Journal

Is Gray the New Neutral?

June 24, 2015  |  Amy Youngblood Interiors, inspiration, Interior Design, interior design trends, Neutral, palette

Time and again, I’ve walked into homes, apartments, doctor’s offices, and found the same color palette: beige-on-beige-on-beige (or cream). Don’t get me wrong—timeless, warm-hued neutrals can be beautiful and certainly have their place. They create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation and may allow other, more colorful statement pieces to take center-stage.  However, there are those beiges—probably closer to the “tan” range—that run a bit pink or muddy, and, unless carefully balanced with a fresh pop of coolness like aquamarine or brightness like a rich, daring crimson, they can begin to feel a bit drab… or dated… or both (just think of those floor-to-ceiling beige waiting rooms in hospitals). 

I’ve noticed that I’m not the only one getting fed up with this beige phenomenon.  Designers and clients alike seem to be taken with a cooler neutral these days, opting for lighter shades of gray instead of those colors rooted in the “brown” color family. While still providing a subtle backdrop for accent pieces, gray and slate-based colors feel a bit more updated and clean and can still be mixed with other warmer neutrals too.

Next time you find yourself reaching for those beige drapes to match your tan sofa, try out our new favorite neutral and let us know what you think!  Or, better yet, stop by Amy Youngblood Interiors and let us introduce you to some of our favorite new fabrics and finishes- in more than 50 shades!

 

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