First, I put a rug in the living room, nearly large enough to cover the entire floor. I found a traditional taupe and ivory rug at Costco and a very pale, pale gray sofa at Costco as well. Next, I told you about the black fireplace (Big Lots!) we used to bring balance to the room, and I added some rustic wood end tables and accessories. The black and the wood help cut the gray, but also they add a warmth which keeps the gray and gold room from looking fake. Finally, I stuck with black and ivory patterned pillows and throws sprinkled with gold flecks to pull in the gold from the fixtures. I chose a single accent color to make things pop—a dark green (Pottery Barn). The taupe, ivory, black, green and wood touches, reduced the gray and made the property feel warm and homey.