Pleated shades can offset different shades of trend-setting gray in home decor

Gray is being hailed as one of the trendiest color in fashions and home design, and the new hues are definitely not drab.

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

With variations like that, home decorators can team 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.

For window treatments, pleated shades come in a variety of materials, colors and finishes to offset a gray-based décor. They stack tightly when raised to maximize an outdoor view and let in light, but can be adjusted to any length.