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4/17/17

EXPLORING WALL COLOR: GRAY

EXPLORING COLOR

Benjamin Moore BENNINGTON GRAY

ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS IN DECORATING YOUR HOME 
IS CHOOSING A PAINT COLOR

Decorating is always easier if you have a clear color palette in mind.
Even with an idea of what colors you want in a room, selecting paint can be a daunting task.
There are literally thousands of colors to choose from, and even if you have a general idea what you will be using in your decor, wall color is difficult.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help make it a little bit easier:

DO:  CHOOSE A NEUTRAL COLOR FOR YOUR WALLS
Kylie M Interiors
[Benjamin Moore GRAY OWL]

I'm not talking beige or tan here.  Neutrals are not limited to whites, tans, browns, grays and beiges. Nearly every color can be a neutral - It will be the muted down or grayed down version of that color, but that is actually the best version to have on your walls.  It will enhance but not overpower the rest of your decor.

Your wall color should not be the first thing you see when you enter a room - it should all pull together as one balanced look.  If your guests say, "Wow, now that's a wall color".... you've missed the mark. They should be saying, "What a beautiful room!..".


DO:  TRY YOUR COLORS OUT BEFORE PAINTING

Paint some samples of the colors you are considering.

Instead of painting samples on your walls, paint two coats (letting it dry between coats) on poster board or foam core board. Leave a 2" white border around the sample, otherwise the current color on the wall may influence how you see the new color.  This allows you to tack the poster board to your wall and move the board around the room to see it in different lighting.

Clay Beige by Benjamin Moore
Paint often has hidden undertones that may not be immediately visible. That's important, because wall color is affected by light, and the light in your home is different from the light in anyone else's home.  Light changes throughout the day with the position of the sun and there is artificial light in the evening that differs with wattage and the type of light.  Natural light is also influenced by the direction your room faces and sometimes with the vegetation in your yard.  You may find that soft sage green that looked lovely in the paint store turns into pea soup in your home's evening light.  So live with your samples for a day or two - and see if it is a color you love.


Accessible Beige - Sherwin Williams
DON'T:  LET COLOR INTIMIDATE YOU

Paint is the easiest and least expensive design element to change.

Don't stress over wall color - if it doesn't turn out as hoped, just repaint.
Bennington Gray - Benjamin Moore


Woodstock Tan (Benjamin Moore)


Neutral

(Valspar -Blue Arrow)

Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore's color palette is truly exceptional.  (Pottery Barn also uses their paint for the catalog).   Sherwin Williams has a great selection of grays, cool beiges and grayed down greens and blues.  In face, gray is not limited to the lighter version of black you grew up with.  Today's gray includes a full spectrum of color and intensity and looks beautiful paired with your favorite color.


Gray looks wonderful with silver, and surpisingly just as elegant with gold.

It is beautiful paired with cream or crisp white


Gray doesn't overpower or fight with other colors.  It is the perfect well-behaved neutral.  It is perfect with warm tones.

It warms up with burnt orange or pumpkin

One of my favorite combinations is a soothing gray beige with cream and tan
A calm gray beige with white is a perfect palette for a soothing nursery
Gray-blue creates a cool, clean classic with white and chrome/silver
Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) accented with black


Fabric and Upholstery take on the gray tones in this design by Candice Olson


Darker greys create a more masculine atmosphere

and a more dramatic design

 
a combination of gray and tobacco with darker woods -
proof that gray works with nearly every color and wood tone

soft gray painted cabinets

Gray and white  -  a classic look

beautiful layers - light gray walls with deeper upholstery and rich wood tones
Centsational Girl
Benjamin Moore TRANQUILITY





paired with cream again - I'm liking this!



this soft gray with lavender is beautiful, airy and feminine

Stonington Gray (Benjamin Moore)
Willow Creek (Benjamin Moore)

design by Helen Green
Gray-greens sooth and calm - and look striking with white molding
Gray beige is often called Griege.

Since warm colors move toward you, they often make a room feel smaller or cozier.  A cooler color will feel more calm and expand the feeling of the room.  Beige is generally a warmer color - but when it is grayed down to a 'greige' is becomes a cool color.

Gray is a perfect cameleon - cool on its own - when paired with warmer colors it allows them to shine
there is nothing 'cool' about this room..
tell me you love the ledge behind the bed and the giant mirror as headboard that adds light and dimension to this room.  that's creating brilliant magic, baby!

the pale gold with that beiges-gray (greige) -  poetry





Taupe is basically grayed-down brown or tan.  


tan is the perfect compliment to this silver blue room

Sandy Hook Grey (Benjamin Moore)

Creekside Green (Benjamin Moore)


white washed (gray washed) woods

Like an overcast day, gray enhances the other colors around it. 

 I hope you have enjoyed exploring gray with me.  

101 comments:

  1. Sea Salt is my absolute favorite color! Don't you just {adore} {{paint}}?

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    Replies
    1. It took me a while but I finally figured out I should have been replying here.... Lol! I'm a slow learner....
      I recently had a client put Sherwin Williams Sea Salt on a ceiling in a room with creamy white walls..... Stunning!
      Benjamin Moore also has a color named sea salt, but it is a soft light gray. A lovely color, but not the knock out the Sherwin Williams color is.

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  3. Loved the paint colors post.! I really am wanting to change my neutral tan to neutral grey. Is there one right off the bat that you think of? Of course, everything in my house is dark woods, reds, yellows, with bits of blues added in here and there. I want a darker grey for the accent walls and then a lighter grey for every other wall in the house. Greys that go with rustic? Thoughts??? Liz

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  5. Beautiful pictures! I am looking for a grey to go with antique brass fixtures and cream/light gold silk drapes....any suggestions?
    Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. I'd try a sample of the Benjamin Moore 'Willow Creek' which has a little brown in it and should blend beautifully with cream and gold. Good luck.

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  6. Help - your paint color post described the error of my ways. I notice my living room color way too much. And it upsets me. But I'm not sure how to fix.

    I painted my first "open space" house - where you can stand in living/great room and see sunroom, dining room, foyer and kitchen. All open. I didn't want it all 1 color and my theme is beachy and happy - so.....
    All colors Benjamin Moore
    1- I made sunroom HANCOCK GREEN (love it)
    2- I made DR Wythe blue (adore it)
    3- I did LR and foyer stanhope yellow - what I thought was a happy greenish yellow to blend the other colors. THIS IS THE TERRIBLE MISTAKE.

    Can you advise me how to replace #3? My room is tall so I pay a painter each time so am afraid to have too many trial runs.
    Would Benjamin Moore sea salt or Renovation Hdwr silver sage work? WHat about Benjamin Moore Castleton mIst or Beacon Hill Damask? Or should I just revert to white?

    I would be so happy with any advice you can give
    Love the article and photos - thank you

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    Replies
    1. Dear Anonymous
      I'd recommend a neutral for the 3rd color. It will compliment both colors and still be a change. The Benjamin Moore color that I feel would look nice with both the green and blue you chose is Bennington Gray. It is a neutral and yet still a definite color. It won't fight with the other two and should make them also look their best.
      Buy a tester size and paint two coats on a couple of poster boards that you can hold up in the room. (Make sure you leave a white border, or the yellow you have on your walls will influence the color and you won't get a true picture). And good luck!

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  7. I love your site! Your taste is impeccable. Can I request your expertise on a paint color? I have a small hallway that is between my nursery (BM wythe blue), my bathroom (white), my living room (BM chocolate pudding) and my office (dutch boy vineyard point) i am looking for the perfect light grey (dove grey) for the hallway to lead into the nursery that goes with pure white trim. does BM have a color you can recommend? The dutch boy brochure where i got vineyard point suggests empire state and honest abe - honest abe is super dark and is actually the color of my bedroom on the other side of the office. wondering if empire state would go with wythe blue? complimenting the wythe blue and the chocolate pudding is my priority. thank you so much...

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  8. Hi Claudine,

    Great post! I must ask if you have any info on the one picture you posted (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/TFZgbcOo62I/AAAAAAAAKXw/hLNzxCyHupM/s1600/2545787417_6337a08c7f_m.jpg)- that is exactly the grey I am after... do you know what it is or can you tell me where the picture is from so I can find out? Thank you!!

    Jewel

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  9. All of your pictures on your site are so lovely and appealing .. I had a blonde ( gold ) moment in my life and painted my whole home in stuart gold-benjamin moore. but now i need something,a change,and i am in love with gray ah ah so calming and elegant. we have creamy beige tile floors, maple cabinets, gold curtains, open concept, and lots of light i have been looking at gray chips and samples for a couple of months... i have tried benjamin moore silver fox , revere pewter, thunder, smokey taupe but i can't find the right tone as i want something warm no blue or purple and would like to use benjamin moore. any suggestions?? what color of gray do you think is on the walls of the mochatini picture with the gold sofa? so pretty .. thanks t

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  10. Jewel:
    The photo you refer to has a light cool grey. Looks like it could be Balboa Mist or Early Morning Mist by Benjamin Moore. I'd get a sample of each and try them out. Remember, leave a white border so the current wall color doesn't influence, and also remember that it will become part of your background when your room has all the furnishings and fabrics completed. Good luck.

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  11. Tatiana,
    Greys that go well with golds and beige generally have a little brown or taupe in them. Here are 3 to try (all Benjamin Moore): Kingsport Gray, Bennington Gray, Grant Beige.
    Good luck!

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  12. Hi,

    I really love this color grey on the picture you featured on your blog. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/TFVKt8opmDI/AAAAAAAAKIs/qsniNDRB4xg/s1600/grey-bedroom-with-orange.jpg

    Do you know what the name of it is or who makes it? I'm planning to move at the end of January and want to paint the bedroom that color. My bed and armoire are white, so i thought overall the grey would help create a very soothing but elegant atmosphere.

    Thank you =)

    Ps: Love this post.
    http://thoughtsbyrozi.tumblr.com/

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  13. Dear Anonymous,
    Unfortunately, there was no information on wall color for that photo. However, it is one of the stronger greys, with a blue undertone (not green). If you have an IPhone, there is a new Benjamin Moore color match app available - snap a photo and it finds the paint color to match... Barring that, you can go to www.benjaminmoore.com. Good luck. Let us know if you find it!

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  14. Hi. I loved the picture with the blue-gray that you said you used in your sons room. Do you know which shade that is? I was thinking of that for my living room and then the one below it (do you know that shade as well) for my pool room which is right off the living room. Or can you suggest another dark-gray-blue color for a "masculine" pool room ( pool table is cherry with burgundy felt) Thanks!

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  15. Dear Anonymous,
    A darker gray blue color I like is Vermont Slate by Benjamin Moore. It is a good masculine color - deep and a good amount of gray in it. Another is Shaker Gray. The color I used in my son's room was not as dark, but still had a good amount of gray with the blue; Nimbus Gray. Good luck!

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  16. Wondering if you can give me some advice.....I had my kitchen cabinets painted BM October Mist, and I LOVE them! We inherited our trim color which is a creamy-white with a lot of tan in it. I have no idea what the name is. I don't love it ( I would prefer white), but I don't hate it and there is a LOT of trim, beadboard, etc....I actually get a lot of compliments on the trim. We have a white subway tile backsplash. Our kitchen opens onto our family room so whatever color I use above my cabinets has to be used in the family room as well. It is really one big room. Suggestions on a good neutral that will work with my trim and cabinets? Thanks so much!!

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  17. Can you help? I am thinking of painting my living room a fresh spring green like BM Castleton Mist. I am stuck on what to do with the adjacent dining room. I don't want to make it all the same color. I was thinking of more of a neutral or gold tone. There is a lot of white molding in both rooms. What color would you recommend that would compliment Castleton Mist.

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  18. Dear Anonymous
    Castleton Mist is a definite fresh green. If I could see the next room from the living room, I would want it to compliment and not clash - so a neutral tone - a beige, grey-beige, or soft soft blue would be pretty. Benjamin Moore suggestions are Willowcreek, Clay Beige, Grant Beige, or Shaker Beige - popular choices. Sherwin Williams Sea Salt is a soft, cool blue.
    Find one you like and paint a sample of it and pin it next to the Castleton Mist. And GOOD LUCK!

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  19. I enjoyed all the picts posted; all looks beautifull!! I was woundering if you can help me to define my kitchen color walls. The cabinets are in wood, a orangy honney oak which I dont like it, the floor is in the same wood and same color tone and olso the trim is the same. The kitchen is open to the family room, family Room have a huge Fire Place in grey brick from the floor up to the top ceilling. Please HELP!! any sugestions in wall colors for the walls? I recient painted my Dining Room in tapestry beige by BM it looks beautiful with my rosewood dining set and a huge rosewood wall mirror. Im changing my ampliances in stainles still and granite countersTop,island which im thinking may be white and black.
    Foyer is painted in a soft, soft, soft green sage color. close of the foyer is the Dining Room and across is the Living Room wich I painted it in Grant beige-with golds beige accents.
    Again Help for my kitchen and family R color paint please. I have o lots of silvery iron work but contempory style work like my kitchen dinnette and silvery art made of iron work. Family room have beige trope sensational in leather coffee tables in silver iron work base with heavy glass, side table the same. I was thinking for the kitchen color walls in Martha S "Mushroom 248, flagstone 247 ",- Restauration H "slate"- or "Sandy Hookgray" by Bm or even Revere Pewter by BM. Remembre the cabites wood color is in orangy or honney oak, jiakkk!!! same foors.

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  20. Anther color for my kitchen I was thinking in "Dolphin Fin by Behr paint. ALL SUGESTION is OPEN thank you to every body ,
    Mary D

    Note: I'm the same person of the looking for help for orangy or honey oak kitchen abd FR. Thanks.

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  21. I wounder what is the color of walls on the pict that has silver blue room. I love it!!
    somebody help please?

    Thanks
    Mary D.

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  22. Dear Anonymous,
    You are on the right track with a nice gray toned neutral for your walls to calm the orangy wood tones. But if you really don't like your kitchen cabinets, why not consider painting them. You can paint them a creamy white, a soft grey, a mushroom beige - it will definitely break up the over abundance of orangy toned wood in your kitchen! Good luck!

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  23. We're renovating our kitchen and are looking to achieve the look of so many of the beautiful, serene, silvery-blue rooms you've pictured above. We're thinking we want off white cabinets with silvery-blue walls, and chrome/nickel hardware. Any suggestions for what colors would work for the cabinets and walls, and what color countertop would help us achieve this look? I love marble but don't think it would be a good material for our family. Some people have recommended a granite/quartzite called Super White (which is gray and white), but I'm worried it might be too monochromatic. Would love your thoughts! Thanks!

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  24. I need some help and fast. My husband and I want to paint the living room a lighter color then the dark tan it is in now. I want a blue color and he wants more of a blue/green color. We have a brown couch and med color wood for everything else. Can Anyone recomend a color for us. I have been to lowes 6 times getting samples and they all look so bad. We have a good size living room with a big window. I just need to brighten up the place but not let the walls stand out over everything else. My kitchen in open to the living room and it's a soft grey (if this helps ?)

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  25. Really like the greys...I am struggling as most males do, with a remodel on my townhouse. I have new dark espresso floors with a light beige leather sectional in the family area. I also have darker cherry kitchen cabinets which adjoin the family room. Really want a grey, possibly stonington, for the main colors, but want a little darker color on the accent wall behing the very light almost tan leather sectional. I have dark entertainment center, beautiful antique Indian door made into table in dining room which I am doing picture frames in, which will also carry down hallway to family room. What would you recommend for a little darker accent color behind couch? Thanks so much for your help

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  26. I need some help in picking out a color for a nursery. Creme/french white furniture and the bedding is restoration hardware cloud blue, dark brown and tan. The color I thought I was going to go with is Bleeker beige (BM) but having second thoughts. I think I'd rather have soothing Grey beige like you pictured above nursery. Help! I need to paint this weekend!

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  27. Dear Anonymous, all 4 of you....
    I have answered your questions to the best of my ability on a new post at http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/04/asked-and-answered-color-help.html
    Please let me know if it helps you!

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  28. hi. if you can please help me..I have light pink/peachy looking painted kitchen cabinets,.the sink, counter top ,back splash are black..now the walls are a boring beige..I want to go for a neutrel light gray..my landlord wont allow me to repaint the cabinets. what can I do..my kitchen opens up to my living room..which has black leather sofas,dark wood tables..light gold draperies and pillow..I also want to paint the living room same tone as kitchen..Please advise me..am planning to do this very soon..thank u much.AD

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  29. hi am the one with the pink/peachy cabinets...I forgot to mention the floor in my kitchen is a mix of light and dark gray..and so is my living rm..but it tends to look white from far away..thanks again..AD

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  30. Stumbled upon your blog...your selected photos and advice seem spot on! I'm in desperate need of help. Recently moved into our home and in my haste, I rushed when pickingn paint colors...painted BM Thunder (cool?) in the dining room and BM Stonehouse (warm?) in the living room which is across the hall (our house is a Cape built in 1966). Now, I can't figure out a color to paint the entry/stairway area that works with both the dining and living room colors. Any suggestions? My husband is tired of listening to my angst!

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  31. I loved all the pics. We just re-did our kitchen with cream cabinets. Our family room which is attached has beige furniture. our floors are medium brown oak floors. Black island and hutch. Please help with wall paint color. I was thinking Willow Creek BM color? Kim

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  32. HELP! Need wall color for new kitchen and attached family room. Cabinets are cream, walls are medium brown oak floors. Island Black and huth black. My furniture in family room is all beige. I was thinking of a nice gray color, Willow Creek maybe?

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  33. Beautiful pictures! I am curious as to where to find the bedding in the March 2010 issue of Traditional home where you talked about the burnt orange and pumpkin warming up grey. Any ideas? Also - great playlist! - Stacey

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  34. I came across your blog while looking for ideas for our basement. Absolutely love your taste and the pictures you post. I would like your help please. We are adding a bedroom in our basement. That room will have a window, but the window looks under the deck and definitely doesn't get a lot of light. Would you please suggest a color that would make this room feel bright and cheerful and still be a neutral color? The rest of the basement is all in the off white - beige pallet. I would really appreciate your advice. Thank you.

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  35. BM Thunder...I'm considering this color for my whole house. As I want a gray with a little warmth. Do you think this color is too cold looking? Does it have purple undertones? It's hard to tell off of a board?

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  36. Just a note to let the last few commentors who asked questions on color know that I have posted a reply at http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/05/more-asked-and-answered-color-questions.html

    Hope it helps

    Best,
    Claudine

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  37. Hi my husband and I just recently built our home. I did BM Wythe Blue in our master bedroom and bath, Shaker beige in LR and Kitchen. I did Superwhite by BM on our trim. I really love the look of black and white in foyers so I also did foyer walls in Superwhite as well, but I am not pleased with it at all. Our foyer is very tall with staircase the ceiling I painted Shaker beige. Do you have another color you suggest to paint the foyer besides the superwhite that would look good with the other colors I used. I was thinking of a gray to go with black and white photos I have hanging up the staircase. What do you think?

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  38. Hi, what great ideas for the color gray, but now I am more confused. Question. if my color scheme thru out my house is gold walls, with red, black, gold and creme colors in furniture and fabrics, cherry furniture. I wanted to redo a bedroom with a gray duvet ,white bedding, and accent color of raspberry. Is that going to be way off for the tone of the rest of the house? You do not see the BR from any part of the house till you walk down the hallway.And if its not too much of a color variation should I use a warm gray with brown undertones on the walls ? the room has many windows so lots of light. I guess the question is what color gray should the walls be or is gray not the right color to use. Or to make it flow with the rest of the house better should I pull in yellow or golds. See I am confused on what to do .

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  39. Hi Claudine,

    I finally found out the colors of my yearly beach house vacation home's great room - the walls are Shaker Beige but I was told the accent wall(behind the book shelves) is Jaquail Blue. Not sure on the spelling. Have you heard of a color anything like this? I don't have the brand name. It's a light, beachy-type blue. I'm assuing the Shaker Beige is the one from Benjamin Moore even though it was in a 5 gallon Sherwin Williams paint bucket labeled "Shaker Beige." I should have brought paint swatches with me to the beach! ugh! :) I'm so terrible with this color choice thing! Thank you!!!
    Jen

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  40. Nancy and Jen
    please see my answers for you on a new blog post
    http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/08/decorating-questions-from-readers.html

    :)

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  41. what a great blog! I have a question.
    we just bought a house and the trim, blinds and window panes and casings are all done in Revere Pewter. Any suggestions on what would be the right wall colors? I like the neutrals but would like the living room to be a warmer more vibrant color with a lighter color to transition into the dining kitchen area since they are open to one another.
    Thanks so much for any help.

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  42. Hello,
    I just spent the past week and weekend struggling to pick a color for the walls of our kitchen. The cabinets are beech, the countertop is ubatuba granite and the floor is a mix of green, beige and white. I have painted some samples on the walls. Putnam ivory (BM) is a bit too yellow and dark. The muslin (BM) is too light. Any thoughts? What do you think about a green or peach? Thanks so much.

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  43. Dear Anonymous

    Green, beige, white and the light beech cabinets with the darkness of ubatuba granite - I think I'd go a gray/green in a very soft tone - on the light side. It would be hard for me to give you an exact color since I don't know the exact hue of green on your floor, but you may try one of these and see if they blend with your colors: Benjamin Moores Hancock Green, Guilford Green, Soft Fern or Mesquite. Mesquite is a little darker, but still a great gray toned green. Let me know if any of these work for you!

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  44. Dear Anonymous (9/5/11)
    Revere Pewter is a greige, or a grey with a beige or warm undertone. A warm combination would be Raccoon Hollow - a little darker, browner, and more dramatic. For a lighter compliment, try Ballet White - but my favorite combination would be Wedgewood Gray - a beautiful gray blue that compliments the Revere Pewter. Good luck - let us know what you do!

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  45. this blog is great! I have a question:

    Our hardwood floors and stairs color is maple chocolate brownie(Mirage) and the stair wrought iron color is gun metal. Our kitchen cabinets are cream matte. What grey BM color would work best with the colors to give the open concept main level a light, airy, and happy feel? Thanks.

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  46. hey Claudine, im looking for a color for my new bathroom. I have an espresso vanity, multi color slate floor and white subway tile shower with slate accents/floor. Im thinking of a grayish color. In the hallway leading up to the bathroom we have manchester tan - so I want to make sure it flows. Any suggestions.

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  47. Do you have a Benjamin Moore Color that would be similar to the Sandy Hook Grey? I'm trying to paint a gray that has tan undertones to coordinate with the tans/beige/creams in my bedroom. I have the same tray ceiling and I love how the photo looks. Thanks!

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  48. Hi Claudine,

    I love the color beige in the 2nd picture (the one of the kitchen) and want to paint one of our bedrooms that color. Any idea on the color? Great blog by the way!

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  49. Claudine,

    I would love to send you a photo of our recently purchased 1916 Craftsman home. It is painted yellow, with Green trim and red accents. Many people love the colors, which are historically accurate but we find it a bit much. We need help. Would you share your ideas with us please? If so, where can we send the image?

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  50. Wow, love this website! Claudine, wondering what you think for a brand new townhouse at the beach. The first floor has a large foyer which will become a sitting room, and is open to the rest of the first floor which includes a kitchen and very large family room. I am thinking the entire first floor needs to be one color since there is no separation of the rooms. I would live a light, beachy feel and am open to anything! I also would love a suggestion for the second floor going up the stairs and hallway to bedrooms. Thanks so much!

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  51. Hi Claudine!

    Great website! I'm trying to figure out what color to paint our study. It doesn't have any windows and we are going to replace the door with a glass door to try and let a little more light in but it's still pretty dark. We have wideplank wood floors in there and the built in cabinets are dark brown. We definitely need to lighten the room up. Any suggestions? I'm wondering if Navajo white would work? Or maybe a very light beige?

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  52. Claudine - You have such wonderful taste in colors so was hoping you could help me out! I am trying to pick a color for my living room which is in between the kitchen and the master bedroom (old house with long add on). The kitchen is a light grey with heavy blue undertones and I just painted my master bedroom in Silver Fox from Benjamin Moore which I love. I am trying to find a brown / grey color for the living room since my furnishings are more on the dark brown / reds and golds. I am hoping to switch out some of the furnishings but cannot right now so was hoping to find a color that blended well from the kitchen into the bedroom - staying away from anything too gold. Any suggestions??? I was looking at BM Kangaroo and Bennington Gray. Thank you!

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  53. Thanks for the helpful ideas! We bought a 1970's multi-level home that we are working on updating. We recently updated the kitchen and I am now looking at the living room :) (My husbands thrilled) Our living room doesnt have much light, and it sits in a "pit" style, we have 1 patio door for morning light, and we will be installing 2 fixed windows on each side of the fireplace. We have sage green sofa and loveseat, along with a cream polka dotted pub chair (robins egg blue, mustard yellow, and olive green dots) We will be installing dark (walnut) hardwood floors in the living room, what wall color do you suggest to tie it all together? I am really struggling with this room.

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  54. I couldn't tell which color or sea salt? I would love to know which of the two is the darker color...

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  55. Loved all the pictures and great color inspirations you have here but hate the fact that you have music on your page. Everytime I clicked a picture to enlarge it the playlist would restart and I'd have to shut it off again. Very annoying and very distracting from what you actually had to say here.

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  56. Claudine~

    I keep coming back to your lovely blog for ideas and viewing your photos. They are indeed awesome.

    I am trying to decide what color to paint our master bedroom. We had it professionally painted last week with Sherwin williams "Enchant - 6555" but it's way too bright for us.

    We have cathedral ceiling with white ceiling and trim and our bedroom furniture is a dark wood finish they refer to as "tobacco finish" it's the Paula Deen "Steel Magnolia" bed & matching furniture....we have beige carpets.

    The master bath is Sherwin Williams "Virtual Taupe -7039" and our Great room, right outside the bedroom is Sherwin Williams "Lemon Chiffon - 6686"

    I've looked at Restoration Hardware's "Slate" and "Granite" I've also looked at griege-esque colors and more tan-taupe; but I think that's too close to my master bath color.

    I would like to find a mid-gray color with a hint of lavender or purple hue for a more contemporary yet sensual relaxig feel.

    or

    I would like to make it very polished and elegant.

    Can you please give me some suggestions? We have the painters coming back out on the 10th and I need to have a color picked out by then.

    Thanks,

    ~Mary

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  57. HELP! I'm losing my mind trying to pick out a color. I really want a grey paint that will work with a beige couch with blank threads and Crate and Barrel rug that has a kaki background with blue, greens, browns and black. It's a small apartment so I wanted to use various tones of the same color. I'm thrown off trying to figure out if I match the upholstery and rug tone ( a greige or green color) or find a compliment. Any ideas?

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  58. I have a small bedroom - - Furniture is Oak with brushed nickle looking accent pieces - and a eggplant comforter, and lighter dusty lavender sheets, and eggplant curtains curtains... I need suggestions for wall colors other than the white we have now.... Thoughts are light grey or a light color barley there purple(lavender) Please give some suggestions ..

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  59. Hi Claudine, Wonderful blog, thanks! I'm FINALLY getting ready to paint the kitchen/dining area. I think I've settled on Revere Pewter, but I'm also considering trying the CSP "sea salt". I understand it's the closest "match" to Revere Pewter, but lighter. Is this true? Also, might you suggest a ceiling color? I've read that painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, but perhaps lighter will make the room feel more cozy? We have standard height walls. Lots of built-ins and cabinets painted "simply white," honed absolute black counter tops, red island w/white Carrara marble top, "standard" oak floors, stainless steel. One end of room has southern exposure, the other end north east, but w/skylight over island.
    I'd so appreciate your suggestions. Our local Benjamin Moore store is not very helpful nor particularly knowledgeable. Love you color and design sense! Also, this same area is open to the living room, which has Persian rugs (red). Intend to paint this room too, and I'll want it to feel warmer because of its north eastern exposure. Thanks again. Sonoma County Susan

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  60. Dear Anonymous with the small bedroom - just posted an answer to your question so check out the blog - hope it helps you!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi Claudine, I just found your blog and I think is great!! The pictures at the top are wonderful. I need your advice. Thanks.

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  62. hi Claudine, can I mention brands in your blog when I ask you for your advice?

    ReplyDelete
  63. sorry, it's me again, can I mention the name of a store?

    ReplyDelete
  64. To Maria,
    To all your questions - answer is YES. Happy to help, all I ask is you become a follower! Look forward to hearing from you!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi Claudine, we are ready to change the wall color from red to a light color. let me start with furniture. I've been looking for sofas or sectionals. Some way to big for my house, and my husband needs to see them personally to decide. we decided getting a leather sectional (sofa and chaise) color granite (dark gray). Also we need a chair or recliner, but the ones I like are from Hancock and Moore because they are smaller and really nice, I was looking for yellow tones or honey. I also found a chair at west elm also leather in a honey tone, here is where I need you, do yellows or honey matches dark gray?? I love both, but I rather go with honey, what do you think? And wall color? we put splash aound the chimney, creams, beige, dark and light grays and light brown and the floor is tile in beige and brown spots, it is more light than dark. My husband wants to paint walls yellow. It is ok? a really light yellow? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hello Claudine,

    Need your opinion on choosing colours for my new home. In love with grey at the moment and would like grey tile flooring throughout the house. Would also love to have grey sofas and a single red armchair in the living room but not sure it would work. Intend to paint the walls white. My husband feels I need another colour for the floor tiles.

    Am at a loss!

    Kindly reply

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  67. can you please tell me the colors that are used in the first kitchen picture!! Thanks very much!!

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  68. can u please tell me what colour of drawing room sofa set will match with curry ivory tiles?

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  69. Kemi,
    just posted an answer to your questions at http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4581801317070648144#editor/target=post;postID=4213464124396060508

    pop by and say hi!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Great pictures and love the different shades and hues of grey. We are planning to paint our basement which is currently blood red. We were thinking of a silvery grey shade. Would love to hear your suggestions. Worried that it might feel too cold.

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  71. awesome color use in all rooms

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  72. I

    I am looking for a wall color for my living and dinning room . The sofa is brown and light gold with leopard print pillows and the dinning room is dark brown rustic feel.
    what color would look good ? I also have red curtains.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Claudine,

    Hi, My name is Tim and I need your help with painting, please. In your blog, home decor and design, I love the first picture. Do you know the name of the paint? The link is below and I will attach a picture to this email? Also, have you use sandy hook gray?


    Thanks,

    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  74. Claudine,

    Hi, My name is Tim and I need your help with painting, please. In your blog, home decor and design, I love the first picture. Do you know the name of the paint? Also, have you use sandy hook gray?


    Thanks,

    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hi!
    Can you please tell me what the wall color is in the picture before the nursery? It is a master bedroom pic.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To Anonymous (June 22)
      just posted answer to your question at http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/07/unforgetable-gray.html

      Delete
  76. To Anonymous (June 22)
    just posted answer to your question at http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/07/unforgetable-gray.html

    ReplyDelete
  77. Claudine,

    I'm having trouble picking a grey color for my open floor plan (a small entry, sitting and dining room). I originally liked Manhattan Mist by Behr, but it turned out to have purple undertones. I'm trying to find a shade of grey that will match any type of furniture and accents. I really like grey with pops of yellow, orange and green. I think yellow in the entry way leading to a grey sitting and dining room would look nice. Do you have any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Hi!
    I'm having trouble picking a paint. we just remodeled our place with black cabinets and white countertop. what color is best to paint the kitchen. i also wanted to paint the livingroom, should it be thesame color as the kitchen? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love your site, but really could not find an answer to my question. I love the blue, brown color combination. I am painting my master bedroom and am in a color warfare. I have a pale green bathroom with a black vanity. I have dark mahogany furniture, should I go with a light blue or gray wall?

    ReplyDelete
  80. We are remodeling a ranch style house for resale. We opened the walls and as you walk in you can see the kitchen, dining room, livingroom, and entrance which we painted with SW7643 - pussywillow, slightly darker than we expected but still nice, so we took the same color and made it 50% less color for the familyroom, hallway, and the master bedroom (looks great). I have 2 questions - we would like to warm up the other 2 bedrooms and basement with another color - maybe in the creamy tan beige family?
    2nd question is in the bathroom - the tile is again on the grays with a darker vanity and floor. The blues did not work with the tile so please suggest an easier color that complements the medium dark gray tile around the shower/tub? Maybe the same color family as above but with alittle more color - maybe in the light muted gold?

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi,

    I love the silver blue room with the tan compliment. Is the paint Benjamin More?

    Monica.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I do not drop a lot of remarks, but after reading through a few of the responses on "EXPLORING WALL COLOR: GRAY".
    I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you do not mind.
    Is it simply me or does it look as if like some of the remarks appear as if they are
    coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are writing on additional social sites,
    I would like to keep up with anything new you have to post.
    Would you post a list of all of your public pages like your linkedin profile,
    Facebook page or twitter feed?
    Here is my blog fwameriloancoman.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not at all. Color is something you need to be able to visualize - and only about 5% of the population is able to do that.
      I don't tweet -

      Delete
  83. Can you te me what color grey are the kitchen cabinets in the picture above with thr tanish counyer top? I would love to paint my kicthen cabinets a washed out grey color but not sure what grey to choose thay would go with tans and browns

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love this blog so much for giving great information and lovely photos of interior glass doors, I like this page so much! Better to keep on posting!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hi Claudine....Very much enjoy the pictures posted. I am currently trying and trying again to choose a color paint from B.M. for our Master Bedroom. I has a northeast facing and can be fairly dark. 8 foot ceilings 1972 home. Small room. I have currently used deep red in my dining room which is right beside the bedroom. My colors are red and wilmington tan on the surrounding walls in the living room. I am stuck this time. Greys don't seem to work well with surroundings and currently looking at Benjamin Moore October Mist.
    Headboard is upholstered medium brown, white plantation shutters. Can you suggest some types of shades before I go nuts! (Beige carpet). Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hi, could you tell me the wall color of the last picture (Stairwell with vintage mirrors)? Or if you found the photo on another site, could you refer me to the site so I can see if the paint name is listed? Thanks so much, cool site!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can find no reference to the wall color, but it is from Country Living - here is the link http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/rose-vintage-home-0507#slide-2
      I wish you luck in finding it. :)

      Delete
  87. Very interesting. Thank you for this blog.
    carrara mosaic tile

    ReplyDelete
  88. Hi, Claudine. I love your ideas. Have a question on exterior colors. My 1926 Cape Cod type cottage with wonderful redwood siding has been painted BM Horizon Gray on the siding. The windows are going to be painted BM Sea Pine and the trim around the windows and doors is going to be BM Antique White. My front door is one of those old wooden doors that have an interior (multi-mullioned) window running the full length that opens inward -- leaving only a screen inside the wooden frame of the door. We stripped the wooden frame and believe we can stain it a nice honey color or something richer, but the window mullions in the door need to be painted because they are glazed on the outside. So any ideas for the front door color? We were thinking BM Raisin Torte, but nixed it as clashing with the wood frame. Would a darker blue-green or darker gray green by BM be better? Any suggestions. Or do you think the door should be painted all one color? Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  89. Hi Claudine!

    This is the site I have been looking for!

    My wife and I are renovating a house (our first real home) that we will be moving into soon. However, before we move in, we have to get the paint done. We were thinking a nice light gray with creamy trim color. We plan on having a gray couch from zgallerie called the "cloud" (it matches the gray in your background on this webpage). Our ceilings are 8 feet high.

    We are confused about what kind of gray to go with and what color trim (in addition to the sheen's). Can you please help.

    I also have been wondering if I should paint the ceiling the same color as the walls to give it a nice consistent look throughout the house.

    Thank you!

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  90. Claudine: Hello! Quick question - where is the rug from in photo 40? Thanks!

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  91. Congrats!!!
    Beautiful blog.

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  92. Interior work are good. I would prefer these interiors.Antique Brass Picture Light

    ReplyDelete

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