Gray laminate in the interior: combination tips. Gray laminate and parquet in the interior Combination of gray laminate with a dark wall

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Laminate and wallpaper: 4 most successful combinations

The key finishing in the repair is the floor and walls. Of the floor samples, a laminate is more often chosen, they prefer to decorate the walls with wallpaper. The wrong combination of colors will create dissonance in the interior. I will try to help you avoid mistakes in the selection of material.

We select the material

Starting repairs, do not look for ready-made standards. The decision is always made individually based on several points:

  • room style;
  • appointment;
  • filling;
  • illumination;
  • financial opportunities;
  • design ideas.

Be a designer! Before buying laminate flooring, evaluate the style of the room. This will help you decide on the color scheme. Laminate panels have a lot of shades, grouped by primary colors:

  • white,
  • brown,
  • red,
  • grey,
  • dark (from black to wenge - rich brown).

Of great importance is the texture and pattern: imitation of boards, stone, solid wood, tiles and other materials. It is important to know the rules for harmonious combinations of floor and wall gamma.

Ideally, furniture, wallpaper, flooring should be combined. Do not forget about the illumination of the room. When planning to make the living room bright - choose light colors.

Walls and flooring should never be the same color. Wallpaper and laminate should be different. It is recommended to maintain a difference of 3-4 tones or use contrasting skirting boards.

Color selection rules

The law of "trinity" dominates in the design of any room, that is, three shades should be present in the interior. Each appears in a different gradation of saturation and brightness.

If the repair is done by hand, avoid the main mistake: combining cold and warm shades. This deprives the room of charm, comfort and is considered bad taste. Use variations of shades from only one group.

Under cold wallpaper, choose similar laminate options. Color does not matter - "play" within the limits of warm or cold. The type of board is also unimportant: gloss, embossed or matte.

Instructions for choosing a laminate in a small apartment: be careful with the color palette. It is better to make the floors in all rooms of the same tone, otherwise heterogeneity will visually divide the apartment into mini zones and make the apartment even smaller.

The starting point for color solutions can be the style of the interior:

  • Classic - implies restraint in pattern and tone. Give preference to slightly prominent vertical stripes. Laying laminate is better than warm golden (Italian walnut), birch, brown oak. Appearance should imitate valuable wood species.
  • Modern- make a contrast here. Floor - dark tones (wenge, bleached or black oak) or neutral shades of gray. The walls are made lighter.
  • Country, Provence- these styles suggest naturalness. On the floor, use an imitation of rustic, old wood in light shades. The walls are several tones lighter (monochrome, embossed, with a small golden motif).

Floor and wall colors: 4 combinations

The choice base is extensive. Consider a few popular options:

A photo Description

Option 1. Laminate red shades

Have you chosen Cherry, Swallowtail, Pear or Milanese for your floor? For such a coating, you need to choose wallpaper in warm colors:

  • light blue,
  • marsh,
  • shades of pink,
  • pale lilac,
  • peach,
  • yellow gamma.

Harmonious entry into color is given by reddish patterns on the walls.


Option 2. Laminate brown shades

Most prefer neutral brown tones. These include:

  • ash,
  • light alder,
  • Birch,
  • light oak.

For such a floor, choose wallpaper in pastel colors:

  • cream,
  • yellow,
  • green,
  • buffy.

Bright strokes on the walls will help to give individuality. The nobility of the furnishings, wall panels with dark brown frames are successfully emphasized.


Option 3. Light-colored laminate

Dark rooms need "lightening". Paul solves this problem perfectly.

Pure white looks luxurious, but too problematic, especially if there are animals, the elderly and children at home.

An alternative to white will be coconut, jute, linen, beige. Under the white laminate, you can choose wallpaper in brownish tones.

This is luxury and solidity. Any colors are taken to the light floor, including rich-bright ones. The price of materials is not traced.

It is difficult to pick up wallpaper of the purple group for a light laminate. If this color is important to you, use such walls in spacious rooms with large windows. Evening lighting is also important.


Option 4. Gray laminate

Today, light gray laminate is at the height of fashion. This is elegance, restraint, aristocracy, practicality.

Suitable for many styles: from minimalism to classics. It looks spectacular in any conditions, in any premises:

  • bedroom,
  • cabinet,
  • living room,
  • corridor,
  • kitchen.

Wallpaper under a gray laminate will suit any. But gray wallpaper and gray laminate should differ in texture and tone.

Gray laminate is combined with walls of any shade of gray, white and black. Good combinations with cold pastel colors.

Gray floor with beige wallpaper looks cozy. It is allowed to cover the walls interspersed with yellow, raspberry.

A room gets a glamorous look when using a wall covering in orange, purple, pink tones.

Disharmony and complex perception occurs with green, red, saturated lilac.

Repair sequence

What does laminate or wallpaper do first? The relevance of this issue affects 80% of families who make repairs with their own hands. Even experts cannot answer unequivocally, although the majority is of the opinion: first wallpaper is glued.

Why? Consider the nuances of the process:

  • Wallpapering is accompanied by the appearance of high humidity. Drying takes place with the windows closed. As a result, during the day the floors will absorb the resulting moisture. This may adversely affect the coverage.

  • On an already installed laminate, you will have to use glue. When spreading walls or strips of wallpaper, there is a high risk of staining the coating.
  • When cutting the roll, you can drop the knife, scissors, tape measure. There will be scratches or other defects from moving the auxiliary ladder.
  • No need to make straight cuts at the bottom- the material is glued to the floor, and the plinth will cover all the irregularities.

It is known that the flooring is more durable than wallpaper, they are changed several times when the laminate is laid. Nothing terrible happens. In most cases, everyone chooses a convenient way for themselves.

Conclusion

Wall decor is easier to change than laminate, so choose flooring first, then wallpaper. There are many combinations, you already know the rules. If you respect the loyalty of colors, you will get an excellent result.

The video in this article has visual instructions for combining flooring and wall decoration. If you have other ideas or questions, please leave them in the comments!

January 11, 2018

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

In recent years, classic cherry or bog oak floors with a hint of red have not been as popular. People are looking for new options that will be in line with current trends. Gray laminate is a good alternative. It can have a characteristic woody pattern, tile texture, or have a glossy sheen. Depending on the style in the room, one or another type of laminated flooring is selected.

Advantages and disadvantages of using gray laminate in the interior

When creating an ideal interior that meets all the requirements of the designer and the owners of the house, great attention is paid to details. However, the primary role is played by walls and floors. They create the basis for the future mood. Textiles and decor can be changed over time, the flooring is laid for years. Therefore, it should be durable, pleasant to the touch and suiting the color palette.

Advantages:

  • gray color has a calming effect on people, in such a room a person quickly rebuilds to rest after a hard day;
  • light shades will visually expand the space. For small rooms, this is an excellent way to visually increase the area;
  • ash laminate fits almost any style - from classic to modern design ideas;
  • panels of these shades are a practical material - dust is not visible on it.

Some people think that this color is rather boring and leads to discouragement. With the rest of the decor elements properly selected, the floor will sparkle with new colors and emphasize the beauty of the entire room.

What styles can be used

Laminate in neutral shades harmoniously fits into almost any interior, regardless of the chosen design.

For a Scandinavian style, this flooring will be a great solution. Calm shades of panels along with simple furniture and bright textile accents are ideally combined and create a mood of peace and tranquility.

Modern styles such as modern, minimalism and hi-tech suggest a small amount of furniture, a minimum of floral prints and a bright accent on one wall or small details. Cold gray color will be an excellent base for creating the necessary emotions. This interior is very popular among young people and middle-aged people. The described laminate is an excellent solution for creating an ultra-modern room design.

The classic English interior organically combines luxurious massive furniture, a carved fireplace and deep gray laminate. It is optimal if the shade of the floor is repeated in other parts of the room - walls, furniture or textile materials.

The combination of a gray palette - from light to almost black, with the use of bright details, will create a cozy mood and demonstrate an excellent sense of style. However, a non-professional can overdo it and make the room too dull and uninteresting. In this matter, it is recommended to listen to the expert opinion of the designer.

Interior ideas (with photo)

Some people are skeptical about this color on the floor, believing that it does not go well with furniture and walls of a different color. But when studying examples of how to use such a floor covering, it becomes clear that this opinion is erroneous. Sometimes decorating a room in the desired mood is impossible without a gray-toned laminate.

Living room

Gray laminate floors in the living room are the perfect base for creating a cozy space in which to relax after a hard day's work. Most often they are used in calm modern interiors.

Plain beige walls, no bulky curtains and geometric shapes are in harmony with the neutral laminate, which has a pattern reminiscent of a gray oak cut. Beveled panels will create the feeling of a natural parquet board.

In large rooms, including living rooms combined with a kitchen, a bright floor with a faded wood pattern looks good. If the room focuses on the floor, you should not highlight the walls and the main furniture. The combination of white and black in the rest of the room will make the studio strict and stylish at the same time.

Textured oak on the floor with a characteristic effect of parquet boards looks good with plain light walls. The furniture is also presented in gray. Such a living room definitely needs living plants. They are necessary to give life and mood.

A walnut-patterned laminate is the perfect base for a classic design. Walls, curtains and doors emphasize natural brown. Upholstered furniture and carpet repeat the gray shades of the laminate. Coverage placed diagonally will visually increase the space.

The unusual arrangement of laminated panels in the living room is an interesting design decision. Repeating the palette in the rest of the interior details will make the room harmonious and give it a finished look.

Kitchen

When choosing a laminate in the kitchen, you should remember that moisture-resistant materials must be used for this area. Currently, flooring manufacturers have in their collections a large number of panels with special impregnation, satisfying the most sophisticated buyers in their colors and textures.

Light gray finish goes well with black furniture. In this case, the feeling of impeccably clean floors is created. In this case, small random drops of liquid will not be noticeable.

Laminated panels with an oak cut pattern and deep bevels create an effect of naturalness and environmental friendliness. The repetition of the color and texture of the material in other elements of the interior - an apron for the kitchen, countertops and other details, will provide a complete and harmonious design.

A completely gray kitchen can seem boring and uninteresting. But in combination with white walls and a black countertop, the interior takes on a playful mood. Light shades of laminate, reminiscent of floor tiles, will add light and visually enlarge the space.

In modern design solutions, the effect of a solid canvas is becoming more and more popular. A gray laminate without visible bevels will achieve the desired result. Laying the flooring will not take much time. The only thing to take care of is the early leveling of the floor. Otherwise, over time, grooves will be visible on the surface - the joints of the laminate.

Square gray tiles in the kitchen seem like a great solution. However, the owners are not too fond of this material, as it is uncomfortable to walk on it. Today there is a pleasant laminate in the form of a tile. In combination with milk-colored kitchen furniture and dark countertops, the kitchen will become a favorite place for spending time with all family members.

Bedroom

In the recreation area, you need to create a cozy protected place. Gray color has just such characteristics. But when using it, you should pay attention to other details and observe harmony: apply shades of color in other decorative elements.

The design solution has gained great popularity when the laminate is laid on the central wall at the headboard. This creates the effect of security and tranquility. Bottom lighting directed at a gray wall will make the room more alive. The horizontal arrangement of the panels visually expands the bedroom.

The combination of incompatible things creates a special atmosphere and demonstrates the character of the owner. Classic white walls, a snow-white bed, a large window make the room bright and airy. The central wall, upholstered in gray laminate with a rough wood pattern, indicates that the owner or hostess has a masculine disposition and firm confidence in the future.

Large laminated stripes with a gray oak pattern are best placed in a bedroom with a large area. Different shades of boards and clearly defined bevels will create the effect of natural parquet.

An absolutely gray bedroom will give your eyes a rest from the abundance of bright colors. Classic laminate in this tone will be an excellent basis for creating a recreation area. At the same time, at least one wall should be left white, otherwise it will be possible to “drown” in dullness. A bright picture harmoniously fits on the central wall.

Lovers of elegant black in the bedroom use a dark gray glossy laminate. In this case, it is imperative to dilute the ensemble with a light zone, for example, with a plain white wall opposite the bed.

Children's

For the children's room, preference is given to light gray shades. Babies need special cleanliness, a light floor will contribute to the effect of sterility.

Gray laminate in the form of floor tiles is a non-standard solution for a child's room. Pleasant to the touch and not cold material will allow the child to spend the whole day on it.

A gray floor with a cut of whitish oak blends harmoniously into a Scandinavian-style teenager's room. Light flooring contributes to the visual increase in space.

Light gray bleached oak will make the room fresh and bright. Chamfers at the joints will create the effect of using a parquet board. Natural wooden furniture in combination with a laminate with a woody pattern will emphasize the environmental friendliness that parents aspire to.

The floor covering, which looks like small worn boards, will add enthusiasm to the room. Bright walls and toys placed everywhere will create a playful mood for the child and his guests.

Teenagers love gray not only in clothes, but also in the arrangement of their room. In combination with white color and a bright picture on the wall, this can be an interesting solution. Gray laminate will organically fit into such an interior.

Hallway

Gray color on the floor in the hallway is not the most common design technique. However, every year such solutions become more and more popular.

Lovers of bright colors in the hallway use a glossy gray laminate that will set off the iridescent palette of walls and furniture.

When arranging a corridor in gray tones, small bright decorative elements should be used. A laminate with a rough wood pattern will emphasize the elegance of light gray walls.

The use of laminate in the form of large square panels resembling tiles has become popular due to the pleasant to the touch material. Creating an interior in white, gray and black colors requires a little bright accent.

A bright carrot wall on one side and a dark plum wall on the other seem to be an absolutely incompatible technique. However, the light gray laminate floor perfectly balances the abundance of colors. The hallway looks stylish and modern.

The light gray scale in the corridor emphasizes cleanliness and impeccability. The light color does not attract dust, which means that the hallway will remain immaculate without much effort. Painting one of the walls in a matte purple shade will create an accent color.

You may also be interested in an article with a selection of interior options with white laminate:.

Laminated panels in different shades of gray will allow you to concentrate on other bright interior details. Glossy floor surfaces contribute to the creation of stylish modern glamour. Classic ash or smoky woodgrain laminate can be used in any room, regardless of its purpose.

Many practical materials are used to decorate the floor. Laminate is one of the most reliable. The right color can make the atmosphere cozy. Gray laminate in the interior is a great choice that suits many styles. Its features are described in the article.

What is a laminate?

This is a long laminated board including 4 bonded layers. Each of them has its own function:

  1. The bottom layer is called the balancing layer. With it, the lamella has some strength and rigidity, as well as resistance to moisture.
  2. Then comes the carrier layer, which is usually made of fiberboard. It is able to cope with the mechanical loads of the coating.
  3. The decorative layer is responsible for the appearance of the coating. It is presented in the form of plain paper with a printed pattern. Therefore, the material is able to imitate different materials, as well as be of any color.
  4. The top layer is presented in the form of a protective film created from melamine or acrylate resin. It does not allow moisture penetration and other external factors. The layer has a wear-resistant property.

Advantages and disadvantages

The material is in high demand. It has many advantages over other types of coatings:

  1. Multicolor. Laminate can be chosen for different types of interiors.
  2. Easy installation and fast production. The cover can even be laid by 1 person.
  3. The material is able to cope with the influence of external factors.
  4. The coating is easy to clean and does not require additional processing after installation.

Now sold white-gray laminate, dark and light gray. Such material is able to emphasize other elements of the interior. But the laminate has some disadvantages:

  1. The coating does not like water, so it is not chosen for rooms where there is high humidity.
  2. Laminate flooring is not hazardous to human health, but everything is not considered environmentally friendly.
  3. Compared to linoleum, carpet, laminate has a low level of sound insulation.

Influence on the interior

Dark gray material is able to visually reduce the space, and light has the opposite effect. The floor is not very dark tones, making the atmosphere airy and soothing. The air in this room will feel cooler and fresher. The owners of such a room strengthen their self-control, people gain peace of mind.

Some shades of gray and combination with beige lead to a strong relaxation, so it will be difficult for a person to focus on important work. Therefore, the gray laminate in the interior is not suitable for all rooms. It should not be chosen for rooms where labor activities are carried out. But it is perfect for dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms.

Monochrome gray is cold, so the room can look lifeless. Not everyone will like this environment, but then you can choose an excellent combination of tone with other shades, for example, in harmony with beige wallpaper. To make the interior more comfortable, warm colors of wood or accents of yellow, orange, terracotta shades allow.

Features of the gray floor

A coating such as gray oak laminate in the interior is suitable for rooms where there is a lot of heat. For example, if the room is located in the sunny part or warm colors predominate in its design. Then the interior will be harmonious.

It is undesirable to use a dark gray coating in rooms where there is not enough lighting. Then the room will be even darker, besides it has a dull look. Being there will not be to everyone's liking.

An excess of this color can make a room depressive, so it should not be too much. If there is a gray laminate in the interior, then the wallpaper should be of a different shade. For this, accessories of warm bright colors are suitable.

Gray laminate is not considered an accent due to its neutrality. With it, it will be possible to emphasize other design elements: walls, windows, furniture. A skillful combination of all the details can make the room cozy.

Choice

When choosing a laminate, attention should be paid to mechanical and chemical resistance. The coating must be resistant to temperature changes. Also, the material should not slip, burn out. It is important that it is easy to install.

For a bedroom or a children's room, you can choose a low-class coverage - 21 or 22. For a corridor, you should not purchase material below class 23. In order for the service life to be long, you should choose a material of at least 31 classes. For the kitchen, choose a material that is protected from moisture. This also applies to the bathroom - class 33 will be the most suitable.

It is important to consider the manufacturer. You should not purchase material from little-known and unreliable companies. It is better to buy a more expensive laminate, but there will be confidence in its quality.

When choosing, you need to look at the dimensions of the slats. If the floor is subjected to heavy loads, then thick slats should be chosen. This affects the reliability of the floor covering, durability. If the floor is under heavy load, then 9-12 mm thick lamellas are needed, and if it is small, then a thickness of 6-9 mm is suitable.

The width and length of the slats are important, this affects the installation speed. A width of 17-20 cm is perfect, which will imitate a wooden floor, as well as a width of 9 cm, which creates the appearance of parquet. The highest figure is 33 cm. You can choose boards 128-136 cm in length.

You need to select the type of locking connection. For beginners, click-locks are suitable. The assembly of such a floor is easier, and in case of an error it is not difficult to disassemble it. An important factor is moisture resistance, especially if the repair will be carried out in the bathroom or in the kitchen.

It is important that the laminate is environmentally friendly. For this, the presence of a certificate and marking is checked. You need material marked E1 or E0. The density of the coating is important.

Use in different styles

Gray laminate in the interior of any room can look beautiful. But most of all, the coating is suitable for:

  1. Minimalism. Gray color cannot attract attention. That is why the floor is perfect for minimalism, which is characterized by free space, airiness and a minimum of accents. It is better to choose a light gray coating. In this style, you can decorate the bedroom, living room, kitchen. Dark gray tones look conservative, with them the interior will be strict and restrained.
  2. Urban style and loft. The first type of design is characterized by the presence of cold tones. The loft usually has bare concrete surfaces or brickwork. Therefore, the gray-brown color in this interior looks natural. The gray coating goes well with glass, white gloss, metal.
  3. Kitsch. In this direction, which rejects interior styles, a gray floor will be an excellent base from which to apply different colors.
  4. Hi-tech. Gray flooring would be the best choice, as there are many shiny metal or plated pieces that gray tones go well with.
  5. Neoclassical style. This laminate is in perfect harmony with furniture fittings made of shiny metal.
  6. Rustic and vintage style. There is a floor covering, the gray color of which is similar to worn and darkened old wood. Such materials are considered an excellent choice for inclusion in rustic or vintage interiors - Provence, country, retro classic. The flooring in this case will emphasize the originality of the stone, stucco, brickwork texture.

The gray laminate in the interior of the apartment makes the atmosphere cozy and comfortable. The main thing is to choose the right details for him so that the design looks harmonious.

With what to combine?

Only the right combination of gray laminate in the interior with other shades makes the atmosphere luxurious. It is an intermediate monochrome color between white and black. Therefore, gray harmonizes perfectly with them. It is great for monochrome interiors, reduces contrast. For a gray laminate, not only white and gray wallpapers are suitable. Allowed use:

  • cream;
  • beige;
  • yellow;
  • blue
  • purple.

Thanks to purple, yellow, blue, you can put bright accents to diversify the gray background of the floor or wallpaper. In a room where there is a gray laminate, you can install furniture of the same color, but it can be white or black.

Walls

All the details must be in harmony in the room. For walls, it is not necessary to choose gray wallpaper. It is desirable that they have a gray color, while its shade may be different. The walls can be blue or blue, as the colors harmonize perfectly.

It will be somewhat easier to choose wallpaper for laminate not in pure gray, but with the addition of other tones: beige or brown. In this case, you can also stick similar wallpapers, creating a smooth transition between the walls and the floor.

Gray laminate and wallpaper in the interior of a suitable color can create a neat design. Often, a transition is made on one of the walls, so it will be possible to decorate the wall at the head, and in the living room to allocate an area near the TV. If the floor is dark gray, then the “cool” tone will be ideal for the walls. Shades are diluted with bright furniture, as well as flowers, paintings and other accessories.

doors

It is important to choose the right combination of gray laminate and doors. It is advisable to choose white doors. But dark gray designs and a light gray floor are also suitable. You should not select the exact match of shades, on the contrary, the discrepancy will look beautiful.

If the color of the door does not harmonize with the color of the floor, then it can be combined with furniture or window frames. For example, if wenge-colored furniture is installed, then it is better to choose a similar shade for the entrance structure, and make the floor neutral gray. The color of the doors is also linked to the color of the walls. For example, with a gray laminate, the doors should be beige.

Furniture

Bright and rich furniture goes well with a gray floor, especially if the walls are muted and calm. Perfectly fits into the interior of red, yellow, purple, blue and orange. To refresh the room, you should choose white furniture. And for a discreet design, black interior items are needed.

Lighting

Lighting is important. It should be sufficient, especially if you choose a dark gray floor. But light shades also need nourishment with light, and then the room will be light. You should choose diffused lighting, not central. To expand the space, you can make a multi-level composition - combine devices not only on the ceiling, but also on walls, floors, furniture.

Accessories are needed so that the laminate does not look boring. They must be placed on the floor. Carpets help freshen up the floor. Contrasting vinyl stickers, panels, paintings harmoniously look on the walls. It is important to use textiles, it makes the atmosphere cozy. Lamps are suitable as decor. On the floor and furniture, you can install figurines, flowers.

Details

There are details that should not be combined with a gray floor:

  1. It is not necessary to make the interior uniform in shades and texture, on the contrary, a play of textures is necessary.
  2. Wooden floors look great with plastered walls, glossy or lacquered furniture, and fabric upholstery on upholstered furniture.
  3. You can choose smooth transitions from light to dark shades.

The correct use of gray color allows you to make the interior original. Many resort to the help of professionals. The completed work looks beautiful and modern.

The times when laminate flooring was represented by two or three woody shades in the store are long gone. Today, dozens of manufacturers produce laminate all over the world, and its possible shades and textures number in the hundreds.

In addition to the usual imitation of wood in beige and brown tones, laminate flooring can now imitate natural leather, marble, stone, artistic parquet, slate, travertine, concrete, cement, granite, ceramic tiles, sandstone and other natural textures, and given modern digital photo printing technologies and possible patterns on the laminate, its color possibilities in the interior become truly limitless.

However, this complicates the task of choosing the color and style of the laminate in the room so that it looks harmonious and holistic there, does not break away from the general concept and style, fits into the color scheme of the interior, fulfills its purpose and functions, emphasizes the design idea and, if necessary, regulates space and geometry of the room. The task is not an easy one.

Laminate color: as we see it

Of course, tastes differ, and you have the right to choose a laminate of any color. But when choosing a color, you should remember about the features of color perception. Our vision is the strongest of the senses, but sometimes it can deceive, cause optical illusions. Don't believe? Then take a look at the photo below: look for 30 seconds at a dot in a color picture, and then look at a black and white photo.

Do you believe now? Same with laminate flooring. In the morning, in daylight, the flooring appears one color, and in the evening at sunset it looks different, and completely different when the electric light is on, as, for example, in these photographs. In the first photo the floor appears red, in the second it looks light brown, although it is the same room, the same material.

In a word, our perception of color largely depends on light sources, the main of which is sunlight, which is either absorbed by objects or reflected from them, falling on the retina of our eye. Each eye contains approximately 37 million light-sensitive receptors. We see the light that physicists call "white", but in fact, if you look at it through a prism, it becomes iridescent, colored, or spectral, and consists of waves of various wavelengths, each of which is recognized by different parts of the brain. Color can affect our well-being, mood, heart rate, brain activity, and even hormones. However, our attitude to color is individual.

Rules for selecting the color of the laminate, which should not be forgotten

Rule number 1. Cardinal direction

The same laminate will look different in different lighting conditions. It makes no sense to choose the same laminate for the entire apartment, and even more so for the house, if the rooms in it face different sides. Therefore, the first thing to consider when choosing a laminate is which side of the world the windows face through which light is poured into the room. Remember that the same laminate on the south or west side of the house will look brighter and redder in the evening than on its opposite side.

By the way, the Taoist teaching of space organization, Feng Shui, also speaks about this: if a room on the south side of the house is painted red and the floor is laid out with mahogany laminate, there will be an excess of fire energy, which will cause increased irritation and aggression in the house. That is why it is extremely important to achieve balanced combinations in the interior, so that the shades of finishing materials balance each other, and do not come into conflict with each other and nature.

On the left - red is clearly an overabundance, on the right - the red floor acts as an accent

The general rule is that the east and north rooms have less sunlight, so they seem darker and colder, especially in the afternoon, when the west side of the house is brightly lit by the sun. In general, rooms facing south or west receive more sunlight, so you can buy laminate in cold tones. But the dull north and east rooms need bright energetic colors, so for them you should choose a laminate in warm color palettes.

Rule number 2. The texture of the material

Remember, we talked about how light is reflected from the surface of objects or absorbed by them? So, not only the color, but also the surface and texture of the laminate interact differently with light. Glossy laminate reflects light, while matte absorbs it. That is why a laminate of the same color, but with a different texture, looks different in the interior.

Taoist teaching also mentions texture and helps to decide between glossy and matte flooring surfaces. Gloss contributes to the too rapid flow of chi energy in the house, which can negatively affect health, sleep, relationships and even finances, so it is not recommended to put glossy laminate in bathrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and long corridors, as well as in rooms with drafts. At the same time, in rooms where there is a stagnation of energy, for example, overloaded with furniture, a glossy laminate is ideal.

In addition, the glossy surface can visually enlarge the space, so with the help of such a laminate you can balance the configuration of a small, narrow or geometrically complex room.

Rule number 3. Geography of residence

It must be remembered that the quality and intensity of natural light is also not the same in all regions. If we lived in Africa, then perhaps we would not need bright saturated interior colors at all. In this case, we would like to hide from the mercilessly scorching sun in some wooden shack. That is why in the south of Russia (as well as in rooms facing the south and west) a laminate of gray-brown, pale beige tones and all cold shades is appropriate.

But since the inhabitants of the European part of Russia do not have enough sun, like air, not to mention the inhabitants of the northern regions, the gray-brown range of shades, if used excessively, can even cause depression, therefore, a mahogany or mahogany laminate is more appropriate in the interior, and also red, red, terracotta and all warm shades.

If you want to use a patterned and photo-printed laminate in the interior, keep in mind that soothing blue shades look good in coastal and sea areas (in southern Russia), but in industrial and bedroom areas (most of Russia) they are rather dull.

Rule number 4. The purpose of the premises

It is important to remember that certain colors suit certain rooms. So, numerous studies show that the color red excites the nervous system and activates the brain. Yellow and orange have a similar effect. These are strong colors that have some kind of physical effect on people, awakening the appetite and increasing the heart rate. That's why red laminate is not the best solution for bedrooms where peace and relaxation are required. But in the kitchen or hallway, red, orange, yellow look very organic.

Thus, when choosing the color of the laminate, consider the purpose of the room, for which this or that room is used. If for relaxation (bedrooms, bathrooms), then it is better to choose more calm, pale, cold shades of laminate. If the room is designed for communication (kitchens, living rooms), then you can use more energetic colors on the floor. Saturated colors are also suitable for rooms that are little used or in which stay is not permanent (corridors, halls, closets, dressing rooms).

Rule #5 Chromatic Circle

The perception of the color of the laminate in the room is affected not only by external and internal lighting, but also by the surrounding color scheme, both in the interior and outside the window. In addition to laminate, walls, ceiling, window view, windows themselves, doors, furniture and furnishings are in the same room, and they all have some kind of color. In combination with them, the color of the laminate can take on shades and halftones that are different from the color you chose it in the store, so it’s better to take into account possible errors right away.

To do this, we turn to the basics - the chromatic circle. Let's take the traditional RYB chromatic circle as an example. It got its name from the first letters of the three basic colors in English: R ed (red), Y ellow (yellow) and B lue (blue). Other colors are obtained by mixing them.

Half of the presented shades are warm, the other half are cold. But all these shades are somehow combined in the brain's neural center. Want to check it out? Look at the red laminate for a couple of minutes, and then look at the white wall. You will see green highlights on it for a long time.

Why is this happening? Now look at the chromatic circle again: red and green are on opposite sides of it. These are contrasting shades, or, more correctly, complementary colors. We already identified three colors at the beginning, remember? Here are their additional (complementary) colors located on the opposite side of the circle: red - green, yellow - purple, blue - orange. The rest of the shades and midtones on the circle also have their own pairs.

In the interior, all colors, being with their couple together in the same room, enhance the color of each other. They become brighter, richer. So, a red laminate will look even redder if there is an evergreen lawn outside the window of your house. And if you opted for a blue-blue laminate, then remember that together with the orange decor in the apartment it will look much brighter.

If this is a living room or a creative workshop, why not? But if such a laminate is chosen in the bedroom, where you need to get enough sleep regularly, you should opt for something more calm or change the wallpaper.

We create a harmonious interior

If you need to revive the interior, just use colors that are opposite each other in the chromatic circle, i.e. complementary (complementary) shades. If you are looking for harmony in the interior, dreaming of comfort, then you should use the colors of the same family. There are three color families:

  • red, yellow and orange formed by mixing them;
  • red, blue and purple formed by mixing them;
  • blue, yellow and green formed when they are mixed.

They are clearly shown on this chromatic circle.

Each color has a tone, from lightest to darkest. If we use colors of the same family and the same tone in one interior (that is, equally light, equally deep / saturated or equally dark), we will get a harmonious and balanced interior, as in this photo.

From the point of view of a harmonious combination of colors, you can use different shades of the same color in the interior, for example brown or beige, but in this case we risk getting a faded and boring interior. Bright accents or the original texture of materials will help save the situation.

Rule number 6. We combine the color of the laminate with the color of the doors

Designers recommend choosing a laminate in the same color as the door or in a contrasting color. In the first case, this design looks especially good with contrasting walls in a long narrow corridor, where several doors open at once, as in the photo below.

In the second case, the door should match the color of the furniture or decorative inserts on the laminate or overlap in color with another finish in the interior, as in the next photo.

Rule number 7. We combine the color of the laminate with the color of the plinth

If the color of the door, architraves, plinth and laminate in the same room is different, then from the point of view of design it will become a real disaster in the interior, full of mismatch and artistic imbalance. Almost like here:

Laminate and plinth of the same color

Plinth of the same color with doors

Skirting board in the color of trims

Skirting board to match wall/wallpaper color

Fashion trends and new technologies

It is not a rule as such, but, in fact, the color and style of the laminate is dictated to us by the manufacturer himself, and the mood in society dictates to him. In times of crisis and depression in the country, people tend to choose neutral shades for decorating their interiors, including gray, beige, black and brown laminate. The manufacturer is forced to adapt to the mood in society, offering the appropriate collections of laminate.

During the period of economic growth in society, as a rule, a positive worldview reigns, the spirit of patriotism, a sense of freedom, creative ideas, so you want to surround yourself in the interior with brighter colors, and the choice falls on a laminate of bright warm and rich colors.

Plus, new technologies appear, laminate with interesting decor, imitations, and textures enters the market, which prompt designers for new interior solutions. So mahogany came into fashion, then for some time a shade of cherry, olive, chestnut was popular. With the advent of new technologies, not so much colors have become fashionable as unusual laminate textures: brushing, rustic embossing, sawn effect, crack imitation, 3D, synchronous embossing, tile imitation, reptile skin, glossy finish.

Optical illusions in the interior

Due to the peculiarities of our color perception and visual color effects, the correct use of color in the interior will help correct the geometry of the room:

  • visually increasing, if necessary, its ceiling;
  • expanding the boundaries of a narrow room;
  • shifting too large and uncomfortable space;
  • mirrors / gloss correcting the wrong floor geometry or increasing the space;
  • distracting from the shortcomings of the room with bright colored blocks.

The latter technique has gained extraordinary popularity. Its main advantage is availability and ease of use. So, if you want to divert attention from a low ceiling or other imperfection in a room, just use a red or other bright laminate in a neutral frame, then everything else will fade into the background.

We correct the geometry of the room with the color of the laminate

As a general rule, all light and white shades visually increase the space, expanding it. That is why such interiors seem spacious. Dark and black shades, on the contrary, visually reduce the room, and when they are overabundant, they cause a gloomy mood. By experimenting with the color palette in a room, you can achieve amazing effects by knowing the influence and power of dark and light shades and their combinations. Here are some simple examples.

This room looks, no doubt, spacious. But using white alone in a room can feel like an uninviting hospital interior. Nevertheless, this is a good, and sometimes the only right solution for very small rooms in the "living rooms". In addition, light shades are abundant in Scandinavian interiors.

This combination visually enlarges the ceiling, but, unfortunately, narrows and shortens the room, so it is ideal only for large rooms with low ceilings, where there is a need to emphasize the plane of the horizon. If the floor is not crowded with furniture or carpet, then a light floor can create a feeling of instability, lack of support, but if you put a carpet on it, you can get the feeling of a cellar.

This technique is usually used in spacious rooms, since the dark color tends to reduce the space. In such combinations, it plays the role of an accent, like any bright / contrasting spot in the interior. In some cases, with its help, it is possible to somewhat increase the depth of the room or zone the room.

This technique is best used in rooms with irregular geometry, sharp corners, columns, which is often found in modern monolithic houses. The dark color draws attention to itself, distracting from the ledges in the room, which, thanks to the white color, become barely noticeable. Light laminate and ceiling in this case help to pull the room up.

This combination visually reduces the size of the room and lowers the ceiling, and the light floor creates a feeling of instability. Nevertheless, with the right arrangement of furniture, selected decor and lamps, you can achieve balance in such an interior.

Light laminate and light walls create a sense of space, visually expanding the room, but the dark ceiling visually reduces its height. This combination is relevant for rooms with irregular geometry, trapezoidal shape, as well as for non-residential premises, exhibitions, galleries.

Ideal for most living spaces. Dark laminate creates a feeling of reliability, stability of the floor. The light ceiling seems higher than it actually is. And light walls expand the space, making it bigger.

This combination is suitable for small and narrow rooms with high ceilings, because the dark laminate in combination with the dark ceiling reduces the height of the room, making it seem lower. Light walls, on the contrary, expand the room. This option looks good in the "Stalinka".

This combination gives the feeling of a cellar in the apartment, as if the light penetrates into it only from above, through a light ceiling. To brighten up this feeling, a light-colored carpet on a laminate will help.

Since the dark color narrows the space, such a room seems much smaller than it really is. Nevertheless, in combination with stylish decor, photo wallpapers and proper lighting, in some situations this design looks appropriate and harmonious. Most often this technique is used by cafes, clubs and other public institutions. Of course, the room for this must have sufficient volume so that there is something to reduce.

Laminate and 8 basic styles in the interior

The Scandinavian style in the interior is characterized by freshness, coolness, white colors and a lot of light - daylight, electric, any. Lightness, a certain amount of romanticism, open spaces and a lot of air. With such bright and spacious interiors, the Scandinavians are trying to compensate for the lack of sunlight. Many details and accessories add coziness.

Use laminate flooring in the lightest tones: frosty, white, weathered, arctic, limestone, ivory, blonde, platinum, northern, bleached, alaska.

Natural beauty in country style. The interior is suitable for cottages, village and country houses. Natural shades of wood in the design of walls, ceilings, floors. The interior looks natural and as close to nature as possible. Fits well in eco-design.

Use laminate in natural shades: oak, pine, woody, country, vanilla, lounge, loft, pebble, natural, spring.

Art Nouveau interiors use soft and delicate cotton tones and combinations. The choice is made in favor of natural lines and textures, including velvety ones.

Use laminate in natural shades: natural, cotton, cedar, glaze, ivory, sequoia, quartz, cream, sand, almond.

The main distinguishing feature of this style is natural brickwork, which is used to decorate at least one wall in the room. In another way, this style can be described as "City Lights", or industrial, urban. Suitable for residents of metropolitan areas. Modern style for modern people.

Use gray laminate flooring: ash, concrete, silver, grey, quartz, slate, breeze, smoke, platinum blonde, dark grey, silver, silver grey, bleached oak, stone.

The traditional style is the choice of many homes. The basis of it is a rich brown color. Classical furniture, traditional decor, conservatism of lines, familiar images and outlines. Rich interiors in warm rich colors.

Use laminate in rich brown shades: oak, teak, flounder, amber, suede, honey, chestnut, magnolia, nutmeg, golden, barley, cappuccino.

Retro style in the interior reproduces the past. Original furniture and original details help turn back the clock. It can be a 20s styling with a touch of luxury and patina on the walls, or a 50s-60s style with polished surfaces and a bold color palette. A glossy laminate imitating polished artistic parquet is suitable.

Use laminate flooring in tan, caramel, and aged shades: vintage, castle old, weathered, sunset gold, gold, golden honey, sawn, frappuccino, impresso, chestnut, old oak, cracked, antique, worn.

Exotic African motifs in the interior help to revive it. Warm dark chocolate decors and characteristic accessories create the spirit of travel and the magic of adventure.

Use laminate in dark brown and chocolate tones: prestige oak, black walnut, hardened oak, resinous, wenge, African, ash, zebra.

The interior uses plastic, metal, glass, strict straight lines and high technology. The style expresses prestige, image, solidity and respectability, suitable for offices and refined home interiors.

Use the darkest shades of laminate: taupe, black, wenge, slate, anthracite, basalt, stone, resinous, concrete, charcoal, midnight, mica.

Laminate color in the interior: meaning, mood, atmosphere

In many ways, the color of the entire interior is influenced by the color of the floor, in our case, the laminate. The color of the floor is especially important because we walk on it, which means that we either feel confident and secure in our position, or its instability, which is achieved by the color of the laminate. It is the color of the laminate that creates the primary harmony in the interior. Almost every color can be used in both cold and warm interiors.

White color symbolizes purity and innocence, promotes new beginnings. It is like a blank canvas on which you can draw whatever you want. The light laminate in the room expands, increases the space on the floor, lets more light into the room, adds volume to it.

Positive associations: freshness, light, eternal values, airiness.

Negative associations: coldness, severity, lifelessness.

Basic shades: cream, ivory, sea shell, magnolia. In the laminate, this color is presented as blond, patina, silver.

Suitable for: living rooms, kitchens, fireplace rooms, bathrooms, halls, bedrooms, Scandinavian style.

In combination with white and blue walls, it looks arctic cold.

In combination with brown and other warm or neutral shades in the interior, white or light-colored laminate will look warmer.

A modern color that can be both neutral, background, and very fashionable, leading in the interior. It is very common in nature and therefore has become a favorite color for designers in the design of modern urban interiors. Despite its coldness, it can become part of the interior in warm colors.

Positive associations: calmness, elegance.

Negative associations: dullness.

Gray laminate has dozens of shades: steel, lead, basalt, anthracite, slate, mica, fieldgrau, lead, granite, coal, silver, mother-of-pearl, wet asphalt.

Suitable for: Living Rooms, Kitchens, Halls, Hallways, Bedrooms, Offices, Study Rooms, Hi-Tech Interiors, Loft Styles, Exotic Rooms, Colonial Interiors.

Gray laminate as part of a cold interior:

Gray laminate in a warm interior:

Black is the color of independence and strength, full of mystery. With the help of black laminate it is possible to create stylish and elegant interiors. Depending on the surrounding colors in the room, it can personify luxury, contrast, prestige, extravagance, or even pathos.

Positive associations: mystery, intrigue, style, strength, attraction, luxury, elegance.

Negative associations: darkness, gloom, sadness.

Basic shades and pigments: soot, coal, graphite, burnt bone, carbon. Black laminate is mainly represented by wenge color and its varieties.

Suitable for: bedrooms, teen rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, halls, hallways, high-tech interiors, urban style, colonial style, exotic interiors depending on the shade.

Black laminate in the interior in cold colors:

Black laminate in a warm interior:

The color of the earth, natural nature. Widespread in interior design.

Positive associations: safety, stability, comfort.

Negative associations: depression, old age.

Brown has dozens of shades / pigments: umber, bistre, copper, red, ocher, sepia, light brown, brown, hazel, brick, light brown, chamois, coffee, wheat, burnt sienna and others. Brown is the main color of the laminate imitating natural wood, so its shades are endless here.

Depending on the shade, it is suitable for: offices, halls, corridors, hallways, fireplace room, living rooms, libraries, rustic style, classic style, English style, colonial style, country, retro, loft interiors, modern style, eco-design.

Brown laminate most often contributes to the creation of warm, cozy interiors, as in this picture.

And here is a clear example of how brown laminate can become part of a very cold interior in combination with white / gray walls, furniture with metal legs and minimalist style.

Red is the main spectral color with the longest wavelength. An ambiguous and risky color that sometimes you want to stop, so in interior design it is often used as an accent. It reduces the size of the room, but increases the size of individual items that are emphasized in the interior.

Positive associations: warmth, energy, prosperity, passion.

Negative associations: war, blood, fire, aggression, anger, hatred.

Red has dozens of shades / pigments: scarlet, ruby, burgundy, carmine, crimson, magenta, cardinal, fuchsia, rusty, raspberry, chestnut, garnet, coral, pink and others. Red laminate is presented in both shades of wood (mahogany, mahogany) and modern shades.

Suitable for: kitchen, dining room, hall, living room, study, colonial style.

In combination with beige, light brown paints, warm shades of red laminate contribute to the creation of a cozy interior, imbued with luxury. Ideal for these purposes is a laminate with a texture of mahogany, mahogany, merbau or cherry.

Energetic color, strong, promotes communication and arouses appetite.

Positive associations: happiness, joy, intelligence, cheerfulness, communication.

Negative associations: rebellious color.

Basic shades: orange, honey, amber, carrot, chestnut, rusty, red, pumpkin. In the laminate, it is mainly represented by red shades of brown with imitation of wood textures.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms, corridors, vintage style, retro design.

Most often, orange laminate becomes part of a warm, cozy interior. This is facilitated by warm-colored walls, warm-colored furniture, energetic decor, wooden windows and doors.

However, in combination with light walls and metallic furnishings, the brightness of the orange laminate is slightly muted.

Laminate in warm beige and yellow tones helps to create calm, peaceful interiors full of harmony. Depending on the shade, depth and saturation of the beige or yellow laminate, it can create both neutral and more cheerful interiors.

Positive associations: sun, serenity, optimism.

Negative associations: selfishness, arguments.

This group of colors comes in dozens of laminate shades including acacia, oak, birch, beech, maple, ash and other natural/neutral tones.

Depending on the shade, beige/yellow laminate is suitable for: living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, corridors, dining rooms, offices, loft style, country style, modern style, rustic style, modern interiors.

This is a versatile and unpretentious laminate in care, on which defects are not visible and which can hardly get bored. Neutral shades may seem boring, but bright accents in the interior offset this drawback.

Beige laminate in warm colors can become the basis for a cold interior.

In combination with bright colors in the interior, beige or yellow laminate seems even warmer.

When choosing flooring for your apartment, you want to find something unusual that will look beautiful and at the same time remain practical. The traditional colors of bleached oak and cherry have already become boring and many refuse them. If you choose laminate flooring, then beige and gray are now considered the most popular colors.

Many perceive the gray laminate in the interior very critically, but in fact it can very organically fit into the overall design of your apartment, make it more comfortable, visually expand and fill it with strict restraint of aristocracy.

If you want to break away from traditional solutions and add some zest to your home, then gray laminate is an excellent choice. It is not yet very popular, but manufacturers offer various color variations and shades. So you can choose the most suitable option for yourself.

The gray color is rather ambiguous. Some consider it rather dull and boring, some say that it negatively affects the human psyche. Other scientists have proven that, on the contrary, it helps relieve stress, pacifies a person’s condition and has a beneficial effect on his mood. In addition, more recently, in the course of research, scientists have found that shades of gray do not tire a person.

If you think that gray laminate in the interior is boring, you are wrong! The use of this color and all its shades provides ample opportunities for creating an interesting design of the room. Gray flooring will create contrast and highlight furniture or walls, as well as small details and accessories.

Gray is not as strict as black, not as simple as white, and not too saturated and bright as other colors. The flooring, made in gray colors, will give your apartment nobility, laconic restraint and elegance. In addition, the gray laminate in the interior will bring to life very interesting design solutions.

What shade is better to use for flooring

Many people know that the dark color visually narrows the boundaries and makes the room small and strict, light shades, on the contrary, expand it, make it spacious. Designers are guided by these principles when creating interior decor, choosing the necessary color schemes and shades of laminate.

When choosing the color of the floor, this factor is very important to consider, since it is he who will place the necessary accents in the interior design. So light gray laminate will add light, coolness and severity to the room. To add contrast and create some dynamics, it is better to choose a dark gray laminate. If you want something warmer, you can use gray oak laminate in the interior or a brownish tint.

With the help of a gray laminate of various shades, it is convenient to zone a small room. And by choosing a material that has a transition from light to dark, you can add some charm to the design of the room. An apartment in which the gray shade of the laminate continues in wallpaper, panels or accessories will look great. So light flying curtains of this color, like a cobweb enveloping the windows, will create an antique style and fill the apartment with air.

In what styles does a gray laminate look as organic as possible

Despite the fact that gray is a universal color, there are some nuances that need to be taken into account when using it in the interior. This mainly concerns the style of decorating the room, because for all the harmony of the color, it will not look organic in some solutions.

Gray laminate looks best in an interior designed in classic, Scandinavian or hi-tech style. In such a design, you need to make rich color accents, you can organically fit chrome elements, the number of which should be moderate. This solution will give the room dynamics and individuality.

This floor design is also appropriate in the kitsch style, which many consider a mixture of various design solutions when creating interiors. The gray color will perfectly connect the disparate elements of the decor, characteristic of kitsch, and smooth out the violent design fantasy.

It is more difficult to combine a gray floor with rococo, baroque and art deco styles. They represent the luxury of the Middle Ages. However, if you plan the decor of the room correctly, the use of expensive wood, silk, velvet, gold and silver can harmonize perfectly with gray laminate. By combining silver shades with a floor in this color, you can create a very sophisticated interior that will surprise your guests.

We select the design of the walls

If you have finally decided to use a gray laminate in the interior of your apartment, you need to decide on the correct design of the walls. It's not too difficult, since gray is versatile and goes with almost any color scheme. So you can choose wallpaper for a gray laminate or a shade of paint for the walls yourself.

However, to make the right choice, you still need to follow a few rules. If you want to decorate the walls in warm colors, then the floor should be within this color range.

For example, you can use gray oak in the interior. If you initially chose a dark gray laminate, choose a “cool” color for the walls, and beautiful furniture in rich colors, paintings, flowers and other accessories can be used to dilute these tones.

But if you are a creative and creative person, it is not necessary to blindly follow these recommendations of designers. Turning on fantasy and imagination, you can choose any wallpaper for a gray laminate, the main thing is that you and your guests like what happens in the end.

Precautions and Details

There are elements that are in no way combined with this color scheme of the flooring. For example, it is better to avoid uniformity, both in texture and in color shades. If you have chosen a gray floor, be sure to dilute it with a metallic sheen, complement the interior with wallpaper with bold ornaments and bright colors. Such elements do not create a boring and gloomy atmosphere, which many are afraid of. Juicy shades will enliven the interior, making it amazing and unique.

Different textures should be used in the gray interior.

Gray laminate in the interior is a very bold decision. This color is both versatile and quite complex. It all depends on the overall design of the room and the chosen color scheme. If you manage to choose everything correctly, then your apartment will be very modern, fashionable and stylish. So you show your courage and individuality. Surprise your guests, be bold when choosing interior design!
One example of using a light gray laminate in the interior is in the next video. The specialists of the project "Get in trouble" create a contrasting interior of the living room in a modern style. You may find the design ideas used by the designers useful.Enjoy your viewing!


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