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Choosing Paint: How To Pick the Right Gray
Which Version of Today's 'It' Neutral Is For You?
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior color selection. I also create Design Plans for DIYers. I'd love to help you through my eDesign Service {and it doesn't matter where you live!}. Visit my blog at http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle.
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Gray has certainly undergone a radical transformation in the past few years — in terms of how we view it, that is. No longer is gray only associated with dreary days, serious attire and a gloomy outlook. This quiet neutral has shaken off its bad rap. Gray has not only replaced beige as being the "It" neutral, but grays are now synonymous with style, sophistication and glamour. Read on for some hints on picking a great gray paint color for your space.
More: How to Find the Right White
More: How to Find the Right White
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| Silver gray. Lighter gray paint colors actually look silver, and they will appear luminous in a well-lit space. When paired with white, these silvery grays create a dazzling space that is also serene. There's nothing gloomy about that.
Paint Pick: Zircon 7667 by Sherwin-Williams |
Medium gray. I don't know why, but gray and yellow seem to be made for each other. Many people are hesitant to use yellow but when put with gray, it just works. You can create a cheery space by using a soft mid-tone gray with vivid yellow accents.
Paint Pick: North Star 6246 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint Pick: North Star 6246 by Sherwin-Williams
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| Greige. The gray office cubicle has definitely received a bad reputation. However, as shown here, a very warm gray can be a terrific choice for a workspace whether it's a home office, studio or craft room. These warmer shades of gray are called greige because they are a cross between gray and beige. This color is welcoming, cozy and far from being drab.
Paint Pick: Mega Greige 7031 by Sherwin-Williams |
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| Nature's Gray. Gray in the kitchen is becoming very popular these days. Because kitchens are such a huge gathering place, use a gray that is warm and inviting. If greige looks too taupe to you, turn to nature for inspiration. Many birds and other animals, rocks and pebbles are perfect shades of warm gray.
Paint Pick: Gray Horse 2140-50 by Benjamin Moore |
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| Pewter. Like other neutrals, gray gives you limitless possibilities as far as introducing other hues. However, don't forget to include different textures and patterns, as well. This will keep the more saturated grays from appearing too drab. Here, a pewter (gray with a bit of bronze) wall color is tempered by a host of of fun colors and playful patterns.
Paint Pick: Stone Harbor 2111-50 by Benjamin Moore |
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| Blue gray. Grays with blue undertones are very cool and almost have a steel-like appearance to them. Bluish grays are a wonderful way to 'cool off' a south-facing room where the sun is constant throughout the day.
Paint Pick: Mt. Rainier Gray 2129-60 by Benjamin Moore |
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Purple gray. The dark gray used in this space has purplish undertones, which is a great color for a more casual space. This shade of deep gray is less formal than one that leans more towards blue or black.
Paint Pick: Exclusive Plum 6263 Sherwin-Williams
Paint Pick: Exclusive Plum 6263 Sherwin-Williams
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| Charcoal gray. Deep charcoal grays are more subdued. Also called smoky gray, this color is very calming which makes it a great choice for a bedroom. The deepest grays exude a feeling of elegance, and they create a striking contrast when paired with white or vivid colors.
Tip: Bright yellows are commonly used with charcoal gray, but try experimenting with other unexpected hues such as lime green, cranberry red or burnt orange. Paint Pick: Gilbraltar 6257 by Sherwin-Williams |
| Slate gray. Yes, you can use gray with tan, beige and other organic hues. It doesn't always feel right to put these neutrals together but it can work well if you incorporate different finishes. For example, in this photo walls painted with slate gray serve as a backdrop for stained wood cabinetry.
Paint Pick: Steely Gray 7664 by Sherwin-Williams |
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| Subtle gray. A subtle gray tint is a nice alternative to white. Gray tints will provide a feeling of openness to small or windowless rooms.
Paint Pick: Cascade White 2127-70 by Benjamin Moore More: Going Greige How to Find the Right Blue How to Find the Right White Great Gray Spaces |
Ideabook updated on July 11, 2012.
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I've paired it with bright white trim, creamy white upholstery, soft gold and cream printed
Linen curtains,and accents of navy, gold, red and white. Lovely !
I love best that photo of the deep gray with the light colored wood. Very pretty combo!
Need an advise .
The wall in the bedroom covered with Laura Ashley Oriental Garden Linen wallpaper. My bed is White/cream.
I just cant figure out what Gray to put on the walls
Thanks in advance
Anyone know where the sofa in the first photos is from?
We recently talked about the soft gray trend in home staging (I think the color is also completely inoffensive and perfect for staging your home): http://blog.17thandriggs.com/2011/04/monday-design-tip-paint-staging/
http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/07/decorating-ideas-paint-colors.html
(Also Stonigton Gray and Coventry Gray by B Moore. Yum! Try either mixed half-white for smaller spaces.)
Here's a link to my blog post on the gray trend and why trends work their "magic" on us
http://veredrosendesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/gray-is-new-brown-and-how-do-trends.html
I suppose you have already heard that the dark floors show every little thing. Mine are dark cherry and they don't show too much but any darker and they would.
You might want to also post this in 'discussions' to get more responses.
As you are choosing a gray palette, I've included two photos of kitchens that you may be interested in where brushed brass has been used for both the hardware and plumbing fixtures. Lighting fixtures in an oil rubbed bronze IMHO would look fabulous with it.
Hope this helps you out a bit.