Inspired by the title of the erotic bestseller, Gabrielle Fagan explores the power of grey – to transform rooms

GREY’S so sexy and sophisticated – no, calm down, dear, not the masterful hero of best-selling novel, 50 Shades Of Grey – but the decor colour.

Millions of women may be swooning over Christian Grey and his wooing of Anastasia Steele, but designers have taken all shades of grey to heart.

Once an overlooked “wallflower” section on the colour chart, grey’s shed its cold, boring, institutional image, and is proving it’s power to transform any setting. Flirting with its subtle, versatile tones, from crisp charcoal and French grey to shimmering silver and mysterious smoke-grey could be just the way to turn up the heat at home.

“Grey is a surprisingly calming and harmonious colour to live with, but you must choose the right tone,” says Mark Upstone, head of global visual display at The Conran Shop.

“Greys with more brown in the mix will feel warm – white-based greys will feel colder.

“Be bold. Don’t restrict yourself to a feature wall, grey looks better en masse, and use different finishes of the same tone to create intriguing interest and depth.”

Give grey a starring role by using it on walls and paintwork, he suggests, with a paint such as Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe matt emulsion, and a matching gloss paint finish for woodwork.

If that feels too overpowering, tone it down with pastels, white or a zingy kick of sharp citrus, which will ensure it has less of a masculine edge.

“Dark grey is the perfect colour to showcase artwork, pictures and mirrors on your walls.

It’s far more effective than white as it makes them stand out,” he says.

“Alternatively, put the focus on a piece of grey furniture, or enhance a setting with accessories.

Make a statement by painting a front door grey – it’s this season’s black – and you’ll ensure you make an entrance, simple, stylish and very current.”

Grey is full of surprises and won’t fail to seduce any setting, so follow the guide to taking advantage of its charms.

FACE THE WALL

If you’re committing to a new relationship with this colour, the best place to start is with the walls.

“Grey is a wonderful colour with so many nuances, from soft, pinky dove greys to deep charcoal tones,” says Edward Bulmer, director of specialist paint company, Pots of Paint.

“To find the one grey you love, experiment.

Try colours in different tones by using sample pots, but ensure you see how they change with the light in your home throughout the day.

“It also works well to simply paint one wall in your chosen grey and use it as a backdrop to a focus piece of furniture such as a striking sofa or sideboard.”

FURNISHING AFFAIR

Texture, shape and symmetry are vital ingredients for successful grey sanctuaries, says Jane Cowdry, founder of soft furnishings online boutique, Lily Matthews.

“The key to using grey is layering and texture,”

she advises. “Using one tone throughout will look flat and dull but mix in wool, silk, linen, and velvet and you have a sophisticated uplifting room.

“This season, splashes of colour are an antidote to our winter gloom and almost anything goes with greys. Pinks always sit well, or you could be a little adventurous and choose a vibrant raspberry, deep purple or burnt orange and soft yellows for a lovely contrast.

“Grey works in modern and older properties, and will look as beautiful in a minimalist setting matched with sleek white shelving as it will with period wood panelling and mahogany furniture.”

SEDUCTIVE SETTING

Transform a stuck-in-a-rut bedroom palette with greys in decor or silky fabrics to bring an air of relaxation to an uptight setting.

Hang drapery panels which puddle on the floor to frame your windows with a layer of textured sheers behind them for the ultimate in privacy.

“We’ve seen a fast-growing trend for using grey in bedroom interiors over the past year,” says Jeremy Borlant, designer and partner at Seymours of Darlington.

“Grey tones in fabrics and wallpapers create a glamorous and striking effect, especially paired with pattern and texture. It’s a chic, streamlined look which also taps into the five-star ‘hotel’ trend which will be very evident in interiors this autumn.”

TEASING TOUCHES

Subtle hints of grey add intriguing interest to rooms and snazzy grey seating is sure to be useful.

A Scilla Knitted floor cushion, £39.98, B&Q (available next month), is a winner on style and price. Alternatively, embrace the surreal with an Ottoman pouffe decorated in a Fornasetti fabric featuring ghostly pale grey faces, £764.80, available to order from Muralto.

Lighting’s key for atmosphere and a Zinc wall light, £59, Idyll Home has a chic industrial look. Dim the lights with a Tamsin tripod table lamp, in warm grey, £39 from made.com Humour’s just as seductive as colour. Combine the two with a witty and timely take on the trend, a poster entitled Fifty Shades of Grey, showing the full grey colour chart, £10.95, The Literary Gift Company.