Did you know the trend towards gray interiors started in Scandinavia? It wasn’t until about eleven years ago when the color caught on in the United States. Rather than become passé, the popularity of gray continues to rise. According to Andrea Magno of Benjamin Moore, gray interiors are evolving and they’re seeing an increase of gray on cabinetry and trims.
But picking the best shade of gray for your home can be tricky. Since grays have undertones of blue, purple or green, you’ll want the shade that’s compatible with the surrounding tiles, furnishings and fabrics.
For instance, there’s a big difference between cool and warm grays. Cool grays are better for modern interiors while warm grays work better in traditional homes. There’s also a middle ground often referred to as French grays.
Traditionally trims around gray are lighter shades of gray or whites. Now we’re seeing more trims in the same or even a darker gray. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute agrees. She sees gray with gray trim as a trend and feels people should give more grays a chance.
If you’re ready for gray walls, cabinets or trims, it’s best to get samples of your three favorite grays and paint a poster board with each one. Check them out over a period of one day (or more) to see how they appear in varying degrees of light.
This way you get it right the first time.