Gray Matters

Caught somewhere in between black and white, gray can pack as much punch as black or take on the more the serene aspects of white. Gray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom so why not paint your office or den space an amazing shade of gray the next time you’re ready for a change. Gray is controlled and inconspicuous and is considered a color of compromise, perhaps because it sits between the extremes of black and white. Grays are quieting, making you more comfortable although still creating depth to a room. Gray is also the perfect neutral, which is why designers often use it as a background color. Some paint colors have a chameleon effect and can look more brown, blue or even green when paired with other colors. The human eye can actually distinguish 500 shades of gray, so you’ll have a lot of room for perfecting the shade that’s right for you.

Although I mentioned previously that I was dreaming of black cabinets, the gray cabinets in Ina Garten’s galley-style kitchen are just lovely and really make a statement in her small city apartment. The Belgian stone counters sit on top of the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher allowing plenty of space above for a row of shelves for storage and display.

Most foodies prefer to serve their creations on white plates and I couldn't agree more. (Check out the PB White design over at Pottery Barn.) White sets the stage for the real star - the food. Save patterns and colors for salad or dessert plates you can place right on top of white dishes. That said, these gray shelves with beadboard paneling make the perfect backdrop for showing off white and cream china and pottery.

In addition to the paint colors I’ve listed below, here are some other designer favorites: Stonington Gray, Thundercloud Gray, Sweatshirt Gray - all from Benjamin Moore. And even more here.

Color Inspiration:

BM Bear Creek 1470, Donal Kauffman DKC-10,

Farrow & Ball Down Pipe 26, BM Graytint 1611, BM November Rain 2142-60

Images via housebeautiful.com and ballarddesigns.com