How to work the Lilac and Grey colour scheme into your home

Create a restful bedroom scheme by teaming laid-back lilac with soft greys

By Tamara Kelly
last updated

Lilac was the colour of the moment back in the Nineties, but it's finding its feet once more as a natural partner for ever-popular shades of grey. Stick to a chalky finishes on walls, natural, slubby linens for fabrics and simple furniture for a relaxed, casual look that moves away from the fussy, French-inspired lilac schemes of old. Add touches of brushed metal, and you'll really bring this soft purple shade to life.

lilac and grey bedroom with purple walls, white bed and duvet cover, purple throw and cushions, grey armchair and grey carpet

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Combine lilac walls with fabrics in a mix of grey tones, then lift the scheme with a few metal highlights.

THE PALETTE...

Get the relaxed look with fresh shades.

palette

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1. DUSTY PINK. A blue-toned, moody pink that's fit for a boudoir. Cinder Rose Estate Emulsion, £38 for 2.5 ltr, Farrow and Ball.

2. MISTY BLUE-GREY. A silvery shade for a cool, modern edge. Plumbago matt emulsion, £35.50 for 2.5 ltr, Fired Earth.

3. MODERN LILAC. This deep colour will add warmth. B7 Lilac Alterior Matt Emulsion, £36.50 for 2.5 ltr, Eicó.

GET THE LOOK....

bellini armchair

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Bellini armchair in Sloe textured cotton (H80cm x W59cm x D72cm) £475, Loaf.

woven knit throw

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Woven-knit throw, £75, Shabby Chic range, House of Fraser.

grey table lamp

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Satin grey table lamp, £135, Barker & Stonehouse.

Mauve peony jam jar

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Mauve peony jam jar, £10, Next.

velvet cushion

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Pale amethyst square velvet cushion, £40, Nigella range, Laura Ashley.

TRY IT WITH... PEACOCK BLUE

teaming lilac wall with deep blue velvet seating

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Go for glamour by teaming lilac walls with sumptuous, deep-blue velvet seating. Balance the blocks of colour with geometric pattern.

ice tiles

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1. SUPER STARS. Add intricate pattern. Ice tiles, £59.95 per sq m, Henley range, Topps Tiles. 2. GO-TO HUE. A contemporary take on lavender. Brassica Estate Emulsion, £38 for 2.5 ltr, Farrow & Ball. 3. RICH BLUE. Ideal for bold upholstery. Venetian blue velvet, £57 per m, Forenza collection, Romo.

TRY IT WITH.... OYSTER WHITE

bedroom with patterened wallpaper

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Use lilac as an accent against an oyster-white backdrop for an elegant look. Team a patterened wallpaper and French- style furniture painted in shimmering silver for a luxury feel, then layer up fabrics in a mix of soft lilac hues to add soothing colour.

kimono wallpaper with old cream matt

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1. FLORAL FEVER. A subtle print. Kimono wallpaper in Amethyst, £39 per roll, Laura Ashley.

 2. COOL IT. Paint walls in an easy-going cream. Old Cream matt emulsion, £35.50 for 2.5 ltr, Fired Earth.

3. WASHED LINEN. Set a laid-back feel. Linen-effect plain weave in Lavender, £48 per m, Anoushka Plains collection, Harlequin.

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Tamara Kelly
Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street. 

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