Grey is the cooler, more worldly sister of white. The went-and-lived-by-herself-in-Italy-for-a-year-when-she-was-only-19-sister of white. It’s a neutral, yes, but a more interesting, more chic neutral. The creamy, dreamy grey I chose here is Aalto Paint Detach. This one’s the perfect mid-grey if you ask me – it contrasts beautifully with light colours or dark colours, works in traditional or modern looks, and just elevates a room. It has just the right amount of pigment – saturated enough to feel sophisticated, soft enough to be light and airy.

Being such a popular tone, Detach also comes in a couple of other ‘strengths’ – Detach 1/2 (super clean, soft) and Detach 3/4

I love grey in a bathroom because it brings such a classic elegance, but I’d also happily use a mid-grey in a contemporary laundry (laundries are the new kitchens bb), or a bedroom that’s a grown-up sanctuary. Ooh, and a hallway with lots of art – art really pops off a grey wall. Yes, I said pops.

Alana Broadhead, The New.nz