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For a pale and subtle gray, choose Benjamin Moore's Gray Owl OC-52. It's the color I specify in every home I design.
The only competition Benjamin Moore's Tundra 2133-70 has to being the perfect gray is Christian Grey himself.
Low-VOC Paint, Steel, Serena & Lily Save Email Low-VOC Paint, Steel, Serena & Lily - $45 2 This steel color is a beautiful example of a cool gray. Notice the violet tones? If you're going to use the cool gray, say, in a nursery, you may want to warm it up with some yellows or pinks. If the room were all violets and blues, it might look too cool. More: Get more ideas for using gray
Evening Hush, Behr 2 Evening Hush is very dark but has nice warm undertones. It almost looks as if the sun is setting on it. (See those yellows?)
A citrus-yellow sofa with charcoal piping against a charcoal accent wall. "Nearly any bright color pops against gray," Hale says. "I'm loving the gray-orange-cream combo now — hot in fashion too — and gray with hits of bright yellow."
Using cool charcoal as an accent in a lighter gray room is the perfect way to create a focal point. "Light gray walls feel crisp and airy, while darker tones create a sultry, sexy, cozy mood," she says.
room, warm-tone charcoal provides the backdrop for different colors, patterns and lines. It gives the room a nice weight and feels a bit more formal than white would. "Art jumps off gray walls," Hale says.
Warm charcoal above the bright white wainscoting adds a lot of drama to this dining room but doesn't get too flashy about it. "A common mistake people use in selecting gray is using a 'cold' gray for a wall color. Grays with brown undertones can really warm up a room," says Hale.
Gray and yellow are a winning pair. Gray's subtleness allows yellow to shine in all its cheerful glory. The crazier the combination of bright and colorful patterns in your upholstery or home accessories, the more welcome a gray background becomes as a way to counterbalance all the visual activity with cool simplicity.
Is it gray? Is it blue? A blue-gray is a nice way to get the best of both worlds. It looks amazing with rich wood or brown leather furniture. A unique idea is to paint your walls and the floor the same blue-gray
Gray used in bathrooms with white wainscoting and white ceramic plumbing fixtures feels crisp and classy. It complements the natural grays in the floor tile as well as the silvery tones of the fanciful mirror and lighting.
The newest direction in traditional kitchens is to retain the revered traditional sillouettes and cabinet hardware, but mix things up a bit by painting cabinets gray (instead of the expected white) and using brass (instead of the expected brushed nickel). Don't you love this twist?
Another gray wall, this time in the living room, is a sophisticated backdrop for enlarged black-and-white family photos. The white sofa with white curtains keep the space casual and on the lighter side.
Gray painted walls are a wonderful backdrop for a collection of black and white photos set up in a gallery wall. The white matting and white floor base create a dramatic contrast.
Don't be afraid to paint a nursery gray. Not every child's room has to be a kaleidoscope of bright colors. A simple decal and a small colorful banner are all you need for touches of color. The rest of the space can be kept simple and plain so as not to overwhelm a baby's developing senses.
In the bedroom, soothing dark gray walls and bedding keep it simple and provide a cocoon-like space to relax and shut out the bright lights and loud noises of the world — at least temporarily.
Chez Laurent 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reminiscent of the majestic white oak, Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak OC-20 is part of Candice Olson's Designer Picks collection.
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