Betcha thought you were going to be reading something untoward? You dirty, dirty readers!
No, we aren't writing about elicit tales of hookups in homes for sale (but we could…there was this one time in New Jersey…). Instead, we're taking a look at the hottest color trend in real estate right now: you guessed it, it's gray.
At the 2014 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, gray was everywhere. In fact, 50 shades is probably a conservative estimate.
It was in the paint colors and the flooring and the countertops. And if you're shopping for furniture, lighting, or bed and bath accessories, you're probably also seeing an abundance of it there too.
If you're unsure about how to use gray (what accent colors can I use? Do I have to get rid of anything in the beige-brown family now? Won't gray look dingy?), here are some tips:
Paint
"In decorating circles, gray is the new white," said Real Simple. "It's a more elegant neutral that gives depth to subtle colors and makes bold tones pop (rather than shout). But getting gray right is tricky: The "temperature" of a particular shade - cool or warm - can evoke very different feelings and have an enormous impact on the mood of a room."
The mag has three tricks for getting gray right:
- Go with flat paint, "Otherwise, any beautiful gray you choose will look like industrial metal - imagine a Dumpster.
- Use a creamier color for trim and molding instead of bright white. "White Dove paint (from Benjamin Moore) is a good woodwork choice with both light and dark gray walls."
- Bring in the light. "Gray is already the color of shadow—you don't want to cast more with an overhead fixture. Layered lighting keeps the room flattering."
If you're not ready to go full-on gray, another option from Benjamin Moore, revere pewter, is described by many as "the best paint color ever." Or you can go with a great hybrid gray-beige called, cleverly, greige from Sherwin Williams.
Kitchens and Baths
"Gray should have a big year in 2014, according to the latest Kitchen & Bath Style Reports, presented by the National Kitchen & Bath Association," said Consumer Reports. "It will be the fastest growing color scheme in the kitchen.
Gray will also be number one in bathrooms, jumping up from its third place finish in 2013."
Get some inspiration for your countertops from Houzz or check out some of the newest options from the Builders Show, like these "quartz countertops from Caeserstone's Motivo line with embossed patterns, including lace and crocodile."
Consumer reports also points out a new product, slate-gray countertops from Cosentino called Dekton, which is part of a larger trend toward products that are applicable for both indoor and outdoor use.
For cabinets, gray is one of today's most popular trends, ranging from an array of traditional painted finishes to glossy applications to weathered looks.
"Gray cabinets offer "versatile options that can look Old World or modern, traditional or contemporary," said Better Homes and Gardens. "And, depending on the style of the doors, they can even bridge the line in a transitional space."
Check out some gray cabinet ideas Here.
Accessories
If you are really liking the idea of gray but aren't quite ready to take the leap, just dip a toe. "If you don't want to jump on the gray bandwagon, you can accessorize, said Yahoo. "As a decorator, I tend to avoid the color trends and tap into my client's style and preferences," Jacobs says. "If a color is trending and a favorite, I suggest stocking up on accessories while there is optimum selection."
