Paint collections are generally presented in families offering recipes for successful schemes while specialist ranges, such as Heritage colours will help guide you towards shades to suit a period home. Many high quality wallpaper and fabric companies such as Sanderson and Designers Guild also produce their own paint ranges to complement their collections. Bedrooms are personal spaces and it is a great place to express your personality - whether it be bright bold schemes designed for children, or more subtle toned schemes used to provide an air of calm and warmth. Which grey is right for my bedroom? When introducing colour accents to lighter greys, think about the undertones of the pairing first and then the contrast you wish to achieve. Ammonite a soft stony grey will team beautifully with blues and greens such as Inchyra Blue or Hague Blue as both have the gentle undertones of nature, such as the delicate brown note found in Ammonite and the green in Inchyra Blue.’

When choosing a grey colour for a bedroom, consider the shade to be painted. If you want a cosy feel, dark shades can make a room feel snug, however light shades will make a room feel more airy and cool. We tend to spend little time in our rooms during the day, so it is important to see how your chosen colour varies in its appearance first thing in the morning when you wake up, and later in the evening when the light is electric rather than natural. This can make it difficult to find the right colour if only one is being considered. Yellows and oranges are ideal for adding a splash of sunny, uplifting colour to any scheme and they work brilliantly with greys,' says James Sirett. 'Even just a few highlights of a vibrant yellow paint shade such as Fired Earth's Hoppers Hat – perhaps used in an alcove or on shelving – will ensure that a grey living room has a warm, welcoming and sophisticated feel.

Benjamin Moore Driftwood

The ideal colour to go with grey in a living room will depend on the depth you've chosen. Generally speaking, warmer shades of grey will benefit from equally warm accent colours such as rich greens, vibrant yellows and pops of bright pink. Colder tones pair naturally well with paler colours such as blush pink and watery blues. What are the best grey paints for a living room? Use the gentlest of greys as a springboard for blush pink, plum and buff tones. Mid century-style furniture rubs shoulders here with contemporary pieces in brilliant hi-gloss white. The floor-to-ceiling living room curtain idea adds a lovely touch of dip-dyed pink, while cushions and floral displays channel rich plum tones. Grey and pink is a winning combination, particularly suited to modern living rooms, and works just as well as a grey bedroom idea. What colours brighten up a grey living room? Grey is the perfect neutral and when combined with a splash of colour, it can really bring a room to life', explainsKasia Wiktorowicz, Marketing Communications Manager, Valspar. 'There are so many shades of grey that it is easy to find just the right one to go with your favourite hue.

Now you’ve given yourself the perfect base, it’s time to nail the application. When using a roller, be careful not to overload it with paint. It should rotate freely rather than skid over the surface of the wall or ceiling. If this happens, try to take some of the paint out of it. Unhurried vertical strokes will avoid 'splatter' and should be combined with parallel movements that don't extend beyond a comfortable reach. Quality controlAnd that is the problem,' Kate continues. 'North-facing rooms have a steady light all day but it will have a blueish tinge. Add in a cold grey and the room will feel and look cold. So you need to balance that by choosing a warm grey with yellow undertones. Try Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball. If you have the Little Greene paint chart the colours start warm and get colder as you move along. Greys with blue undertones may also look lilac and purple in this light.' Equally beautiful in its own right or supporting brighter and bolder shades, grey paint has an unparalleled ability to create different moods depending on both the strength and warmth of the shade you choose,' explains Farrow & Ball's Charlotte Cosby. To get that holy grail of a flawless finish, there is no short cut, preparation is always the key,' advises Judy Smith, Crown's Colour Consultant. 'No paint can fully cover dirty or uneven surfaces, so it’s worth putting in the work at the beginning.'