How to warm up millennial grey without changing everything!
We’ve all been there—what once felt fresh and modern now feels a bit, well, stale. The millennial grey trend had its moment of glory, but if you’re craving a change without a complete makeover, you’re in the right place. Here are some tips on how to warm up millennial grey without changing everything and breathe new life into your space.
Play with Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the feel of a room. To counteract the coolness of grey, opt for warm lighting. This can be achieved with floor lamps, table lamps, or changing the bulbs in your overhead fixtures. Pay attention to the Kelvin color temperature on the box of the lightbulbs before you purchase. The scale ranges from 1,000k-10,000k, 1,000k being the warmest and 10,000k coolest. You want to look for a bulb between 2700k – 3000k for a warmer feel, Click here for a chart showing a more in depth explanation. Candles are another great way to add warmth and ambiance. Lighting can make a huge impact with just a small change.
Introduce Warm Textiles
One of the simplest ways to add warmth to your grey decor is by incorporating textiles. Think plush throws, cozy cushions, and soft area rugs in warm, inviting tones. Colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, taupe, and rich browns can instantly make your space feel cozier, make sure to be mindful of the undertones though. These textiles not only add color but also bring in different textures that can make a room feel more layered and comfortable. Imagine lounging on your grey sofa with a chunky knit blanket in a warm hue—it’s like a cozy hug for your living room! Plus, swapping out textiles is an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh your decor.
Add Warm-Toned Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that can make all the difference. Introducing warm-toned accessories can significantly change the feel of your space. Think about incorporating metallics like brass, copper, or gold. Picture frames, vases, and candle holders in these finishes can add a touch of warmth and luxury. Artwork is another fantastic way to introduce color and warmth, choose pieces with warm tones. A bold piece of art can become a focal point and instantly elevate the coziness of the room.
Introduce Natural Elements
Bringing natural elements into your home is a fantastic way to warm up a cool grey palette. Wood, rattan, leather, and other natural materials can introduce a sense of earthiness and warmth. Houseplants are another excellent addition. Not only do they add a pop of green, but they also bring life and a natural feel to the space. From tall fiddle leaf figs to small succulents, a touch of greenery can go a long way in transforming your room.
Embrace Soft and Curved Furniture
While sleek, straight-lined furniture is a hallmark of modern design, incorporating a few softer, curved pieces can add a touch of warmth and comfort. Consider a round coffee table, an oval mirror, or an arched floor lamp. These elements break up the rigidity and add a more inviting, human touch to the space. Curved furniture not only adds warmth but also brings a sense of flow and movement to a room. It makes the space feel more dynamic and less static, which can be a breath of fresh air in an otherwise cool, grey environment.
Warming up your outdated grey decor doesn’t have to mean a complete redesign. By adding warm textiles, incorporating natural elements, playing with lighting, introducing warm-toned accessories, and embracing soft and curved furniture, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes your space feel more current.
If this feels too overwhelming, feel free to contact me to learn of the services I offer to help you reach your home goals. Click here for my contact form.
Thanks for reading! – Brigitte

Brigitte has been helping people reach their home goals for almost 20 years. She is trained in Design at MacEwan University and has obtained her certificate as a Residential Decorating Consultant as well as a Master Color Consultant. She takes a down to earth approach to design, with the goal of helping real people bring out the full potential in their homes. Brigitte is based out of St.Albert, AB but helps clients across Canada
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