Often dubbed the 'new neutral', versatile grey has been a favourite colour in our decorating schemes for more than a decade. But even though it's no longer hot off the colour press, it doesn't have to look humdrum in the home. From making the most of striking accent hues to adding a feature wallpaper, these uplifting grey decorating ideas will keep this treasured tone bang up to date.

Echo the tones of natural grey stone. This grey brick feature wall is pulled perfectly into the room thanks to the soft furnishing fabrics that have been colour-matched to organic hues that run through the rock. Balance with a pale floor and add depth with black accents. 

Create a perfect night's sleep with the softest grey to calm a space. Layer up a dove grey bed in cloud coloured greys and whites, and use throws and pillows to add subtle texture and pattern for a cosy and serene finish you'll want to fall right into. 

Give a grey bathroom spa-worthy splendour with a delicate pattern and character. Set the colour scheme with metro tiles and highlight the brickwork effect with charcoal toned grout. A subtle statement floor will cocoon the room and make the space stimulating rather than sterile. 

Black and charcoal hues bring with them an alternative twist when decorating with grey. The bold colour choice is charismatic and dramatic teamed with softer grey highlights, which stand out against the striking dark backdrop. 

A small grey living room can shimmer and shine when introducing various tactile textiles. What a budget-friendly way to bring in texture; this compact sofa has it all with a display of silvery fringed and soft faux mohair cushions teamed with crushed velvet effect throws.

The great thing about grey is that it goes with anything, so you really can let loose when it comes to adding artwork. This gallery wall featuring a trio of watercolour oysters is soothing and subtle with warm wood frames but a colourful canvas print would look striking in the space too. 

Grey is classic in the kitchen and a cool tone will complement a modern galley look whilst maximising space. We love how this kitchen has colour matched cabinets, walls and dining chairs for modern monotone elegance. 

Balance bold colours such as navy and butterscotch by choosing grey as a contemporary neutral to mix in smart and rich tones. Funky geometric prints are the perfect pattern to build on the fun retro vibe. 

Add a variety of grey shades in the living room to create a laid-back look. Fill a grey backdrop with painted grey wood furniture, and cosy and tactile soft furnishings. Keep the room from going flat with an extra injection of warm russet accessories. 

There is no doubt that grey lends itself absolutely to bold schemes. A two-tone backdrop is a smart way to make a statement and can be enhanced with dark blue-grey bed linen. Wood furniture adds an injection of warmth to the monochrome scheme. 

This vintage-style bathroom has an amorous atmosphere with soft grey walls and an interesting paint technique over wooden floors. Complete the romance by dressing a grey roll-top bath with a fanciful and frilly pink shower curtain. 

An injection of black furniture will make a busy grey living room look super chic. Open storage will not impose while wire baskets will continue an industrial theme. Counteract the dark tones with pops of colour – these bright mustard armchairs add retro fun. 

As a new neutral, grey goes with just about everything and so creates an easy to live with backdrop for any look. Here, a chic sofa, grey curtains and grey rug add a modern monotone feel. Touches of colour in pastel shades keep the look light and airy.

Be inspired by nature to create a grey outdoor patio in your garden that is super chic. Start the natural extension to the garden by arranging a social space around a geometric outdoor rug then set out charcoal seating to create a beautiful and useful space. Frame the area with potted plants; against the grey the lush leaves will pop.

An all-grey colour scheme can sometimes leave your room looking dull but a change in tone and dimension can make all the difference. Grey painted wall panels instantly transform this small and boxy home office into a sophisticated and refined corner. Warm the space with a wooden worktop and office chair. 

It's not just paint and furniture that looks good in grey. Wallpaper makes an interesting twist and can add a subtle or striking pattern too. This soft grey trailing leaf print wallpaper creates a refined and elegant welcome in the hallway when teamed with a classic grey front door.

The Pantone Colour of the Year 2021 is a pair: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. What a colour combo! The elephant grey and acid yellow are said to "highlight how different elements come together to support one another". And we certainly agree – against a grey backdrop, citrus accessories simply zing.

Gold accessories will give a traditional grey bedroom a touch of class. Go for a pale grey backdrop and frame the space with dark grey woodwork. Then, glamorise with a curvaceous 50s-style bed and bring in gold metal light fittings and framed art.

Keep your creative juices flowing in the home office with a bright and airy grey and white palette topped up with plenty of green. Choose a grey desk, a grey wire noticeboard and pale wood shelves to keep things decluttered and simple. Placing plenty of houseplants at varying levels will make for an invigorating finish.

Give a calming grey bedroom extra character with some patterned blinds. This Orla Kiely Linear Stem print is smart and elegant with a retro twist. Extra detailing in the window treatment also means you can swap patterned bed linen for a plainer duvet, adding a touch of hotel chic.

Draw inspiration from moody yet mellow English landscapes, and opt for grey fabrics printed with trees and cloud shapes. Layer up the room with cushions and curtains in these natural patterns, and finish with smaller furnishings like lamps and side tables. The resulting vibe will be serene yet uber contemporary.

Give an all-grey bedroom an update with a head-turning feature wallpaper. The fine detailing of this leaf design makes a statement, but it's subtle enough that it doesn't overpower the room. For a contemporary twist, wallpaper just one or two panels behind the bed, or create a 3D effect by papering and mounting a sheet of MDF. This will enhance the headboard and add a luxurious feel to the room.

It's often associated with contemporary schemes but grey can look great in more traditional country properties too. Matching wooden dressers like these look fresh and homely when painted in a cool grey, and they're the perfect backdrop for displaying pretty patterned tableware. Sandwiched between them for extra comfort is a delightfully squishy, grey window seat, while a blue Roman blind adds an extra dash of colour.

Give the popular coastal scheme an update by choosing stormy rather than beachy tones. Start with a grey sofa and white-wood furniture, then layer up fabrics and accessories in pebbly shades. Silvery sand dune-style potted grasses and beige, striped curtains will complete the breezy look.

Add a tropical burst to your grey living room with palm prints and bright citrus shades. A large rug reminiscent of the Amazon jungle makes a bold starting statement here, but it's toned down with the simple grey sofa. The natural materials and hardy houseplants complete the exotic vibe.

Nothing finishes off a sleek grey scheme like a smart window and these custom-made white shutters add to the uncluttered feel of this room, while also adding the illusion of extra space. The muted geometric wallpaper and the subtle pops of yellow make the room even more crisp and contemporary.

Layer shades of grey and mineral blue for a rich and dramatic living room scheme. Position an upholstered grey sofa centrally and surround it with moody blue walls and warm wood flooring. You can then soften the dark colour combinations with plenty of textured cushions and rugs in lighter colours. The result will be sensible and smart with a deep ocean vibe.

Keep a grey bedroom feeling contemporary and cool by introducing a pattern on the floor rather than on the walls. A large rug will make an impressive statement, especially when contrasted with plain white walls. This hand-embroidered, artisan rug is soft underfoot and breathes life into an otherwise simple white and grey scheme.

Take a simple hallway to another level with a dark grey bench and industrial touches. For a bold result, choose practical metal pieces like this clock, coat hook and trendy pendant light. Grey stone flooring ties the minimalist vibe together and is super practical for this heavy-traffic area of the house. The addition of greenery will help make the entrance feel homely and vibrant. 

The addition of wood to a grey scheme instantly warms up the cooler tones and makes a room feel more homely. This modern apartment has gone all out with a retro-look bamboo cladding that takes up a whole wall. Sleek, grey, mid-century-style seating and additional colours like ochre and sea green make this a stylish yet peaceful space.

Give the muted tone of grey extra purpose by incorporating it into a woodland-themed wallpaper. Cole & Son's 'Woods' wallpaper is an iconic classic, but if you can't afford to invest there are plenty of replicas to choose from. Let the print take centre stage with a subtle mix of stone grey and white bedroom furniture to create a unified and minimal space.

Dark grey schemes can be used to create atmosphere and drama. This large living room has been transformed into an intimate, moody retreat with gunmetal grey walls and doors almost the same shade as the large sofa. A cream fireplace and deep red and brown scatter cushions break up the room's darker colours and add to the look of luxury.

Light grey headboards have become a popular choice in the bedroom as they usually look sophisticated and inviting. The subtle colour pairs well with whitewashed walls, and doesn't draw too much attention from interesting prints above the bed. This room oozes timeless and understated elegance and is a simple look to recreate for renters as you can take the valuable furnishings with you.  

Grey is an easy-on-the-eye shade making it ideal for open-plan living rooms. It creates a smooth transition into other living areas, which can then be zoned off with subtle colour changes. Here a pale grey tongue-and-groove feature wall contrasts with the lighter tones elsewhere. Pastel accents also soften the living room and a white coffee table makes it look clean and fresh.

Smooth, sleek and grey, concrete makes a wonderful addition to a modern decorating scheme. This cool living room has been given a unique focal point using a bespoke concrete fire surround and shelving combination. The décor is warmed up with natural textures and soft carpeting. 

Make the entrance to your home calm and coordinated with a bright white and grey scheme. White walls are a practical choice in hallways as they can be easily touched up to remove the scuffs caused by everyday life. Grey Crittall-style or painted French doors will tie the scheme together and make an impressive walk-through to the next room. Introduce depth and character with a smart grey Roman blind too.

Add personality to a traditional grey living room with a strong dose of colour. An energising ochre sofa will transform a nondescript living room into a strong and impressive space, especially when upholstered in plush velvet. Enhance the colour statement with opulent lighting too: gold and copper finishes will add an extra touch of luxury.

Mid-tone grey schemes create a vintage style with a hint of laid-back glamour. Go for sleek low-level furniture with mid-century curves. And if you're worried about the room looking dull, try adding a block of colour with a rug or a feature wall, like this one in burnt orange.

Black and white photos are practically made for grey decorating schemes and are a great way of adding a personal touch to your room without losing the contour of the scheme. And as the best galleries know, framed photos and paintings will pop out against a dark grey backdrop. Leave a clean white gap above a picture rail to stop the room feeling smaller and darker than it actually is. 

Grey and pink is a winning duo – and though this colour combination has been on the decorating circuit for a long time, it doesn't have to look dated. This living room feels fresh and homely thanks to a few modern updates. A vintage-look trolley, marble-style accessories and pale wood furniture all help give the room a contemporary edge. The pretty flowers add some extra romance too.

Team charcoal grey with a geometric pattern for a vintage look with a modern twist. White walls, mid-century furniture and a patterned rug offers a pared-back look that's effortlessly clean and uncluttered. The barely-there ash-coloured carpet and cool contemporary wood-burner prevents the minimal décor from looking too cold.

Give your grey living room an opulent facelift by mixing in metallics and reflective surfaces. Here, plush floor-length curtains and a corner sofa create a sleek grey base, while gold and mirrored highlights, like this luxe coffee table and Venetian-style sideboard, add to the drama. Finally, ramp up the bling with animal-print cushions for a playful finish.

Grey schemes are perfect for adding a touch of Nordic style to your home. Paler tones are a Scandi favourite, especially when paired with wood furniture – or go darker and you can create a snug room to see you through the colder months. Offset the scheme with a zingy yellow accent using a chunky throw and cushions for extra character.

A grey dining room makes a sophisticated change. Dark grey cabinets will allow display crockery to stand out and white tableware looks great when set against a grey tablecloth. Also, don't forget candlelight when entertaining your guests – it gives grey schemes an atmospheric lustre.

Grey needn't be dull, especially when paired with bright white furniture and finishings. The white doors, dining table and woodwork in this grey room are a great touch, as they boost the feeling of space without washing things out. For extra lift, only go as dark as mid-tone grey on the walls.

Use grey as a base to create a cool, relaxing environment for the whole family. The scheme of this room is soft and low-key, and the backdrop of on-trend plaster pink seamlessly pairs with the cushiony grey seating. Natural wood accessories and feature pendant lights keep the space feeling up to date.

Dressing your bed up with coral bed linen is an easy way to incorporate Pantone's Colour of the Year into your space. Paired with a stormy grey backdrop the pink-tinted hue jumps off the bed and will brighten the look with grace. By keeping this bold colour for accessories, you can easily switch it out when the trend changes – whatever it may be, you can rest assured it will work with grey.

Need more colour ideas? These pink decorating ideas should inspire you!