I am partial to French and Belgian decor in large part because of their primary use of the earthen based neutral "Greige". Greige is a proprietary French blend of grey and taupe, it's raw and ethereal while at the same time complex and sophisticated (especially when mixed with modern minimalism). It pairs equally well with saturated bold hues and faded colors. Natural fiber textiles, velvets, leathers and hides elevate Greige to chic. The widespread popularity of this palette transcends from home decor to the runway (Dior made soft grey eponymous with luxe) to beauty (Bobbi Brown offers a Greige eye palette).
I think the above palette board evidences the ethereal sophisticated glory of Greige, with the layering of white soft sheepskin and contrasting rough sisal rugs. A brown leather tufted chesterfield sofa (such as Restoration Hardware's Kensington Sofa) juxtaposed against gilded French armchairs would be a cool compliment to this palette, and I would throw in a modern Kartell Bloom Pendant for a minimalist twist with sparkling texture.
Here are my favorite Greige moments in design.
Sophie Malgat in Gray Chiffon Dior in Dior's Paris Home by Mark Shaw, available on 1stDibs.
Crisp Greige Swedish living room via Decorpad.
Natural Greige elements, via Haute Design.
Masculine Greige, via Next Luxury.
Moroccan Rough Luxe Greige, via Lieuk Interieur Advies.
Romantic French Greige, via Haute Design.
Modern Art Greige, via Architectural Digest Espana.
Courtyard Dior Gray Chiffon by Mark Shaw, available at Jackson Fine Art.
Moody contemporary Greige in a Paris apartment by Matt Watts, Home Adore.