Coastal Color Palate-Gray

Creams and Taupe with gray (think stones) undertones.

Inspired by driftwood.

Cool grey-blues of New England rather than the tropical aquas of warmer climates...

Benjamin Moore options, above,

And Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray, below:

Chelsea Gray in an apartment-what a difference bold neutrals can make!

I was consulting inside a hair salon yesterday, hoping the owner will let go of her peach and green striped in favor of two shades of gray, with black, white, and ocean accents. Her work is quite chic and I hope she allows her space to reflect her work.

I spy silver, gray, and charcoal in this room.

photo via alkemie

Because LIGHT is the biggest consideration in choosing paint color, here are some shades to play with. Keep in mind the light in your space cannot be replicated inside a paint store, so tester pots are key.

Benjamin Moore's Elephant Gray for when you want more silver.

BM's Gray Tint

For a bluer undertone, which is often a nice way to go, try Benjamin Moore's Oxford Gray.

Do's and Don'ts:

DON'T Do this unless you are really good at visualizing:

Paint color (like all color) looks different when next to another color. It can take on a different hue. Narrow your choices to two or three, paint LARGE pieces of paper, and hang one at a time for a day or two.

DO:

Use healthy paint. Benjamin Moore's Aura covers like a dream. It can often take one coat, without primer, and is missing the nasty chemicals found in most big box stores.

 If you have little ones I recommend Natura. The chemicals, called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) off-gas and irritate lungs and are linked to other diseases.