Let’s talk about gray paint. Over the last five to six years, gray paint has become the go-to neutral color. While it will likely always be a stylish (even elegant) choice, I’m seeing gray get pushed out for warmer, richer tones in that color family.
And it’s not a moment too soon for me. I just can’t do gray anymore. We spent nine years in an all-white apartment, so when we bought our little Venice, California cottage last year, we were actually delighted to see the neutral of choice was a light gray on the exterior and interior. However, after living amidst the gray over the last year, I have to say we are aching to give the space more color.
Changing Exterior Gray Paint to a Deeper Option
We want a much deeper exterior that leans into blue. Could we go into the more intense “Stunning” by Benjamin Moore? Maybe.
How about “Evening Sky” by Benjamin Moore. Very possibly.
There are even days when I want to go into deep purple direction to make a statement with our charming cottage. But then I pull myself back from taking that big of a color leap when we are reminded how much it will cost to paint the exterior and how quickly very dark colors fade in sunny Southern California.
Returning to Classic Craftsman Interior Paint
As for the interiors, it’s hard to say. The previous owners rented the cottage, and they leaned into a very light and breezy beach vibe. When we bought it, we realized we had fallen in love with the craftsman/cottage vibe. We are very tempted to strip the white paint off the trim to take it back to the espresso stains on the built-ins, trim, and beadboard. A cream, light green, or even light blue on the walls could work against that stain while calling back to its original 1911 design.
Choosing Paint with a Moody, Academic Vibe
As for the office/guest room, I’d love to go with a moody academic vibe. Can I go as dark as “Hidden Falls” against espresso trim? Well, it would certainly be a leap away from the light gray it is now.
Maybe “Under the Sea” would set the tone I’m seeking. I want a space that we can sink into. It’s welcoming, enveloping, and creatively inspiring. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a paint color, but I think it can handle it. And if we hate it, we can change it.
What do you think? Are you also itching to leave gray paint behind, or are you still all-in on the gray paint trend?
Check back to see which colors we choose and how we plan on transforming our Venice Beach hideaway!