Gorgeous Grayscale

April 25, 2015 by Donna from MyOBT 22 Comments

York Wallcoverings’ Peek-a-Boo Picture Gallery Wallpaper. AllModern

When I happened upon this beautiful wallpaper, it sent me down a black, white, & gray rabbit hole. There’s a lot of good stuff out there! Therefore, I’m giving myself free reign to include way more pictures than usual.

Today, I’m exploring some grayscale design inspiration (with the occasional pop of color because I’m not completely without an inner child or one of the Munsters). Personally, when I think of most of the black, white, and gray rooms I’ve seen, I remember them being either very stark or very fussy. But I’m more interested in mixing together styles in unexpected ways. Eclectic is definitely the key for my living space.

After perusing the stuff I’ve posted below, you should also go check out fellow blogger Camilla Hennessy-Jackson’s post “Interior Inspo.” It’s full of beautiful things, and I only barely resisted stealing from her!

And speaking of the Munsters . . . Canopy chair sold by Houzz.com

And speaking of the Munsters, here’s a canopy chair they would have loved. Houzz

And this is probably the only room where the canopy chair wouldn’t look entirely idiotic. Tracy Murdock Allied ASID on houzz

Black and white bedroom Alyssa Lee Photography on houzz

I love the starkness of the black wall with the pristine white bed, but the truth is I love the red Foo Dog in the corner best of all. Photo by Alyssa Lee Photography on houzz

Black and white bathroom by Leclair Decor

Leclair Decor on houzz

All really fancy bathrooms need a fainting couch. By VeryFrenchByDesign

All really fancy bathrooms need a fainting couch. VeryFrenchByDesign

I can see myself spending loads of time straightening and rearranging the pillows, but if you don’t suffer from such compulsions, this would be a great-looking sectional. Sold on Yahoo!

I can see myself spending loads of time straightening and rearranging the pillows, but if you don’t suffer from such compulsions, this is a pretty good looking sectional. Yahoo!

Thanks to my allergies (and the low height of my ceilings), I usually cover my windows with blinds rather than softer coverings like curtains. These, however, are an absolute knockout! Sold by Overstock

Thanks to my allergies (and the low height of my ceilings), I usually cover my windows with blinds rather than softer coverings. These, however, are an absolute knockout! Overstock

Pink and Grey nursery by Draw-me-a-Sheep-Baby-Design-Boutique photo by Lisa Petrole Photography

I think they might live to regret the white carpet and chair, but it’s nice to look at! Photo by Lisa Petrole Photography on Houzz

Black and white home office by Atmosphere Interior Design

I think the desk chair crowds it all a little, but I nonetheless appreciate the design choices. It would probably have photographed better from a higher angle. Atmosphere Interior Design Inc. on houzz

Black white and grey living room by Rupal Mamtani

Very interesting collection of shapes, and I kind of dig the partially-painted-over windows. Rupal Mamtani on houzz

Beautiful handmade silk & wool carpet. Sold by ABC Carpet & Home

Beautiful handmade silk & wool carpet. ABC Carpet & Home

I couldnt resist including at least one purple chair. Horchow

I need to find out where this is so I can go straighten their pictures. Photo by Rikki Snyder on houzz

Black and white updated retro bathroom by Vallone Design

I am definitely someone who needs a medicine cabinet, but I really love the mirror and deco-style lights! Vallone Design on houzz

This Carribean-flavored chair is a refreshing departure from some of the heavier black & white options I found. Sold by Houzz

This Carribean-flavored chair is a refreshing departure from some of the heavier black & white options I found. Houzz

Dark grey white and cobalt blue dining room by Green Couch Interior Design

This looks like a lovely, welcoming room in which to dine. As long as you’re not eating anything that stains, that is. Green Couch Interior Design on houzz

Grey and white outdoor seating area design by Eyco Building Group

I love how the outdoor furniture echoes the tones in the house. Eyco Building Group Ltd. on houzz

I don’t usually go in for chandeliers. I like them in theory, but I feel like they almost never look right. The clear ones are usually too pretentious, the colored ones are a bit too twee for me, and the black ones mostly seem cartoon gothy. However, I actually think this grey glass one is kind of badass: Houzz

Ebony black and white modern kitchen by blurrdMEDIA

Unexpected use of space. It seems like it might be wasteful, but it flows so nicely (and they have so much space to spare), maybe that doesn’t matter. Photo by blurrdMEDIA on houzz

I need to find a place for this! Sold by Houzz

I need to find a place for this! houzz

I love the graduating textures from the wall, to the tub stairs and surround, down to the floor. Gemma Zimmerhansl Interior Design Ltd on houzz

The acid green chandelier was so jarring, I had to include this. It looks great, even though I hate it on principle. Brickmoon Design on houzz

I know you’re not supposed to put your piano too close to outside walls, but this is too perfect a spot to resist! Sheri Olson Architecture PLLC on houzz

Minimal lamp, maximum statement. houzz

I love all the patterns. They should clash like crazy, but they’re somehow fabulous instead! Kristin Drohan Collection and Interior Design on houzz

The textured pillows really soften up the potentially very masculine black leather sectional. Carmen Reyes on houzz.

You don't want to overdo damask, but a single accent piece like this chest would be perfect. Sold by MM Furniture

You don’t want to overdo damask, especially in small rooms, but a single accent piece like this chest would be perfect. MM Furniture

This chair would be a total knock-out in a room otherwise populated with only black, white, & grey. Sold by ABC Carpet & Home

This chair would be a total knock-out in an entirely grayscale room. ABC Carpet & Home

It’s so easy for beach-themed decor to go too far. I think this is just right! Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design on houzz

The vertical striped tiles are absolutely fascinating. And of course I’m in love with the deco sconces. Buckminster Green LLC on houzz

If you're looking for an unexpected way to add color to a black and white room, useful, well-proportioned accessories like this trio of trunks could be very stylish. Sold by Houzz

If you’re looking for an unexpected way to add color to a room, useful, well-proportioned accessories like this trio of trunks are a great option. houzz

I absolutely love our natural cherry kitchen cabinets, but this would be a very strong contender if I were making the choice again, especially with the blue leather chairs. Panageries on houzz

I’m not really a big fan of yellow, but I do love how well it goes with black,, white, and grey. I don’t even mind their use of chandeliers! Arc8 Projects Ltd. on houzz

As much as I love the iconic black and white hide chaise, I think the shape of this chair is actually a bit more eye-catching. Sold by Houzz

As much as I love the iconic black and white hide chaise, I think the shape of this chair is actually a bit more eye-catching. houzz

Even your pets can recline in style with this very cute pet bed. Bed Bath & Beyond

A spectacular place to visit (though I don’t think I could live there). m monroe design on houzz

That mosaic mural is gorgeous, but does she have to watch me shower? Stone Habitat on houzz

I absolutely love throwing Asian-influenced pieces into any room. I feel like they help ground a design and keep it from getting too far in any direction. Horchow