After four years of writing about living rooms, I thought I had drawn a firm conclusion on gray: It certainly wasn’t my favourite.
While I admit, it looks beautiful in some homes, it wasn’t ever a color I’d crave to bring into my own home. In fact, I dare say, I assumed the tone would feel dull and lifeless in my small apartment. That was, at least, until I saw Auston Matthews’ stunning use of the shade, which changed my perception overnight.
In his gray living room, Auston pairs stone, industrial-style walls with a gray sofa topped with a cult-favorite accessory: A black and white Hermes throw blanket.
Despite being color-drenched in gray, the living space doesn’t feel boring. Its varying textures create contrast, especially the textile sofa material against the harsh stone wall, meaning his space feels ultra-modern, and almost boutique hotel-like, in the best way possible.
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Easy assembly
Latitude Run Aquarine Upholstered Sofa
Understated yet elegant (just like Auston’s sofa), this piece’s understated design makes it a versatile choice for every kind of home. It features supremely comfortable upholstery and plush back cushions that add a sumptuous feel to its classic image.
Gradient design
Gray Couch Pillow Covers, Set of 4
These soft throw pillow covers, which come in a set of 4, are the ideal way to introduce a touch of grey into your living room, without the need for a larger sofa. It comes with an invisible zipper that provides a sleek, clean finish.
Celebrity-favorite
Hermes Blanket Avalon III
A Hermes classic, this Avalon III signature H blanket is just like Auston Matthews’, only in a rare black, camel, and ecru colorway. It’s created from 90% Merino Wool and 10% cashmere and has whip stitch edges in the ultimate nod to luxury.
As Auston demonstrates, knowing how to style a gray sofa is crucial, both in terms of its accessories and how it looks in the broader space. His arrangement has changed how I see gray, and it’s all because of his styling. David Harris, the design director at Andrew Martin, agrees.
‘A gray sofa is a timeless choice, but without the right styling, it can risk feeling flat. The secret? Layer in colour, texture, and personality with accessories,’ he says. First up? Cushions.
Cushions are an easy and affordable way to transform the look. From bold pinks to soft powder blues, they instantly add impact, comfort, and character. Don’t be afraid to mix textures – think velvet, linen, and embroidery for a more dynamic, layered look,’ he says.
Then, as we see in Auston’s home, a beautiful throw can change everything.
‘Gray is the perfect neutral base for seasonal updates. Warm it up with earthy tones and a chunky throw in cooler months, or lighten things with fresh whites and soft blues come spring,’ David adds.
‘By keeping your palette considered and your textures varied, a grey sofa can feel anything but boring – instead, it becomes a timeless anchor for your evolving style.’
Has Auston’s space changed your perspective of gray, too? Let me know in the comments…
After writing about living rooms for four years, I had firmly decided that gray was not my favorite color. While I could appreciate its beauty in some homes, it was not a color I would choose for my own space. However, Auston Matthews’ use of gray in his living room completely changed my opinion overnight.
In Auston’s gray living room, he combines stone, industrial-style walls with a gray sofa adorned with a black and white Hermes throw blanket.
Despite the abundance of gray in the room, it does not feel dull. The mix of textures, particularly the soft sofa fabric against the rough stone wall, gives the space a modern and almost boutique hotel-like feel.
Shop the look
Easy assembly
Latitude Run Aquarine Upholstered Sofa
This understated yet elegant sofa, similar to Auston’s, is a versatile choice for any home. It features comfortable upholstery and plush back cushions for a luxurious touch.
Gradient design
Gray Couch Pillow Covers, Set of 4
This set of soft throw pillow covers is a great way to introduce a touch of gray to your living room. The invisible zipper provides a sleek finish.
Celebrity-favorite
Hermes Blanket Avalon III
This Hermes Avalon III signature H blanket, like Auston Matthews’, comes in a rare black, camel, and ecru colorway. Made from 90% Merino Wool and 10% cashmere, it exudes luxury with whip stitch edges.
Auston’s styling of the gray sofa demonstrates the importance of accessories and overall space design. His arrangement has transformed my perception of gray, and David Harris, the design director at Andrew Martin, agrees.
‘A gray sofa is a timeless choice, but without the right styling, it can feel flat. The key is to add color, texture, and personality with accessories,’ he says. Starting with cushions.
Cushions are a simple and affordable way to change the look of a room. From vibrant pinks to soft blues, they can instantly add impact, comfort, and character. Mixing textures like velvet, linen, and embroidery creates a dynamic and layered look,” he suggests.
As seen in Auston’s home, a beautiful throw can make a significant difference.
‘Gray serves as a neutral base for seasonal updates. Warm it up with earthy tones and a chunky throw in colder months, or lighten it with fresh whites and soft blues in spring,’ David adds.
‘By carefully selecting your color palette and mixing textures, a gray sofa can be anything but dull – instead, it becomes a timeless centerpiece for your evolving style.’
Has Auston’s space changed your opinion of gray as well? Let me know in the comments…
Please provide me with a sentence or passage to rewrite.