DRIFTWOOD

GRAY AND BEIGE ARE FRIENDS

Skagway, Alaska
Driftwood store front

I took this photo while cruising the beautiful waters of Alaska.  I could blog on and on about the colors of the water, the mountains, the glaciers, the sky....and I probably will, one day.  Alaska - incredible scenery and fun little towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, where I couldn't resist this little building completely covered in lovely, soft gray driftwood.... charming, isn't it?

Answers to Reader Questions

Hi, I was researching Benjamin Moore "metallic silver" paint and got your blog!

Obviously I am completely overwhelmed trying to figure out a nice color to paint our bedroom.
1904 Farmhouse with tiny windows = not much light. Low ceilings

The issue is here in August, the Oregon sunlight is magnificent and I'm lusting after gray-blue spa shades.

But come October, PNW's [Pacific Northwest's] short dark, rainy days might (probably) make gray make me depressed. (rain for 7 months)

Closest wall in hallway is YOLO grain .04 pale yellow

I'd love any paint color you think may work

Ron

GRANT BEIGE/BENJAMIN MOORE

Dear Ron,
Its entirely possible Greige could be your friend.  Greige is a grayed down beige (or a beige gray).  It brings out the warmth of the beige but the coolness of the gray.  Kind of sounds impossible, but it is actually very neutral and very beautiful.  In the lighter tones it would be perfect.  Here are a few to plaster on your walls to see what happens in the changing light. 

ASHWOOD/BENJAMIN MOORE

TAPESTRY BEIGE/BENJAMIN MOORE



EDGECOMB GRAY/BENJAMIN MOORE



These colors may seem very light, but the effect of overcast skies intensifies color - and these paint colors will change during rain and cloudy skies.  Bring in more color with your accessories if you like.



REVERE PEWTER/BENJAMIN MOORE



If you crave the blue grays, but fear their effect in Winter (with that many months of rain), use some of the blue/grays in your fabrics and decor, but keep the base colors of your room in the lighter greige or neutral tones I've mentioned above.  Some of them create their own 'light' and stay fresh and light even with lower ceiling and gray days.



GREIGE/BENJAMIN MOORE



With a healthy helping of white in woodwork and furnishings, bolder blue grays could still work.  And in your area, any of these soothing grayed down colors will look their best with painted white wood trim and woodwork.



LABRADOR BLUE/BENJAMIN MOORE



In addition, there are a few non-greige colors that are light, airy and easy on the eye.



CAMOUFLAGE/BENJAMIN MOORE





AGANTHUS GREEN/BENJAMIN MOORE

AUGUST MOON/SHERWIN WILLIAMS

Try them out on the wall to see what works for you!   I'd love to know what you decide on.

Hi Claudine,

My husband and I recently bought a new home. We have been trying to figure what color to paint the room and what furniture, etc. The room is oddly shaped – it is long and narrow with a tray ceiling and one wall full of windows (which gives some great natural light). We tried painting the room chocolate brown and ended up looking like a dungoen because of how long the room is. We just painted the room again – a cream color and left an accent wall chocolate brown – it doesn’t look good.

We just bought furniture for the room at Restoration Hardware (see pic below) – the wood is dark, almost black. I was thinking of painting the room with Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe. What do you think about this color? What are your thoughts on maybe putting up some wallpaper on the accent wall behind the bed or maybe some elegant mirrors above the nightstands instead of the wallpaper? If I use the Tony Taupe color, do you think I should use a slightly darker taupe color for the curtains?

Pics of the new furniture:

Thanks so much for your help and any advice you can share!!

Well, I love the furniture, but your dilemna may be caused by too much of a good thing.  The dark woodtone, plus dark walls in the same color are going to feel heavy and overwhelming - a contrast is what you need, and a cooler tone will balance the warmth of the wood.  You haven't mentioned any other colors, so I'm assuming the bedding is neutral as well.



BENNINGTON GRAY/BENJAMIN MOORE

 Here are some suggestions - these are all neutral colors, but some have a base that is blue or green or beige - you can choose to keep a darker accent wall, just make it the one at the end of the long room, which will bring it closer to you and make your room seem less lengthy.

AGREEABLE GRAY/SHERWIN WILLIAMS



ALOOF GRAY/SHERWIN WILLIAMS

WINDCHIME/BENJAMIN MOORE

NOVEMBER SKIES/BENJAMIN MOORE



ANALYTICAL GRAY/SHERWIN WILLIAMS

White mouldings and trim always make these gray tones look more beautiful.