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Gray rage = greige? Ivory cabinets making repose gray paint look purpl

10 years ago
Two questions:
1) any decor I can use to tone down the purple in my Repose Gray wall?
2) what backsplash should I use that won't highlight the yellows and pinks in my cabinets?

Ive had no paint and no backsplash for two years because I just can't decide...now it's time and nothing seems to work.

I did everything I was supposed to do! I bought a sample, painted a large swatch, and lived with it for over a month before moving forward with painting! And now it looks purple!! Argh!!

We have Wellborn Forest cabinets in the "champagne" color, which is a creamy/ivory color with just a hint of pink (much to my dismay!) The SW repose gray looks awesome everywhere EXCEPT right next to the cabinets - there it is pulling purple, I suspect because of the yellows and pinks in the cabinets. I should have researched to see there was some maroon in Repose Gray. Whoops. I don't think you can really tell in the picture - dang iPhone!

I really don't want to change the color - anything I can put on the wall to soften the purple? I need some color theory. I was thinking something a natural wood color?

Secondly, I have no backsplash...and need to narrow down my choices but am not sure where to start after my wall color issues. I want something that won't make my cabinets look even more pink or yellow. The countertops are Uba Tuba.

Thank-you SO MUCH! After two years, it's time to finally finish this kitchen and I appreciate any help you can give me to lessen my greige rage (haha!) (then maybe I can start the next phase of new oven and a vent hood!)

Comments (12)

  • 10 years ago
    Do the backsplash in stainless steel. It will give a neutral where needed and will make the stove seem less of a lump.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Repaint !!! to a warmer gray with a greener undertone. Get a subway splash in soft white and move on with life. It. is. paint.

  • 10 years ago
    New paint is the only answer, sorry!
  • 10 years ago
    Thanks all - I guess I can change the color -
    I'm a stay at home mom on a budget with no time to paint so I hate to do it...but I suppose you're right that it'll be worth it. Maybe I'll live with it a month and go from there.

    Ideas on colors? Green undertone was mentioned - something like SW Silver Strand?

    Thanks for the backsplash ideas - I hadn't thought of stainless steel, though I think it's just not quite my style. I may try for the cream subway tiles like suggested, though I'd have to test colors obviously to find one that didn't clash with the cabinets.

    Thank you! I'm new to this and have little time to work on it with a 13 month old, so all of your time has been appreciated!!
  • 10 years ago

    Gray is not the answer to everything. Take a cabinet door to Sherwin Williams and ask for a color match. Black and white kitchens are nice. Put red accents on the countertop. Skip the backsplash. It's been two years and you've been fine without one.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    You can have the SW Repose Gray mixed without the maroon which IS in it! I just did this!

  • 10 years ago

    Sad to say, I'd repaint to a gray with blue undertones. Using a solid color backsplash leaves you the option to add color via decor and not anything more permanent or expensive. Glass gives you an interesting depth that standard tile does not.




  • 9 years ago

    Repose Gray is a great color. I think the issue here is that, along with brown, it also has taupe undertones. In this case, the taupe has a really small undertone of pink which could be the problem. I would not have known this without doing some testing myself and talking to someone at Sherwin Wms.

  • 9 years ago

    I've painted the walls in my kitchen no less than 7 times over the years. It's only paint. everyone is telling you why it's leaning purple. get a different color. Uba Tuba has greens in it so maybe something in the green/gray family??? go online and order some free samples of tiles you like for the splash.

    have the kids help you paint. they'll love it (cover everything!)

  • 9 years ago

    Beth, you're so right about it being only paint. I've had to remind myself of that many times!

  • 9 years ago
    Thanks so much for the comments! Color theory really is interesting. I still haven't repainted but am considering many of the comments suggested! And I was only joking about "gray rage" - I promise I know it's only paint