Gray seems to have replaced beige in the “go to neutral’ which is fine with me. There are so many variations of gray that will really please just about everyone so it may be around for a little while longer. I’m wondering, is too much a of a good thing bad? Are we breaking gray right now?
The only great thing about gray is that it goes with all the other “colors of the year”. How long before we get tired of gray? Gray walls, gray furniture, gray carpeting, gray this, gray that. If we break gray, what will the new neutral be?
Blue is still going hot and heavy and I have a feeling that gray will be long gone before blue even starts to show a wrinkle. What if a super pale blue comes the new neutral for the home? Everyone is crazy about blue and I can so see this happening.
What about if a really pale green becomes the new neutral? Not so much. Green is having a bit of trouble with some staying power these days and I just don’t think it has enough bones to stand up to a predecessor of gray … or does it?
There are only so many true neutrals to use and I don’t think we should go back to beige. What hue do you see coming in after we’re done breaking gray?
Decorating by Donna • Intuitive Color Expert 
The blue is good. I have a friend who said greige and always greige. Not even sure what that is because doesn’t it have to lean one way or the other?
Greige is a strange hue Jodi. It’s like a taupe or teal. It’s a combination of two colors and really not a specific enough. Greige is too close to beige and just looks like a dirty gray to me. Either your beige or your gray. Not a fan of greige.
Even the name “greige” *sounds* dirty!
That’s because it is. LoL
I love gray…it can be almost white like our top kitchen cupboards but not as stark or a dark graphite shade, or an industrial shade of cement or a refined silver. I really don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it as it offers so many options. 🙂
And that’s why it has such longevity. I love that it can be coupled with bright pinks or sexy purples and still look amazing. We’ll see how far it goes!
I don’t think gray is going anywhere. I think the gray will live on, but with touches of different colors: green-gray, blue-gray, etc….
And that’s how the new neutrals will be found! It will be a derivative from gray but the undertone will change.
I have to agree with you Donna as I am seeing both warm and cool gray’s. This may sound weird but its almost as if the trends are stuck in a “color twilight zone” not sure if the new warms are the way or not. I think that’s why things seem eclectic these days. However I am only an artist and not a professional designer.
Yea but you have an impeccable eye for both color and design Arthur. As far as gray, it’s a color that I just wouldn’t have in my home. I gravitate towards warm undertones which are super cozy for the home. I like the “warms”.
Now see, I like “greige”. It’s for those of us that are a little “beigey”, but we are trying to broaden our horizons a bit. Gray seems so cold by itself. Don’t get me wrong, I like it in other peoples homes. I just can’t take the plunge in my own.
Here’s a leap I’ve had to make: I actually *look* terrible in gray. But I’ve decided that since beige gives me a visceral response I have to go gray! I love the contrast.
Me too, and even worse in black.
Donna–if I’m not mistaken you are an “autumn” as am I. 🙂 [Color Me Beautiful a la 1980’s anyone?]
That’s for sure!!!!!
I think it was this post that started me in following your blog and I wanted to show you my work on the kids’/guest bathroom of our home. It’s afternoon light so growing a bit dim. I put a line of white to divide the two colors since I have no idea when hubby will have time to do the chair rail. I’m pleased with the result but boy does painting textured walls take time! Colors are Glidden Wood Smoke on top and Martha Stewart Zinc on the bottom.
Pingback: A LOOKBOOK . . . In Grayscale | Artzzle
Pingback: 4 Reasons Coastal Colors are Perfect For Your Home | Decorating by Donna • Charlotte's Color Specialist
Pingback: Neutral Paint Colors Improve a Home's Marketability | CraftPro
Well Benjamin Moore just released their color for 2015 and it’s Guilford Green. How ’bout them apples?
Pingback: Neutral Paint Colors Improve a Home's Marketability | CraftPro
I painted my kitchen guillford green with linen white cabinetry and red accents…looks fab!
Sounds like a nice blend of color. Great way to start the day in the kitchen!
That’s great since I’ve been leaning towards greens lately. I love the accents of yellow and cream with my green.
A+ for you being on the color trend for 2017 🙂
Gray in decor can’t go away soon enough for me! Bring on the color!!
THANK YOU!! Omg! I’ve been posting about gray for how long? Again I’m not saying it doesn’t belong in the house but so many people are staging their home using it as an all over color.
I’m actually redoing the small bathroom in my home and have to keep resale in mind PLUS I have to like the color – this is not easy lol. I chose Villa Gray by Valspar 6005-1B. It’s a warm, greenish gray very much like a sage. I like it because in my light it looks sagey green yet it’s a good color for resale. Will look snappin’ sharp with a nice white shower curtain and a taupe vanity.
Hurray for you liking color! You’ve come to the right blog 🙂
I too am sick of grey. I think of prison when I see it….and it is everywhere. So sad.
Gray needs to go away – it’s lifeless and ugly. There are so many beautiful, energizing, holistic colors on the wheel and THAT’s what we should be using. Gray belongs in the cemetery.