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Paint Design Dilemma

Need help with BM Classic Gray color scheme...

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi,

After trying out many sample colors on my walls, I have settled on BM Classic Gray as the main interior color in the house (hallways, entryway, kitchen, breakfast nook). The house has the classic circular floor plan, and the living room is opened to the entryway and dining room, while the family room is opened to the breakfast nook and kitchen. What other (darker) colors have you used with Classic Gray that would look good right next to it (in the living and family rooms)? I have tried to match it with:

1. BM Revere Pewter (not sure how well they go together - has anyone used this combination?)

2. BM London Fog - I like it, but I am afraid the dark/light contrast may be too stark, as literally the colors need to be next to each other visually, separated only by wall corners (no doors)

3. SW Gossamer Veil - I think I like this combination, but haven't looked at it enough in different light

4. SW Agreeable Gray - this is similar to Gossamer Veil

5. SW Colonnade Gray - similar to Revere Pewter, minus the muddy undertones

If you have used Classic Gray in your home or projects, what colors do you normally match it with? Also, has anyone tried to darken Classic Gray by 25% or 50%? I want to get it around the LRV 50 range... I really like the color, but I don't want to use it throughout the house, as it appears almost white in the larger rooms.

I look forward to your advice!

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Comments (3)

PRO
Chroma Design
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Here's a few thoughts....

There's no way to know if any of these colors are "good" choices because you don't mention any details about your decor. Flooring, furniture, art work, and a dozen other elements go into selecting a paint color.

Adding 25 to 50 percent more formula to classic gray will not make the color dark enough value to have an LRV of around 50. And that is a fools errand anyway. You are better off selecting a paint color which is in the value range you want.

When I am selecting a color to coordinate with a gray in an adjacent space, I do not select another gray. Possibly, I will pick a near-gray which has an undertone unique to the other room. The point is, there are other neutrals you can select from which will be more dynamic, create clearly distinct spaces, yet still be harmious.

Consider hiring a local professional, one who is an expert with color.
J Adams thanked Chroma Design
J Adams
Original Author
6 years ago
That is a good point. I didn't mention décor details, because the house will be sold this year, and I am trying to go for a neutral look that would appeal to many buyers. Of course I want to like it too, while still living here. I love gray, which happens to be a popular choice, so I am happy playing with shades of gray. But I would welcome any suggestions for other colors that harmonize with gray on adjacent walls. Here are some pieces of furniture that I have:

Dining room table - Flatiron from RH (still looking for chairs, I want mismatched chairs to go with it, some weathered wood, some painted):

Breakfast nook: white pedestal table
Chairs are like these, but bluish/green - no longer sold at PB, so can't find photo:

Red cabinet in living room:

Family room:

Finish on the console is espresso elm:

RH English roll arm sofa, color is charcoal:

Sold the old coffee table, haven't chosen a new one yet. There is also white built-in shelving in the family room, and a red-white-gray brick fireplace, similar this one:

The floors are your standard 90s yellow finish oak, I plan to refinish them to weathered oak or a driftwood-like finish (so that all orange/yellow is gone). Carpet is this (color is "Platinum Mist" - gray):

I hope this helps. Thank you again for your time and advice.
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I know the popular trend is to paint everything in the house one color, a neutral or white (did beige, then gray/greige, now white or off white). After everything is neutral we start seeing posts - how do I add color. Is your wardrobe just neutrals and whites? Is your life really that bland? I had a white on white home 30 years ago, but had a ton of artwork and colorful furniture that was classic Scandinavian at the time. It was beautiful, but it wasn't really me. I have never again had just neutral walls. I don't want to live in a home that looks like a builder spec home. Other people who see my home often ask me to help them pick colors for their home. So how do I pick colors? I first look at the things that must stay (have never had the luxury of not having to keep something (flooring, cabinets, counter tops, treasured or newer furniture). I then look at the things people own - we buy things because we love the colors - Wall art, sculptures, their wardrobes, jewelry. There is almost always a theme to the things people buy and most of the time their things and the colors that bring them joy are colors that look good on them. Our brains imprint colors associated with wonderful memories and when we see these colors we actually produce dopamine and get a rush of joy. Who doesn't like when they feel like a 10? Think about the colors that make your heart sing and how they work with the things you own. Think about which colors you want in your home and how the colors make you feel - some will energize you, some make you feel relaxed and calm. Which colors do you want in each room, how will the color you use in the kitchen flow into the dining room and from the dining room into the living room? (I usually pick 3 colors - for really large homes, bigger families, more rooms I may go to 5 colors). Once you know what colors you love and want in your home it is time to pick your neutral - that background color that works with your colors. With my colors a taupe works better than anything else. For each of my sisters we picked neutrals that worked with their color palette. After picking the neutral I pick a white that works with the neutral for the trim, ceilings, cabinets. . . My guess is that the whites in your closet are either white or ivory and not ecru. Why, because White Dove looks dirty to you and so will an ecru shirt. At the end of the day you end up with a coordinated home that is unique and timeless instead of something someone else decided should be popular. A designer showcased a house on Houzz and I saved the pics because she did exactly what I am talking about . Here are the pics Here are the colors I picked for my house Things I love Flooring that was a must stay Paint and other colors Everything together
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Chroma Design
6 years ago
You have nice, masculine and neutral color furniture. Since these items are mainly charcoal, espresso, and weathered wood tones, I would suggest some "slate" grays. Look for undertones of blue-grays and green grays and use each in the adjacent space.

From your first post regarding BM London Fog, you mentioned it may have too much contrast with classic gray. And it probably would. The good thing is this demonstrates you are thinking about contrast and trying to strike the right balance. This will be key- varied undertones alone is not enough to differentiate spaces, you also need contrast in value.

As an example, look at these four colors which all are harmonious neutrals but have distinct undertones and different values (essentially LRV): SW 7644 Gateway gray, SW 7657 Tinsmith, SW, 7641 Collonade Gray, and SW 7653 Silverpointe.

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