Jennifer Aniston's modern living room proves that the 'Internet's most divisive color trend' will never quite go away – you just have to know how to get it right
Forget what you thought you knew about gray. This sultry shade goes with every color and can be used to add depth and sophistication to any room
Gray color schemes were rife in the early 2000s. You couldn't move without seeing a dark gray wall, or the occasional pale gray shade. These days, decorating with gray has a bad reputation, with some designers even calling it the 'worst color trend' in recent years. However, of all the neutrals, gray is one that instantly brings gravitas. This is a mantra that actress Jennifer Aniston, and interior designer Stephen Shadley abide by – and do it well they do.
Aniston's modern living room might be predominantly gray, but at no point does it feel overwhelming or outdated. Gray is quite a misunderstood color, but get it right, and it is actually one of the best neutral shades on Earth.
Gray harmonizes well with almost every other hue, making it a most adaptable neutral and giving good reason for its popularity, says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore.
A post shared by Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston)
A photo posted by on
Designer Charu Ghandi also eschews the benefits of gray room ideas. 'Gray shouldn't be boring or cold; there are ways to make it feel warm and a focal point, either in wallcoverings or within fabrics or finishings.'
Treat gray as a neutral and layer it with darker and lighter tones, including plenty of texture and some accent pattern. It makes a cozy and wonderfully dramatic statement at the darker end of the gray spectrum and at its lightest, it offers schemes a sanctuary of calm.
In this gray living room, the variations of gray are surprisingly warm and cocooning, especially when paired with the 'almost' black walls.
Something magical happens when you introduce black to an interior space. 'The delicious contrast between lighter objects against a dark background emphasizes unique qualities in materials and finer details you might have missed in a light-filled colorful space,' explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
The depth of pigment of darker grays and blacks means that they offer an emotional context that can be as nurturing or soothing as any green, particularly when you decorate a room floor-to-ceiling in a dark, velvety hue. For some homeowners, the idea of dark colors might feel foreboding, but for others, it is the dark ‘night’ of a shade that offers serenity in a room scheme.
Here, Aniston has soothed the space with plenty of texture – a fundamental element in well-designed rooms. The raw wood timber, fluffy rugs, and metallic accents give this room a deliciously luxe feel. The final result proves that gray is anything but dated or dull.
Shop the look
On sale
Soft, warm and stylish underfoot, a plush, well-made rug is always worth the investment. If you are uncertain if you want to introduce gray into your space, start with a rug. It will do wonders for the overall look and feel...
Affordable option
Temper the darkness of gray with the serenity and peacefulness of nature. This delightful design is a best-selling buy for a good reason. It can also be used both indoors and outdoors depending on your preference.
Highly-rated
The simplest way to add a hint of gray to a living room is with a set of vases. This simple yet stylish design is ideal for both modern and traditional interiors – just add a few sprigs of baby's breath or eucalyptus.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
-
How to grow spindle trees – for a vibrant, colorful fruit display in the fall
Spindle trees are famed for producing masses of impactful orange and pink fruits, and provide an alternative to invasive burning bush
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
7 minimalist-approved storage solutions for your home – they’re perfect for tiny spaces and won’t add visual clutter
Keep your items stowed without creating visual clutter
By Sophie Warren-Smith Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's Japanese-inspired backyard is primed for privacy – experts say these are the best plants to recreate her technique
The actress utilizes plants as boundaries in her backyard, proving that greenery and shrubs can be as functional as they are beautiful
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's moody wall material infuses her living room with warmth and intrigue – it's dominating trends in 2025
Dark wood panelling transforms the actress's living room into an inviting and luxurious sanctuary – designers explain why it's popularity is growing
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's mid-century modern living room has made me rethink this '50s trend – and you can actually achieve the look on a limited budget
The '50s are back again and looking fresher, cooler and more sophisticated than ever
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jeremy Clarkson's pale gray-green kitchen will dominate color trends in 2025 – it is my new favorite color and its soothing benefits are unmatched
Timeless, elegant, calming – there is a lot to love about a serene gray-green color scheme
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston is 'obsessed' with this Courteney-Cox-approved home fragrance – here's why actresses love the 'mysterious' scent
If you've ever wondered what Jennifer Aniston's house smells like, you're in luck – Courteney Cox has revealed Aniston's signature scent
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Katie Holmes's living room looks straight out of the 1990s – and experts predict this nostalgic look will have a revival in 2025
Holmes's living room takes inspiration from my favorite decade – the 1990s
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's soothing family room makes a case for this debated layout – designers say this sociable style is having a resurgence
Broken-plan layouts may have enjoyed a revival over recent years, but Aniston's family room reminds us why open spaces will struggle to fall entirely out of style
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart shared a throwback photo of her 1978 kitchen – the retro kitchenware has reignited my love for this nostalgic trend
Timeless and sophisticated, brown ceramic earthware transcends time in this throwback '70s kitchen
By Jennifer Ebert Published