Stanley Tucci's monochromatic living room shows he knows his onions when it comes to design

Stanley Tucci knows precisely how to shape both our culinary habits and design choices in the kitchen – but now the Academy Award nominee has shown off his living room in an Instagram post. And it's as timelessly stylish as Stanley himself.

The actor, known for The Devil Wears Prada and, most recently, Searching for Italy, shared a long-awaited look inside the living space while unboxing Tropea onions (very on brand, for Stanley, of course). The backdrop confirms exactly what we thought we knew about the actor: it is chic, slightly playful, and timeless. And it makes a case for decorating with gray – with a contemporary twist. 

The space exhibits a distinct monochromatic color palette – from the dark gray sofa to the striped wallpaper in a similar hue. The actor has interrupted the primarily gray scheme with pockets of cream and white – most notably seen through his statement light, table, throw, and pillow.

The seemingly eternal power of white and gray has recently fallen under scrutiny from some experts, who say that the latter, in particular, is falling out of favor. However, Stanley Tucci's living room is a reminder that, when used correctly, these hues have a permanent place in the list of this year's color trends – and designers agree.

'Gray and white will always be in fashion. It is all how you present the gray and white that matters. I have clients that love the neutral feeling of a gray and/or white palette – and when done well it can look amazing,'  says California-based designer, Jen Dallas.

Jen Dallas

Jen Dallas is a California based interior designer, whose studio has its very own line of textiles tiles, rugs and lighting.

With that said, however, Jen warns that some gray-and-white spaces can look cold without incorporating warmer textures and more colorful accessories. In Stanley's case, this is through his soft furnishings (such as the throw) and his vast collection of books dotted around the room. We've picked out our favorite finds, below.

'You just have to pay attention to the other parts and pieces placed in the room using these colors – so the space won't feel too cold,' Jen says. 

'When I design with all white or gray, I pay special attention to textures, Whether it be a leather sofa the wood coffee table, or the texture of a linen drapery. These additions help give the neutral room character without taking away from the monochromatic feel.'

If anybody can keep white and gray alive, it's Stanley Tucci, and we confess, he's making a very convincing case.