of natural light, the balance of stark white linen drapery panels, and the introduction of wood into the mix. Hello Yellow! Isn’t it totally livable when paired with neutrals? Black, white and gray allow yellow to take center stage, yet blend harmoniously.
The designer, Linda Woodrum adds a bit of the unexpected with this orange side table to the room’s citrus-y color palette. Its presence inserts charm and playfulness to the scheme, too.
When you are obsessed with fabrics like I am you immediately recognize patterns and often know where to find cost effective alternatives. Just the other day I told someone how I was over chevron patterns. The above selection made me eat my words.
a] Ty Pennington Impressions in Wave Gray (a comparable) $7.63/yd on sale now.
b] Premier Prints ZigZag Slub Texture Yellow/White $5.93/yd on sale now.
c] Thom Filicia’s Prospect in Shadow $44.99/yd.
As you see below, the entire room isn’t painted the same color. In fact, the dark paint and room-sized area rug cleverly distinguish the living room as a separate space in this open floor plan.
The same color combo was on trend last spring and doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon. Will gray find a place in your home this season?

















April 4, 2011 at 9:24 am
I would have caved in too..these images are just divine! Grey will most certainly find a place in my home..well..it has infact already..in the bedroom with my ikat print cushions and grey throw rug..seeing as the wheither is truly cooling down here in Oz now..its time to get all warm and cosy in the home…but I will still have to have a pop of colour incorporated in some small way .so Im thinking green or orange would partner up with grey quite nicely
April 4, 2011 at 10:44 am
Love this color palette! Very soothing! I do not think its going away anytime soon either. I love how the room is divided by the paint colors too!
April 4, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I am using the Thom Filicia fabric right now…so thanks for finding some co-ordinating fabrics for me! I am loving that room also.
April 4, 2011 at 3:05 pm
I love grey and the added yellow makes it so fresh.
April 4, 2011 at 11:00 pm
the clouds are opening….ahhhhhh!
nesby
April 5, 2011 at 1:05 am
I don't think I'll ever get tired of this combo. I'm actually designing a yellow and gray house right now. Can't wait to see it finished.
April 5, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Love this color combo… currently painting my kitchen Gray and White, with yellow accents.
I am also in love with the fabric choices they used… love!
April 6, 2011 at 3:39 am
Love your blog!!! Just found you on Houzz tonight. I can't wait to see you on my blog roll!
April 6, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I love grey and yellow together. The room looks fresh, yet comfortable, and so chic!
I hope you are having a great week.
Xo,
E&J
April 6, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Love the color and the house! I especially love the 2 horizontal wood beam extensions above the fireplace connected the open shelviing on either side. Unique and stunning!
I just love your "Hues You Can Use" posts Erika!
April 7, 2011 at 6:25 am
This is a really cool space. Yellows and mustard hues work well w/ gray as it isn't as stark as yellow & black. Plus you won't think of bees lol. I like the fireplace & built in shelving the most though.
April 8, 2011 at 2:27 am
Erika I love this color palette!! Can't wait to use it!!
April 9, 2011 at 3:40 am
I find gray so easy to use, a neutral background can so easily be updated to many different trends by adding a splash of the trending color. I have used it a lot.
April 9, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I really like this whole room. If I had the chance to redo my space and add a few more things, I honestly believe this would be the space I would use as an inspiration.
I really enjoy these hues you can use post. Yes. Please keep them coming.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
April 10, 2011 at 12:23 pm
I'm using gray and yellow in my master bedroom and like you I almost refused to give way to the trend but it makes so much sense. There are so many shades of yellow and gray to make it work. The gray is very relaxing while pops of yellow give just enough energy that the room doesn't feel gloomy.
April 13, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I love this room. Gray is such a versatile neutral color to work with and I'm glad to see that the trend is staying. I plan on incorporating gray into my Master Bedroom accenting it with plum. In my kids' playroom I will use it on the walls to hide grubby finger prints and accent it with bright pops of orange and aqua. I just started a series on my blog on color palettes for bedrooms featuring Gray.
April 14, 2011 at 9:45 am
I have to say that it has taken a while, but this color combo has grown on me. I love the HGTV room and thanks for the heads up on the fabric deals!
Gray may be the perfect solution for our new "man room", which is actually our current playroom, but my husband likes to dream!
April 16, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Love Love Love this room. I am so tempted to go gray in my entire home too. Maybe I should let whatever happens, happens.
December 29, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Did I see the new Tangerine on a sweet little table, too? Bingo! 2012 here we come. Gray calms the eyes; lots of gorgeous grays, and the pop of color you choose can be easily rotated when you become tired of it!
The wood tones mimic the yellows, so pay attention to your wood furniture, too. Love it.