Hold those ‘rainy day’ associations - grey is Autumn’s hottest shade. Cool, contemporary and understated, this is a fresh staple colour for any room.

Grey mixes readily with other hues (try rich berry tones or vibrant crimson), and is equally at home in a masculine or feminine interior. And despite its ‘hot right now’ factor, grey goes the distance, offering timeless elegance.

A common misconception is that grey can look flat or lifeless. This is where texture comes in. Build layers of greys, and you’ll achieve a warm, subtle depth. Try mixing dusty aluminium with darkest charcoal, then bring this modern palette to life with flashes of silver and reflective surfaces.

Texture and pattern will also lift grey out of the doldrums. Look for leather, velvet, wool and embellished fabrics, and pair with painted wood, glass and lacquer for a luxurious bedroom or living room.

Designers at Heal’s are definitely in a grey area for Autumn. Key furniture pieces include Matthew Hilton’s Luna Easy Chair and the Kin nest of Tables by Frank, both for Heal’s ReDiscovers.

Or tap into the trend with grey accents, such as the Tom Dixon Mirror Ball Floor Lamp or the Electra Mineral Zig Zag rug.

See? Nothing is black and white.