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Paint Home Decorating Design Dilemma

Help with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

5 years ago

We are painting our entire downstairs after we install hardwood floor (which I think will be a dark walnut stain). The decorator helping me suggested BM Classic Gray for my walls since I want something light and neutral. Our house doesn’t have the greatest natural light and since the floors will be darker, she is suggesting that we stay pretty light on the walls. Our trim

and kitchen cabinets are getting painted as well, so I want to make sure we choose the right white so that there is enough contrast with the Classic Gray. We have very detailed and heavy molding, so I don’t want the walls and trim to fade into each other. The decorator said White Dove would look nice but I’m worried there won’t be enough contrast. Any thoughts?

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Comments (5)

ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I wouldn't choose a dark floor which will be incredibly difficult to keep looking good, since everything will show. You will be forever cleaning it. You might also want to rethink the gray walls in every room unless you absolutely love gray. Your decorator is I think considering what is stylish and trendy rather than what will serve you best. Warmer and lighter colors are much more conducive to an atmosphere of comfort and ease and can look equally beautiful.
Em
Original Author
5 years ago

This is the color hardwood - I don’t want super dark but my husband doesn’t want light. Hopefully this will be a good choice. The Classic Gray also to me doesnt look super gray. I had picked out a color that was more gray, and my decorator steered me towards the Classic Gray which seems to be more of a neutral warmer gray, almost off white.
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Without seeing the floors, it’s very hard to say, but somewhere in this post you can see my wood look tiles in my bathroom which are gray and it looks awesome. I would recommend getting a sample and putting it up in the basement. Since I assume there is very little natural light, the tone will largely depend on your lighting. If your flooring has a warm gray tone to it, it will probably look great. If it has a bluish cool gray tone to it, you’d have to see how it looks side by side. Hope this helps a little! Can’t believe this post is still going strong after so many years 😆
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Going to second the comment about the columns. The color is overwhelming and they, with the island, is dwarfing everything else. I suggest painting the the white of the rest of your trim, in the same semi-gloss. For the walls you need a color that works with both, the cabinets and the island. B.M. recommends Stone Harbor for Classic Gray. Stone Harbor will also go with the dark island.
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@Jan Moyer Thank you for the information! This bathroom is also gorgeous!! I am happy to report that I have all my final selections made (besides paint). I have lived with my tile samples a few days and I will be going with a 12 x 24 dolomite look porcelain for the bathroom floor and shower walls. The shower floor will be a 1 inch hexagon mosaic that coordinates with the 12 x 24. I also have my sample of the vanity which is listed as "graphite." I am going to do the top of the shower bench, shower curb, and vanity countertop in white quartz which has a slight gray speckle to it if you look really closely. I didn't like the veining of the faux marble quartz and thought it would clash too much with the dolomite look in the shower. I am attaching a photo of the samples for reference. In person the tile looks like it has a taupe or greige vein to it. Do you have any BM suggestions with all of this? I definitely want something on the lighter/white side. I will also have recessed lighting and an LED medicine cabinet with polished chrome faucet and shower fixtures. The sink and toilet are both Kohler white. Thank you again!
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lrunner
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I considered Classic Gray for a couple rooms but ended up going with SW Silver Strand. The Classic Gray did not have enough depth for me, but I wanted something with a little contrast to my white trim.I am happy with Silver Strand. It is clean looking, but still neutral and bright.
Em thanked lrunner
lrunner
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

SW Silver Strand
User
5 years ago
I’ve seen the classic grey with white dove and found it to have contrast. It looked soft and pretty together. It is not dramatic. its a look that would be easy to live with.

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