Dovetail - SRM's Approach to Residential Interiors

Solution of the Week: Grey, the Chameleon of Color

This may come as a surprise to you, but we believe that not every project requires a remodel (gasp!). In fact many spaces are perfectly functional, they just need a little extra support. Color, particularly on the walls is a great way to get new life into an old room. Here’s the problem: our tastes change, and every season there’s a new color that takes the spotlight. Obviously there’s no way you’ll be painting three to four times a year. Paint is considered a cheap, easy fix, but its still requires some real time and effort. If you enjoy the change of the seasons as much as we do, how about pick a paint color that can adapt. Neutrals often get a bad rap for being boring, but we aren’t suggesting cookie cutter beige or an uninspired taupe. Instead we love colors that with the proper lighting and furnishings make a dramatic statement. And our favorite is the chameleon himself, Grey. 

Greys are incredibly versatile. They can be cool or warm and have a huge array of undertones that really set off a room’s furniture, fabrics, and art. They make things pop. Don’t believe me? Look outside…all that lush foliage outside is actually more vibrant because of the subdued grey surrounding it. Now to be clear, there are tones of greys that are dreary, but gray is rarely only grey. It can be more brown, blue, or even pink depending on the mix, and therefore each one has a different personality. They are also very light sensitive. They transform throughout the day depending on the sun, and this is particularly noticeable as the seasons change.  Cooler winter light can make them feel rich and warm, while the brightness of summer makes them feel fresh and clean. In a city where grey is almost always in the forecast, this may seem like the opposite of good advice, but we’ve dug through our archives and these examples should help you embrace the grey.