With the new grays, soft sheer shades are a good complement for windows

Designers have recently been hailing gray as the new neutral of choice, and the selections available are hardly what could be called drab.

"In shades of silver, fieldstone, and fog, these spaces have a sophisticated style that's anything but lackluster," states HouseBeautiful.com.

For window treatments, Blinds Chalet offers soft sheer shades in various shades of white and off-white, as well as darker tones such as ebony, that are ideal complements to the new grays. Made of a durable nylon and polyester blend, these shades have a sheer, elegant look that suits many décor styles.

Ideas on how to incorporate gray into a home's design scheme includes teaming blue-gray wall tiles with traditional white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances in a kitchen. With chrome hardware and large mirrors in a bathroom, gray can take on a modern look, according to the website.

In living rooms, light gray walls may be accented with vibrant colors such as deep red or eggplant purple either in accessories or as a secondary wall color. Pewter lamp bases, silver gray fabrics and rug patterns drawing in several gray shades, as well as an accent color, work well in a gray room.