Relaxing and Elegant Taupe and Grey Living Room Makeover

Taupe and grey have become ubiquitous neutral colors for modern, minimalist living rooms. By blending warm and cool undertones, these versatile shades create a soothing, cozy backdrop. From soft greige to deep charcoal, the taupe-grey color spectrum allows for endless design possibilities.

With some thoughtful planning, taupe and grey can transform your living space from drab to dramatic. Read on for tips to craft a relaxing yet elegant living room makeover using this sophisticated color scheme.

Choosing Taupe and Grey Paint Colors

The first step in any room makeover is selecting paint colors. Fortunately, taupe and grey offer many gorgeous options for living room walls and trims.

On the taupe side, paint colors like Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, and Behr Pumice Stone marry gray and brown for a warm, earthy effect. Go a shade lighter with options like Valspar Rocky River or darker with Valspar Roche Harbor.

For cool, understated greys, consider Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray, or Behr Silverdrop. Though tempting, steer clear of pure whites, which can read clinical and stark.

Factor in Lighting

When finalizing paint choices, consider the size and lighting of your living room. In small spaces, softer tones prevent claustrophobia. North-facing rooms benefit from warm greys, while south-facing spaces can handle cooler hues.

Accent walls in bold charcoal grey provide drama. But limit darker tones to one or two walls, especially in modest rooms. Finish ceilings and trims in crisp, bright white to prevent heaviness.

Recommended Paint Colors

Some foolproof taupe and grey paint colors for living rooms include:

• Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
• Behr Pumice Stone
• Valspar Roche Harbor
• Valspar Rocky River

Achieve your perfect neutral by sampling multiple strips in both natural and artificial light.

Complementary Furniture for Taupe and Grey

After painting, accent your taupe and grey walls with coordinating furniture. The minimalist nature of this subdued color scheme shines with ultra-modern, streamlined silhouettes.

Sofas and Chairs

For primary seating, choose sleek gray or beige sofas and armchairs. Linen or cotton upholstery looks refined, while cozy textures like boucle and chenille invite relaxation. Metallic faux leather sofas in pewter or bronze inject glamour.

Add pops of color with forest green leather club chairs or muted pink slipper chairs. Just take care not to overwhelm the neutral backdrop.

Tables and Storage

Ground seating groups with easy-to-blend wood, glass, or concrete-topped coffee tables. For media storage, opt for constructed wood consoles and entertainment centers in walnut or ash.

Lucite and metal accent tables provide airy transparency. While marble console tables in soft greys and taupes elegantly tie the colors together.

Bring In Texture and Patterns

On their own, taupe and grey can read flat. Liven up the living room with textural fabrics and bold patterns.

Introduce cozy texture through wool throw pillows, linen-wrapped furniture, and nubby Berber rugs. Use velvet on cushions or drapes for a glam touch.

Checkered, houndstooth, or herringbone pillows and rug patterns keep the space visually intriguing. Geometric motifs as wallpaper, murals, or window treatments design interest.

Why It Works

Layering textures and patterns prevents a monotonous, bland aesthetic. The rich materials and graphic prints contrast beautifully against soft taupe-grey walls for balance.

Use Natural Tones and Materials

Though trendy, taupe and grey can feel stark without warmth. Natural design elements like wood, plants, and stone cultivate organic ambiance.

Rich wood coffee tables, console tables, and shelving balance the cool paint colors. While sisal rugs and rattan chairs infuse texture.

Houseplants like succulents, snake plants, and ferns freshen up the living room. Try framing the greenery against a gray accent wall for impact.

Introduce nature-inspired hues with jade green and terracotta throw pillows. Consider a large quartz stone coffee table or slate blue area rug.

Earthy materials build rapport between the human senses and taupe-grey surroundings. This prevents the space from appearing too cold or impersonal.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Metallic Accents

For a bit of glitz and glam, bring the shine with metallic decor. Gold, silver, copper and brass elegantly contrast taupe and grey.

Try a bold geometric silver coffee table as a focal point. Hang an oversized sunburst mirror above your sofa for retro flair. Metallic throw pillows in silver, gold and bronze easily blend in.

Paint or wallpaper one accent wall in a subtle metallic like silver leaf or champagne foil. Add a touch of luxury with velvet pillows and poufs in shimmering champagne or rose gold.

Choosing Metallics

Stick to two complementary metallics, like silver and taupe or brass and grey, for cohesion. Avoid going overboard with too many flashy finishes competing for attention.

Soft and Muted Accent Colors

Accent walls, furniture and decor in muted jewel tones keep the living room feeling fresh and lively. These colors beautifully complement taupe and grey.

Try lighter tones like powder blue throw pillows, peach curtains, or mint green ceramic table lamps. Navy blue armchairs or vases in rich eggplant purple also work nicely.

Incorporate on-trend shades like blush pink benches, olive green ottomans, and burnt orange ceramic planters. Just take care not to overwhelm the neutral backdrop.

Color Placement

Use accent colors strategically in smaller doses like throw pillows and decorative objects. Painting entire walls in bold colors risks clashing with the taupe-grey palette. Focus on one or two statement pieces in jewel tones against a neutral canvas.

Stylish Lighting for a Taupe and Grey Scheme

Proper illumination makes any living room shine. When designing a taupe and grey scheme, prioritize lighting that enhances the soothing ambiance.

Add overall brightness with recessed ceiling lights on dimmers. Stylish drum or globe pendant lights work over dining areas. For task lighting, try sleek table and floor lamps.

Wall sconces flanking a sofa provide both light and visual interest. Go for classic gold sconces or modern lucite fixtures. Light grey lampshades aid cohesion through color connection.

Creative Touches

Make ordinary lighting extraordinary. Try pendant clusters over coffee tables, wallpapered sconces, or private table lamps with funky lampshades. Smart bulbs that change color temperature support any mood.

Rugs and Flooring Options

Ground taupe and grey schemes with rugs and flooring that complement the palette. Floors occupy significant visual real estate, so choose wisely.

Light wood plank flooring in oak, maple or birch feels both modern and natural. Concrete or stone-look porcelain tiles also pair well with the color scheme.

Natural fiber area rugs work wonders. Jute and sisal rugs offer texture while wool or cotton styles can incorporate patterns. Try layering multiple rugs for depth and interest.

Considerations

Avoid floors and rugs with busy patterns or competing colors. Instead opt for subtle weaves and neutral, taupe and grey tones. This allows the walls and accents to shine.

Decor Touches and Final Details

With major elements in place, finish off your elegant taupe and grey living room with refined decor touches.

Curate coffee tables with decor like candles, books, greenery and vases. Choose accessories in metallic, wood or ceramic for texture and color.

Sculptural decor like stone lamps, abstract metal sculptures or geode bookends make artistic statements. Display collected objects like shells, glassware or framed photos in coordinating colors.

Finally, style your sofa with an abundance of patterned pillows. Layer large and small euro shams, lumbar pillows, bolsters and throws for an inviting look.

The Finishing Touch

Refine vignettes on side tables, the mantel, console tabletops. Then stand back and admire your stunning, cohesive taupe and grey living room makeover.

With mindful design choices, taupe and grey can transform living rooms from boring to beautiful. The versatile neutrals allow for endless creativity in textures, patterns, and accent colors.

Keep the space relaxed yet refined by blending warm and cool shades. Layer natural materials, metallic touches and muted hues for visual interest. With proper planning, your taupe and grey living room will be a showstopping space for rest and relaxation.